Balian (The Healer) 2018
Distributed by Daniel McGuire
Produced by Daniel McGuire and Injil Abu Bakar
Directed by Daniel McGuire
Streaming, 78 mins
College - General Adult
Alternative Medicine; Holistic Health; Integrated Medicine
Date Entered: 12/02/2020
Reviewed by Sara DeSantis, Reference and Research Librarian, University of South Carolina UpstateBalian (The Healer) is a great documentary about a traditional healer, Mangku Pogog, in Bali, Indonesia. The director is also the narrator and he tells his story about how he found this healer along with his time in Bali observing the healer and his family.
The first part of the documentary discusses how the director found out about Mangku Pogog and meeting with people who know about this healer. He was featured in an alternative medicine magazine. The director has lived in Indonesia before, so he knew the language and was able to spend a significant amount of time with the healer. The shots of Bali and the healer provide a great amount of insight into this type of alternative medicine and how the healer specifically performs his healing ceremonies. There are many scenes where the healer is helping sick patients. At the age of 60, he is doing acrobatic types of massages on his patients who truly do feel better after a session. The film allows for the healer's personality to shine through. The filming style is very natural and allows viewers to feel like they are also in Bali watching this firsthand. During this part, there are graphic and mature scenes with non-traditional practices in medicine that could upset viewers.
The second part of the documentary looks at the political issues occurring in Bali around this time, along with the director's personal life. During this time the healer is ill, so the filming is focused on Mangku Pogog's illness since he can no longer heal. During this part, there are graphic and mature scenes of Mangku Pogog's cremation that could upset viewers.
I recommend this film with reservations for mature and graphic content. This is an excellent documentary that provides wonderful insight into alternative medicine and specifically, the healer, Mangku Pogog.
Awards:
Newburyport Documentary Film Festival Award Winner 2018; FHIFF 2019 Winner for Best Character
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