The meaning of Budo, April 20, 2007

Film National Geographic’s film Martial Arts: Aikido Thurs, Apr 26, 5pm Teatro Santa Ana Biblioteca Pública Insurgentes 25 30 pesos

In 1942, Morehei Ueshiba (1883-1969) wrote that he had finally “touched the soul of Budo.” Budo is the Japanese word for the spirit behind the power and discipline of the samurai ethic. Until the development of Aikido, this was understood to include the protective application of deadly force. Ueshiba was Japan’s greatest martial artist. He was accomplished in various schools of sword, spear and open-hand combat. Aikido is the art that grew from his realization that love is the essence of budo. As the film states, Aikido is a non-competitive martial art, an answer to the violence around him. He called it, “The Art of Peace, a way to control aggression without inflicting injury.”

This beautifully photographed film follows the journey of a woman martial artist as she travels in Japan to visit important figures in modern Aikido. In her search for the meaning of Budo, the film also touches on the arts of sword-making and the tea ceremony. Her guide for much of the time is Yamada Sensei, director of both the United States Aikido Federation and Federación de Aikido de Latinoamericano and a live-in student of Morehei Ueshiba for many years.

“Cinemateca Programación para la semana del 23 al 29 de Abril 2006”

José Luis Pick’n’tip:

The Pick:

The US vs. John Lennon (2006)

This film was much better than I expected it to be. It doesn’t spend much time on the legal processing of John Lennon´s controversial deportation case, but there’s really not much you can say about that—pretty cut and dry, the facts clearly point out that the US government went after him because Nixon was paranoid enough to believe that Lennon posed a serious threat to his re-election prospects.

Even thought that the beddings in support of peace were pretty ridiculous, but actually in the context of showing how dedicated Lennon was to using his celebrity to draw attention to the anti-war/peace message, they make more sense now. I thought the commentaries were great, particularly Walter Cronkite’s, saying that history wouldn’t be repeating itself. 



The Tip:

Important:

In order to provide the best viewing experience, the show times for some movies may be adjusted to accommodate their length, be sure to check the schedule carefully. I also want to remind you of our new ticket price; 50 pesos and discount cards 12 shows for 450 pesos.

Starting Monday, after noon, buy your tickets in advance for any movie or show of the week. If you have a discount card, collect your pass to assure you get a seat; don’t take the risk of being locked out…. Nos vemos en el Cine….

You want to receive this info by email? Write to José Luis at alephamour@hotmail.com  

Thank you.



The Movies:

Nathalie (2003)

Wednesday, April 25 at 3pm Friday, April 27 at 4pm French Romance, French with English subtitles, 100 minutes. Director: Anne Fontaine Cast: Gerard Depardieu, Fanny Ardant, Emmanuelle Beart, Wladimir Yordanoff.

Anne Fontaine’s erotic drama explores the ramifications of betrayal in a marriage. When Catherine (Fanny Ardant) discovers her husband (Gerard Depardieu) is having an affair she hires a stripper to seduce him and report back to her about his sexual escapades. After a time, the two women form an unlikely friendship that changes the three of them forever.

The US vs. John Lennon (2006)
Thursday, April 26 at 3 pm
Friday, April 27 at 12 noon.
Biographical Documentaries, English with Spanish subtitles, 96 minutes.
Director: David Leaf, John Scheinfeld
Cast: John Lennon, Yoko Ono, Walter Cronkite, Geraldo Rivera.

David Leaf’s provocative documentary examines John Lennon’s growing involvement in antiwar efforts from 1966 to 1976 and the US government’s attempts to silence him. The film picks up Lennon’s story as he begins to shed his Beatles identity and adopt the role of a peace activist. Lennon’s wife, Yoko Ono, collaborated on the film, which features interviews with Carl Bernstein, Walter Cronkite, Gov. Mario Cuomo, Angela Davis and others.

Kids Movie series: Avatar
Saturday April 28 at noon
Free entrance, theater capacity.



Musical Saturdays:
Giuseppe Verdi’s La Traviata
Saturday April 28 at 2:30pm
Sung in Italian
English subtitles 
Duration 132 minutes

La Traviata stands or falls on its lead singers and in Anna Netrebko and Rolando Villazon this 2005 Salzburg Festival performance has a pair whose electric interactions and brilliant singing are irresistible. If Netrebko can’t quite provide the vocal bloom of the great Violettas of the past, hers is a lovely voice used with intelligence and dramatic intensity and she has the coloratura chops to deliver her Act I showpieces with flair. Villazon’s tenor has ping on top, terrific color, and an impressive range of rubato, dynamic shadings, and interesting phrasing that makes Alfredo’s music sound newly minted.