Watch Budo: The Art of Killing

Budo: The Art of Killing is a 1979 documentary film about the history and culture of the martial arts in Japan, directed by Masayoshi Nemoto and produced by Harry J. Quini. It spans over 500 years of the country's violent history, illustrating the evolution of the Samurai warrior class and their deadly martial arts. The film is on the whole a deeply insightful and fascinating exploration of the spiritual and philosophical aspects of the art of budo (the Japanese word for martial arts). It features interviews with many important figures in the world of martial arts, including Hiroshi Tada, Morihei Ueshiba, Katsuo Yamaguchi, Jigoro Kano, and Gichin Funakoshi, each of whom brings a unique perspective to the subject.

Budo: The Art of Killing includes some of the earliest known footage of martial arts training, as well as scenes of traditional Japanese ceremonies, such as the tea ceremony. These scenes provide a window into a different era of Japanese society, when these rituals were an integral part of daily life.

Throughout the film, the viewer is exposed to a wide range of martial arts techniques, including empty-handed fighting, traditional weapons, and even mounted archery. Each of these styles is presented with great detail, using slow motion footage to highlight the precise movements involved in each technique.

The film also explores the philosophical and spiritual aspects of budo, such as its emphasis on the development of the individual's character and inner strength. According to many of the interviewees, the ultimate goal of budo is not to engage in violence, but to attain a state of lasting peace. This concept is further reinforced through interviews with survivors of the atomic bombing at Hiroshima, who describe the powerful impact that their martial arts training had on their ability to cope with the aftermath of the bombing.

One of the most compelling aspects of the film is the way in which it contrasts the beauty and elegance of budo with the harsh reality of the Samurai's brutal code of honor. The film exposes the often violent and ruthless nature of the Samurai, highlighting the fact that these warriors were often responsible for great atrocities in the name of honor and duty.

Throughout the film, director Masayoshi Nemoto employs striking imagery to convey the deep spiritual significance of budo. Slow motion scenes of a Samurai performing a kata (a formal series of movements) are set against tranquil images of nature, such as a waterfall or a mountain range. This contrast serves to emphasize the idea that, even in the midst of deadly violence, there is a beauty and harmony to be found in the martial arts.

Overall, Budo: The Art of Killing is a rich and engaging exploration of the history and culture of the martial arts in Japan. Through its beautiful imagery and insightful interviews, the film provides a unique glimpse into a world where physical and spiritual strength were seen as one and the same. It is a must-see for anyone interested in the martial arts, as well as for those interested in Japanese history and culture.

Budo: The Art of Killing is a 1979 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.