Premiering this coming Thursday, December 18 at 10PM ET/PT on the National Geographic Channel is Secrets of the Kung Fu Temple.
Although the documentary is a good overview of the current state of Shaolin in 2008 its misguided title should be renamed ‘Shaolin Inc.’ – because that is what the centuries old tradition has become; a multi-million dollar corporation headed by Abbot Shi Yong Xin. Tourism, merchandising, world tours, Shaolin franchises in the US and Europe are all now a part of Shaolin Inc. with its vision to spread its knowledge globally. Not to say that it’s a bad thing, because the very forward thinking Head Abbot Shi is Spiritual Leader turned Brand Manager and CEO feels that the temple (company) should be moving with the times. Some call his choices radically innovative while others criticize his decision to enter the temple into the capitalist marketplace.
Now, had the documentary focused on the conflict between spirituality and capitalism, it would’ve made for a much more interesting production. Instead, the cameras focus on internal conflicts coming from two novice Shaolin hopefuls wanting to secure a spot on an exhibition team, the generation gap between the elder monks and the new generation, plus the preparation from a Belgian choreographer brought into mix traditional kung fu with modern dance moves for a performance in London that has yet to be approved by Head Abbot Shi. It’s interesting, but the result is disorganized, choppy and anti-climactic at best.
I gotta say I was waiting to be fascinated and enthralled, awed, and all those enlightening adjectives. But I guess with all the martial arts films in abundance – despite the feats of human ability that my cute physique will not be able to accomplish no matter how much Pilates I do – I’m quite desensitized. Secrets of the Kung Fu Temple reminds me of another (better) documentary co-produced by ITVS called Circus School about life amongst the trainers and their students of the Shanghai Circus School. National Geographic’s magazine documentary is kinda boring in comparison to the frank, Cinéma vérité style of ITVS.
Perhaps it’s also because it’s preaching to the choir; I grew up on martial-arts films, thanks to the Shaw Brothers and Gordon Liu, so I have a good idea of the deep level of spirituality that is fundamental to the monks training and tradition; secrets revealed, it is not. Nowhere found is this conflict between the capitalism and spirituality, as the documentary implies. I mean, who is criticizing Head Abbot Shi’s vision? Why? Have there been any dire consequences of his moving the temple into the 22nd century? What is life like for someone who has left the temple? Can you show and not tell?
Those interested in a refresher check it out Secrets of the Kung Fu Temple the National Geographic Channel this coming Thursday, December 18, 2008 at 10PM ET/PT.
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4 Comments to “Secrets of the Kung Fu Temple: Shaolin Inc.”
Ben wrote:
That’s why when watching Shaolin stuff, I prefer to watch the older things like when Jet Li was young. The exhibition stuff now just isn’t as great as the old school stuff anymore.
Don’t forget that at Shaolin, it wasn’t until later on that people could join the school and leave but represent (like Jet Li). That was probably one of the beginnings for the capitalistic move by Shaolin.
Interesting stuff, definitely.
Posted on 15-Dec-08 at 11:19 am | Permalink
Xxxtine wrote:
From what the documentary implies are that the kids are almost recruited to enter Shaolin. Also, they said that those that don’t make exhibition teams either end up being become bodyguards or stuntmen in films thanks to Jet Li.
There is an actually scene were you see a class of young Shaolin novices playing World of Warcraft.
Posted on 15-Dec-08 at 11:45 am | Permalink
DDoll wrote:
It seems it’s becoming a modern University. Excellence is every students goal as this will be their livelyhood. The movement to capitalize on it’s heritage is radical and innovative. The Nat Geo special touches on how their name is abused by profiteers, if anyone should be profiting it’s the Shaolin. It’s an immpressive institution dedicated to tradition and art. The temples mission has changed and it’s competeing to survive in a new world. Interesting how it conflicts with most peoples interpretation of what it represents but times change.
Posted on 23-Dec-08 at 3:30 pm | Permalink
Monk2 wrote:
As a teacher of Consciousness for decades, I respect that this documentary does not attempt to convey deeper realities to the viewing public. Convention is not going to become awakened within the confines of an hour program, and what the Shaolin already have to offer that convention can process is quite an intellectual and awe-inspiring overload as it is. One always has to “remember one’s audience,” and never to overwhelm or alienate!
When one is suggesting a book or movie, one doesn’t reveal the details within. One simply suggests and allows those interested (or “ready”) to explore further for themselves.
This is a wonderful documentary with its intended focus on Shaolin activities that convention can readily process and appreciate. The goal is to universally share, not invalidate. There is no actual conflict between capitalism and spirituality. Enlightenment is not an escape. It is only genuine enlightenment when the two truths are resolved within the Now, and that means living in the shared world and surviving in parallel.
By the way, I really enjoy the boxes concept! To all the participants, wonderful job!
Posted on 04-Jan-09 at 10:57 am | Permalink
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