For Body and Soul. Part of the For a Bowl of Rice Series 1998
Distributed by Chip Taylor Communications, 2 East View Drive, Derry, NH 03038-4812; 800-876-CHIP (2447)
Produced by Sunny Lim Film Corp., Malaysia, and Hans D. Treffers Moving Pictures, Holland
Director n/a
VHS, color, 26 min.
High School - Adult
Multicultural Studies, Asian Studies
Date Entered: 11/09/2018
Reviewed by Ramona Islam, DiMenna-Nyselius Library, Fairfield UniversityFor Body and Soul is one in a series of thirteen videos entitled For a Bowl of Rice. Each video in this series explores the occupations and the economic life of every-day individuals in Asia, focusing on traditional or unusual trades. In For Body and Soul, the viewer is taken to Hindu shrines at the Batu Caverns and to a traditional bread bakery, where Indian religion and gastronomic culture contribute to the cultural melting-pot of Malaysia.
Students at the high school or undergraduate level may be interested in learning about the fortune-teller's trade. An interview with the local diviner reveals that many devout Hindus visit the Batu shrine to learn what the future holds for them. The fortune-teller, who uses numerology, explains that his birds assist him by selecting divining cards from a tabletop. He believes strongly in his power to help people through divination, and is proud to continue this modestly profitable family business amongst so many worshippers, not only Hindus, but people of all faiths.
The business of bread baking may not at first seem to be related to mystical practices performed at Hindu shrines, but For Body and Soul makes the connection. While we're shown priests in the temple bathing a God at His altar and blessing Him with sacred foods, we're also shown a baker at his oven, crafting loaf after loaf of Bangladeshi bread and buns to satisfy the hunger of the common man. The viewer comes to understand how Malaysia benefits from Indian culture, which nourishes the whole person, inside and out.
This video is a feast for the eyes, full of beautiful architecture set amidst a mountainous landscape. Monkeys and pigeons frolic in the background, adding a bit of humor. Technically, the video could be improved, as there is too much yellow in the picture. One appreciates that interviews are translated into English, but the timing is sometimes a bit awkward, as the interviewee continues in his or her native language long after the English voice-over has ceased. Despite these shortcomings, videos in the For a Bowl of Rice series offer detailed information about Asian occupations and crafts not to be found elsewhere. For Body and Soul is also available in Spanish, and will cost as little as $166.65 or as much as $295.00 depending upon the level of licensing a library selects. Recommended.