Yujiro Seki has given us insight to an internationally shared concern for heritage to be valued and preserved as artefact, practice and philosophy, the skills maintained for conservation and innovation. This film shows the day-to-day dedication of Master and Pupil, the value of Patronage and the humanity of all involved, all be it in creating Deity.
59 Reviews
Fostering the spirit of art, tradition and beyond. A divine masterpiece!
ljhayward-6284324 December 2022
Carving the divine is a truly captivating documentary that takes you on the journey of Master and apprentice keeping the traditional arts of the Busshi alive in an ever changing world. This documentary does not only chip away at wood to make beautiful Buddhist statues, but also makes us think about the importance of chipping away at our own thoughts, opinions and fears that carve out our own lives. I am in awe of the amount of dedication and perseverance it took for the director, as well as those that contributed to the making of this film and sharing it with the world... A universally inspiring experience.
A documentary crafted like these fine sculptures.
FilmPsyche8 January 2023
I came into this documentary not knowing anything of the subject matter and came out respecting an artform I didn't even know existed at this level. This documentary does not take a superficial look at the artform, but really reflects the discipline needed to sustain it after so many generations.
This documentary really does the artform a service and shows the emotional diligence these wood carvers endure bother internally through themselves and externally through their masters. That really transcends what could otherwise have been a surface level look at this subject matter as I found myself emotionally invested in what these carvers were striving for; this is what I think audiences can engage with, and the documentary does so well in telling.
There are some really great moments of humanity at its best and most ardent in work ethic. Something that is sorely needed in a world of seeming disarray. I loved the moment with the drunken monk as it was such a counterpoint to all the virtue portrayed in the film. It was a vice for sure but not detrimentally shown. Very humorous--touching even--to see. Just another example of the respect the film takes on its subject matter and the respect the community has with itself.
The care and craft really comes through in construction of this documentary. It is as respectable in it of itself as it is respectful to its subject matter. The patience and discipline needed to make this film is immeasurable and is something to be admired. Bravo!
This documentary really does the artform a service and shows the emotional diligence these wood carvers endure bother internally through themselves and externally through their masters. That really transcends what could otherwise have been a surface level look at this subject matter as I found myself emotionally invested in what these carvers were striving for; this is what I think audiences can engage with, and the documentary does so well in telling.
There are some really great moments of humanity at its best and most ardent in work ethic. Something that is sorely needed in a world of seeming disarray. I loved the moment with the drunken monk as it was such a counterpoint to all the virtue portrayed in the film. It was a vice for sure but not detrimentally shown. Very humorous--touching even--to see. Just another example of the respect the film takes on its subject matter and the respect the community has with itself.
The care and craft really comes through in construction of this documentary. It is as respectable in it of itself as it is respectful to its subject matter. The patience and discipline needed to make this film is immeasurable and is something to be admired. Bravo!
Great Documentary
AnotherPlumbus11 May 2022
Special Access to the World of Buddhist Sculptors
reedwill-801437 July 2022
Carving the Divine offers a deeply intuitive view into the World of the BUSSHI, or Buddhist Sculptors, and is also a Window on Buddhism itself. Viewers will gain privileged access to the faces, voices, and hands of Master Craftsmen at work, and close-up views of their Master Works. You will gain increased appreciation of Buddhist Sculptures that grace the halls of Buddhist temples you may visit. Special appreciation to Yujiro Seki for his own craftsmanship in making this documentary possible.
Loved this documentary!
shirleyomori7 July 2022
Carving the Divine is a great documentary about the little known people who dedicate their lives to the art of carving the beautiful statues of the Buddha. I loved this movie. As a Buddhist, it was also spiritually moving. Thank you Director Yujiro Seki for your skill and determination in bringing this story to us.
A film that delivers enlightenment, and an subtle emotional punch.
kirstinhzhang9 July 2022
I went to a screening of this film at Dalkeith Palace in Scotland last week. Hugely moving. It felt strange after an hour and half in the dark to come out into a still bright spring evening on the other side of the world and not find these people there. It created such an interesting space for me as a viewer, and left me wondering not how do we align ourselves with the divine, but what does it mean to be human?
The film maker has approached the creation of this film with the same sincerity, selflessness, dedication and skill the master carver demands of his apprentices. This adds another layer that we experience as a viewer.
