|
Culture Planet
|
Bali DVDs
Legong - Dance of the Virgins
directed by Henri De La Falaise and starring
Poeote Aloes Goesti and Bagus Mara Goesti
(1935)
This excellent information-packed DVD
comprises 3 films altogether, each relating to the other and offering something
special. The main feature, "Legong", stands out wonderfully for its lovely old
two-colour Technicolor and realistic portrayal of Balinese village life; the
second is a B&W film also directed by Henry de la Falaise, and the third is a
1952 B&W documentary about religious customs and festivities in Bali. Each is
around 1 hour, and there are further in-depth bonus features on the disc,
including a second soundtrack for "Legong" especially composed for the film and
featuring a gentle blend of Western and Balinese instruments. Altogether, an
educational and cultural experience as well as simply a pleasure to watch the
two films set in exotic locations with native peoples playing the roles.
"Legong" is a tragic love story set amidst Balinese village life and customs
with emphasis on the magnificent, colourful costumes of the Balinese dancers
(what good luck it's in Technicolor!). The second film by director Henry de la
Falaise, "Kliou the Killer" was filmed in Vietnam and similarly revolves around
simple village life, this time the problem being a man-eating tiger that stalks
the villagers. Both films are among the last silent films to be made, but in the
case of "Legong" especially, it would probably not be very different with sound
because sub-titles would still be needed. For this reason, and for the very good
documentary which explains and ties in well with dances and customs featured in
"Legong", I would recommend this DVD to anyone interested in Balinese and Asian
culture told in rare, old footage that is delightful and enjoyable, as well as
quite an education. --an Amazon reviewer
Exploring Bali and Komodo (DVD)
by Sheryl Brakey and
Robert Brakey
A well-photographed, nicely-edited travelogue
with a smattering of history, religion, and culture. Has superb tropical marine
life. "Exploring Bali and Komodo" is an educational and entertaining DVD about
the culture of Bali, its marine life, the Komodo Dragon, and a dive voyage to
the island of Komodo. This DVD gives you a glimpse of an exotic part of
Indonesia. Bali has long been considered one of the world's most beautiful and
fascinating places. Touring Bali visit many Hindu temples including the Bat Cave
Temple full of Fruit Bats, the Mother Temple complex at Besakih, the Elephant
Cave at Goa Gajah, the classical Pengumuman Temple, and the Temple at Sebatu
with its holy springs. Tour the Justice Building befor enjoying a Barong Dance.
This is a traditional dance between good and bad. --DVD
description
Globe Trekker - Indonesia (Double DVD)
*DOUBLE DVD* Containing 3 Shows: Java & Sumatra, Bali & Sulawesi, and The Eastern Islands. Thirteen thousand floating emerald islands make up the Indonesian archipelago stretching 3,000 miles from Asia to the Pacific. With a population of 175 million, it is the world's largest Moslem nation and one of the most culturally diverse regions in the world. Join travelers Megan McCormick, Shilpa Mehta and mark Crowdy as they visit the archipelagos major islands of Bali, Sulawesi, java, Sumatra, Lombok, Komodo and Flores.