| I really enjoyed "Budo: The Art of Killing." I usually | | | | from this film. Nor does the film elaborate on the |
| watch and review instructional videos, and it was a | | | | training that got the people in the film to that point other |
| nice change to watch this documentary on the martial | | | | than saying it takes a long time and much dedication. |
| arts of Japan. One thing that really stands out is the | | | | However, watching this can motivate one to pursue |
| beauty of Japan that is shown throughout the film. | | | | their training to reach the higher levels. |
| Seeing some of the scenic settings reminded me of | | | | For those interested in the various martial arts of |
| places I visited while living in Japan, and how there are | | | | Japan, this DVD serves as a nice introduction. You get |
| so many beautiful and peaceful places in the land of | | | | to see people training in Judo, Karate, Sumo, Aikido, |
| the rising sun. It's not a fast paced DVD, with some | | | | and more. The section with women training with the |
| scenes in slow motion with slower music, but that | | | | naginata will be interesting for females to see the |
| added to the beauty of the film. | | | | samurai art practiced by women of all ages. There |
| Peace and beauty in a film about the art of killing? | | | | was also a lot of time spent on the sword, which the |
| Yes, and I found the relationship between the two to | | | | Japanese samurai are known for. Besides seeing |
| be calming and reflected on some of my own training. | | | | some masters of the sword, the film shows a blade |
| Seeing some of the masters train with Mt. Fuji in the | | | | being made as well. I was surprised that the Ninja and |
| background, on beaches, or in other aesthetically | | | | Ninjitsu were not covered. |
| pleasing places (most dojos are simple elegance) or | | | | Overall, I enjoyed this DVD, just as I enjoy reading the |
| the scenes in fields or forests, made me think of how | | | | older Samurai writings that have been translated to |
| often it is my training in martial arts that calms me and | | | | English, and books about the samurai, ancient Japan, |
| becomes the most serene time of the day. Meditation | | | | Korea, China, and related works. If you are interested |
| and physical training go together. | | | | in an artful film about the martial arts and beauty of |
| The training scenes in the film are not instructional. You | | | | Japan, you will enjoy this film. |
| are not going to learn how to do the things you see | | | | |