The film maker has approached the creation of this film with the same sincerity, selflessness, dedication and skill the master carver demands of his apprentices. This adds another layer that we experience as a viewer.
Resonates with me spiritually
nobutakakiuchi18 December 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I am an initiated Buddhist monk who sells Buddhist statues and other Buddhist goods from Japan. The message in the end (although the Director Seki-san mentinoed that he intended the film to have no message in particular) really resonated with me. I don't want to spoil anything but that is what I believe Buddhist statues are for. Absolutely.
In addition. I have never seen a Busshi's real life work ever before, and how they documented that in this film was very stunning and impressive. I imagined that a Buddhist sculptor or Buddhist artist's work environement would be hard, but not this hard. This film is valuable alone in documenting this!
In addition. I have never seen a Busshi's real life work ever before, and how they documented that in this film was very stunning and impressive. I imagined that a Buddhist sculptor or Buddhist artist's work environement would be hard, but not this hard. This film is valuable alone in documenting this!
From Master to Apprentice - Universal Lessons Learnt
piakiviahokallio7 July 2022
Carving the Divine gives a unique insight into the essence of learning. In a noisy world where everything is supposed to happen instantly, this documentary makes time stop. The film shows that there are no shortcuts to craftsmanship and excellence. Learning needs to be given time and space.
Watching the film is a meditative experience - there are very few words uttered. Even if Carving the Divine tells about the particular art of creating Buddhist statues, it is at the same time a universal film about the relationship between master and his apprentice. Thus I hope that people from all over the world will have the opportunity to see this beautiful and truly unique film about commitment and love for the art of Busshi.
Watching the film is a meditative experience - there are very few words uttered. Even if Carving the Divine tells about the particular art of creating Buddhist statues, it is at the same time a universal film about the relationship between master and his apprentice. Thus I hope that people from all over the world will have the opportunity to see this beautiful and truly unique film about commitment and love for the art of Busshi.
INTENSE, UPLIFTING, & INSPIRATIONAL
inori-3840324 December 2022
A MOST MOVING CINEMATIC EXPERIENCE, one that's going to stay with me for a very long time! I'm in utter awe of these masters and their apprentices for their commitment to their craft, and likewise director Yujiro Seki for giving us such a compelling glimpse into their lives, aspirations, and demanding art. I particularly appreciate his sensitive treatment of the master-apprentice relationship and the harsh discipline required of the learner in the course of acquiring the sensibilities and skills to carry forth this remarkable tradition of Buddhist sculpture into and for the future, both in Japan and abroad ...
Excellent documentary!
thomasronnlund7 July 2022
This documentary was great on so many different levels. Not only did it offer insight into Japanese history, culture, and Busshi, but it was also superb in terms of sound design and cut, keeping it exciting throughout the whole film. It beautifully displays the relationships between masters and disciples, their daily life, and struggles. I found this part most exciting and would highly recommend it to anyone!
Timeless
nyanwolf25 July 2022
One of a kind documentary. Its rarity stems naturally from its subject theme, the master-apprentice relationship, which is always an intimate and secretive one. As with other highly established artistic traditions from Japan, mastery of the medium comes from outstanding effort and discipline through many years. The documentary attempts to deliver the intensity of this experience focusing on a group of people from different backgrounds whose lives are brought together by this refined buddhist art. We are witness to a double sculpting process as the wooden blocks transform into buddhas and the apprentices evolve to become masters.
A visual delight and a narrative achievement, this film is an artwork itself. As such, it will stand the test of time and culture, proving to be relevant for anyone with an interest in art and human growth.
A visual delight and a narrative achievement, this film is an artwork itself. As such, it will stand the test of time and culture, proving to be relevant for anyone with an interest in art and human growth.
Fascinating Documentary
fabiola_bit-9340722 July 2022
Wonderful movie
nvfmkqndj19 July 2022
This is such a wonderful movie. Brilliantly sharing the centuries old tradition of craftsman carving images of buddhist and shinto gods and goddess, bodhisattvas, heavenly beings and demons. Highlights how important the use of visual images is to immersive worship and creative visualization meditations. So believe these images are real beings others that they represent archetypes and models of wholesome behavior. However one believes this movie showcases the incredible craftsmanship of this individuals and their great gift to the whole of humanity. This movie is truly one of a kind and must watch for Buddhists, religious and spiritual people of all traditions.
