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by Mark Maxwell Abushady, NYC Film
This subtle, gently paced film features the story of two brothers who start life with a mostly typical brother-relationship and actively evolve it to one both more caring and conscious. Related in documentary style, including interviews with the brothers, their wives, mother and the elder brother’s son, the film succeeds in large part due to the engaging manner of younger brother Eyal Yaari. Recently diagnosed with a debilitating disease, he is helped through both physical and emotional trials by his older brother, Ronan, and their renewed relationship, as well as other family members. An awakening fostered by attendance at a meeting of The Forum is also noted. Two highpoints of the film are the reading by Eyal of his very moving letter detailing his spiritual revelations, and the culminating scene of a charitable bicycle race in Israel that the brothers undertake together. A nice, and worthy “feel-good” film.
Shaman, Healer, Sage “The Shaman retrieves the self that never left the Garden of Eden; that still speaks with God; that does not die.” So begins this film, based upon the book by the same name. Though the production values are thin, the value of this production is immense! Anyone interested in alternative healing would do well to watch and travel with Alberto Villoldo as he searches ancient cultures for the keys to creating “psychosomatic health.” An outstanding feature of this film is the skill in which Villoldo describes that which is nearly indescribable. He takes the viewer through the methods of working on the “luminous energy field” which surrounds the body; erasing the imprint of disease before it has a chance to manifest in the physical body. Similarly, his description of the process of helping a body to release the spirit at the time of the death of the body is absolutely outstanding – stunning, really. In the course of revealing his teachings, we hear of influential healers who taught and preceded him, as well as Villoldo’s own search for his “authentic self.” There are steps outlined for those who wish to try these processes, making this a valuable “how-to” film as well as a survey of Shamanism as practiced in the Americas. He goes over each chakra in great detail, including the function of each in Shamanic tradition. Perhaps because of his education and scientific background, Villoldo seems at ease communicating and describing in ways comprehensible to the “Western mind.” Highly recommended for those interested in the healing arts, and anyone who would like to broaden their concept of the world. I’m planning on a third viewing myself.
Music
Immediately captivating, with a lush, romantic, episodic sound, Lovéren is named after a mythical mermaid, whose story is told in the liner notes. The music is Celtic in feel and somewhat reminiscent of early Enya, with the lovely voice of Charlee Brooks accompanied by a nicely balanced ensemble. David Arkenstone can be heard on guitars, keyboards, drums and percussion, Bouzouki, mandolin and synth. In addition to vocals, Ms. Brooks contributes guitar and kalimba. A talented string ensemble and The Nashville Soul Choir round out this very enjoyable musical offering. Close your eyes and see, with the guidance of this enchanting music, its romantic story unfold.
You know those guitarists who can make their guitar sing? Ed Gerhard is one of those. Captivating from the first and title cut ‘There and Gone,’ Gerhard’s playing is rich, evocative and has an individuality that is rare in the ubiquitous world of acoustic guitar music. With a nice mix of original songs and covers, the album features folk, country, new age, classical, and styles in-between. Original compositions are notable, as are his takes on Hank William’s “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,” McGarrigle’s “Heart Like a Wheel,” and a Lennon’s “Imagine/Across the Universe.” He is joined by Tony Markellis on bass and upright electric bass, with Gerhard himself performing on bass, Weissenborn guitar, lap steel guitar and “Octave 12-string” in addition to standard 6-string. A truly beautiful offering.
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The Power of Bro
LOVÉREN
There and Gone