Binding: DVD EAN: 0689076786423 Format: Dolby Label: Budo Films Manufacturer: Budo Films Number Of Items: 1 Publisher: Budo Films Release Date: 2004-07-08 Running Time: 78 Studio: Budo Films
Two years in the making - a small dedicated film crew, all black belt martial artists themselves, travelled throughout Japan and China to film todays great masters of the martial arts. We are invited into never before seen training halsl and dojos to film unrestricted while the master teaches his students. In-depth interviews reveal the mind-set of a master who has spent over 50 years perfecting his art. This is not the mind that we know in the West - in the East it The Empty Mind or No Mind. Includes Shaolin KungFu, Beijing WuShu, Wudang TaiChi, Shotokan Karate, Aikido, Kyudo and Kendo... and more!! The Empty MInd won best documntary film at the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival 2004, just before its release on DVD.
Spotlight customer reviews:
Customer Rating: Summary: Empty Mind Comment: Jon Brailey has yet again done a terrific job in bringing the philosophical and psycological side of the far east to us in this terrific film showcasing some of the top masters of the martial arts. Names like Ueshiba, Kanazawa, Okazaki and many more show the art the way it is meant to be practised.
Hats off to yet another fabulous film I enjoyed from the beginning to the end.
Don Warrener Customer Rating: Summary: Good but not so deep Comment: First I want to say that the CD I recieved was cover with scratches. When I emailed the customer service they sent me a new Cd, but...It was cover with scratches again! Anyway it was possible to see the film.
I think the film touch only the surface of the things. The problem may be the want of the film maker to touch to many kind of martial arts. Maybe a focus on 2 or 3 of the martial art was enough. I find the DVD nice but a bit shallow. Customer Rating: Summary: A Good Documentary on Martial Arts Comment: From a production and visual standpoint "The Empty Mind" is definitely a 5, but from the standpoint of a deep discussion about Mushin (No Mind) it is lacking. The film is marketed with a focus on Mushin...however the subject is only briefly touched on. Those expecting an in depth discussion of the spiritual aspects of martial arts may be dissapointed in the film.
However, if as a lay person you are interested in a well produced, visually impressive film that depicts martial arts in a realistic and beautiful fashion, "The Empty Mind" is a great film.
I give the film a 2-3 for its treament of Mushin, but a 5 for its production value and good basic knowledge of martial arts. Customer Rating: Summary: Great for any Martial Artist Comment: This is a great film with insight and no insight. It's The Empty Mind.
Masters thoughts and views are priceless.
Customer Rating: Summary: Empty Mind? Comment: The key thing about this documentary is that it only revolves around the analysis of the "empty mind" as opposed to analysis of the martial art itself. If one should choose to buy this product, be forewarned that it provides little to no description of how to practice any of the martial arts.
Also, note that if one does not practice martial arts, it would relatively difficult to comprehend at the level that they are expecting you to. Although this review was not meant to attack non-practicioners, it is most definetely NOT a starting point for beginners.
Besides that, the DVD includes a great deal of unique footage that is worthy of watching. If you have any interest in the mindset of the martial artist, this is definetely the DVD for you. If you're looking for a DVD that teaches, this is not for you.
Quality is top notch. Scenery, footage, all filmed on the spot with no interference from the producers. No stage was set up (apparently) during the filming. Everything that you see in this DVD is exactly what you would see if you walked into a martial arts practice environment.
Overall - Highly Reccomended for anyone interested in the philosophical aspect of martial arts.