Delicate insight in a master/pupil relationship.
calakes19 July 2022
This documentary has many merits, from the great photography, to the fitting music comment, from the interesting topic of sacred sculptures carving, to the glimpse into the life of monks. But above all what strikes me more is the deep delicate and inspiring analysis of a master/pupil relationship that is so far from my experience as a western person. The director knows how to step gently and respectfully into this intimate but powerful feeling.
Amazing and inspirational
genryojones26 December 2022
I found this film personally so inspiring. As someone who has done some traditional zen training in Japan, what the the young busshi apprentices undertake in this film is very familiar to me. The film really shows the heart of that student-teacher relationship, and how something greater than either the student or the teacher is transmitted and maintained-it is what makes these butsuzo so amazing, and actually useful as religious objects. What an beautiful tradition, and how lucky we are for this generous view into it! I would definitely recommend this film to anyone with an interest in Buddhist imagery, especially practitioners.
Tradition and Creativity
williamp-327792 August 2022
What I think is the greatest caracteristic of Carving the Divine is how Seki so earnestly depicts the beautiful tradition of Japenese sculptures. It is not an "original" movie full of actions and movements, his originality lies in depicting tradition. I was profoundly moved by the relationship between professors and students; and since the first time I watched it I've been pondering on the problems of the rise of techonology in detriment of human handmade artifacts.
Walter Benjamin wisely understood it when he said that in the age of reproductions, we have lost the experience of singular objects, the experience of the singular unreproducible aura of things.
By a strange paradox, Seki's originality was exactly the fact that he is able to make us see the importance of tradition and the aura of simple things through cinema, which in most cases (and with many other exceptions, of course!) has been the vehicle per excellence of reproductions and alienations.
Walter Benjamin wisely understood it when he said that in the age of reproductions, we have lost the experience of singular objects, the experience of the singular unreproducible aura of things.
By a strange paradox, Seki's originality was exactly the fact that he is able to make us see the importance of tradition and the aura of simple things through cinema, which in most cases (and with many other exceptions, of course!) has been the vehicle per excellence of reproductions and alienations.
Without equal - Art, Buddhism, Japan
mmciver-4420123 December 2022
The documentary is wonderfully done. Shots are presented in the world of buddhist sculptors, busshi without meaningless exposition. Every shot feels real and essential. The subject matter is unique and deserves to be understood and preserved. Tasteful music filters about the documentary. As well, this is the only documentary I know of its kind showcasing this art and one of the last examples of guilds with a master and apprentice relationship which built the world's great artistic achievements. The way the documentary highlights the difficulty and perseverance in love for their craft is amazing. Must watch for any art lover, interested party in Japan or those who want to see the beauty of tradition and dedication.
Brilliant!
roger-391587 July 2022
I can not imagine any film that I could recommend more highly than Carving the Divine. Director Yujiro Seki has poured his considerable skills, passion, and energy into its creation. As a sculptor in wood for over 30 years, there is no subject I care about more than wood carving, and no other living cultural practice more steeped in centuries of ritual and tradition than Japanese Buddhist wood carving. This film beautifully reveals the intense struggle, magic, and mystery keeping this world treasure alive.
a provocative exploration of craftsmanship and commitment
StoneBridgePress11 January 2023
I really felt like I was peeking behind a curtain normally kept closed to outsiders. And what was revealed was an unfiltered view of the commitment of a teacher and his pupils to preserve a craft that, being so demanding, could quickly disappear in a world that has gone fast and digital. And while these craftsmen are making Buddhist sculptures, I got the feeling that the religion they were pursuing was instead a highly personal one, that the dedication to their craft and the sheer commitment, time, and sacrifice it required was a kind of ritual ablution carried out over a lifetime. The statues produced thus have an inner beauty that reflects the dedication of their creators. Only a very small percentage of people could ever hope to succeed in such a life,
The "bottega", the Sambhogakaya and "Ars Gratia Artis"
leonardoanfolsi27 December 2022
This sacred Japanese sculpture reminds me of our Italian renaissance; in the same way, in this movie, students learn and practice in the "bottega" of great artists that take them in like their own children. Here you swear to realize the art as "Ars Gratia Artis", art by itself and because of itself. In Japan the artists copy from India/China, in Italy we copied from Byzantium and in both our common iconostasis the body, even with sambhogakaya-markings, being the bearer of heroic energy, pertains - nonetheless - to the sacredness of everyday life, with muscles and grimases. That is where the Pure Land rays emanates and where the active-paradise of samadhi is found while we meditate, sell, buy, breath and walk.
This is where the spiritual power of the world lives, in an immediate interconnection, without any distant transcendence.
It is not just a symbolic-body, as we would prefer to see it from psychoanalisys on, but an epic, heroic, staminal/biomagnetic body. Not the sick-body of the WHO or Fauci's scheme but a living archytipe that belongs to the innate nature of every being. Thank you for your motivating, strong and blissful movie.
Leonardo Anfolsi Reiyo Ekai Roshi.
This is where the spiritual power of the world lives, in an immediate interconnection, without any distant transcendence.
It is not just a symbolic-body, as we would prefer to see it from psychoanalisys on, but an epic, heroic, staminal/biomagnetic body. Not the sick-body of the WHO or Fauci's scheme but a living archytipe that belongs to the innate nature of every being. Thank you for your motivating, strong and blissful movie.
Leonardo Anfolsi Reiyo Ekai Roshi.
WOW!!!!
toddtheman-636-9856529 July 2022
WOW!!! I saw "Carving the Divine" in Madrid, and it left an indelible impression. I had no idea about the history, technique, and the masterful Artists that create these sacred works. This documentary immediately draws you in to a world that I had no idea existed, then proceeds to blow your mind with stories of the people who populate it. This is a MUST SEE for anyone curious about Art, Iconography, and the subculture of Artists who populate this very exclusive community. See it NOW.
A Traditional Art in Modern Times, viewed with a new perspective
jilljon-4663029 December 2022
Carving The Divine is engaging, enlightening and inspiring. It's easy to understand why it has earned film awards.
The viewer observes the hard work involved as master wood carvers share philosophy and technique developed over many generations with apprentices wishing to dedicate their lives to carving Buddhist figures. Dedication is required on the part of both master and apprentice to work hard and subvert their ego to achieve perfection and perpetuate the craft. The film beautifully shows the role of master and apprentice, the development of this amazing art from concept to placement in a sacred setting, the challenges and joys of a life creating art that will long outlive the artist.
In Carving the Divine, the Master instructs an apprentice to look at each work from every perspective and to learn to really see the art. Through this film the viewer also learns to observe Buddhist art more closely, and with even greater appreciation.
The viewer observes the hard work involved as master wood carvers share philosophy and technique developed over many generations with apprentices wishing to dedicate their lives to carving Buddhist figures. Dedication is required on the part of both master and apprentice to work hard and subvert their ego to achieve perfection and perpetuate the craft. The film beautifully shows the role of master and apprentice, the development of this amazing art from concept to placement in a sacred setting, the challenges and joys of a life creating art that will long outlive the artist.
In Carving the Divine, the Master instructs an apprentice to look at each work from every perspective and to learn to really see the art. Through this film the viewer also learns to observe Buddhist art more closely, and with even greater appreciation.
Authentic and inspiring film
nnyao29 December 2022
Warning: Spoilers
It was a very realistic and powerful representation of how traditional Japanese Bussi is inherited and how the people involved in it fight and carry on the skills and mindset. Even as a Japanese person, I learned and realised a lot from this film. Although I have a mentor, and am a mentor myself, there were a number of lessons that I could apply to myself in relation to how I relate to people. Each of our thoughts and our lives are intertwined with each other, and this is vividly expressed in the film. Great recommendation for anyone who are interested in Bussi, Japanese sculptures, spirits of Japanese master and apprentice culture. This is an authentic and REAL life documentary.
A profound visit into an unknown world.
hilarch26 December 2022
What an amazing documentary about the art and practice of carving Buddhist sculpture! The relationship between master and apprentice is the stage on which many of the aspects of the woodcarving practice is unfolded. The film offers a moving, inspiring and insightful view into a practice filled with humility, discipline, gratitude, compassion and beauty. In "carving the divine," the artist is living the divine and giving all who view his work the possibility to engage with the divine. Each Buddha, bodhisattva and guardian speak directly to us.
The film is a whole, a cohesive work in which the visuals and sounds melt together with the narrative. A profound visit into an unknown world.
The film is a whole, a cohesive work in which the visuals and sounds melt together with the narrative. A profound visit into an unknown world.
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