Independent Lens Season 12 Episode 24 Beetle Queen Conquers Tokyo

Independent Lens season 12 episode 24 features the enchanting documentary, Beetle Queen Conquers Tokyo, directed by Jessica Oreck. The film dives deep into the intricate world of Japanese culture, specifically the relationship between the Japanese people and their fascination with insects.

The documentary takes the audiences through the rich history of Japan, where insects are not just considered pests, but rather symbols of good luck, love, and even samurai culture. It beautifully captures the quiet obsessions that drive this nation's love affair with bugs. The film also highlights various aspects of Japanese culture that surround the insects, such as poetry, art, food, and science. The documentary deftly presents a stunningly unique insight into Japanese culture and its people's spiritual relationship with insects.

The film opens with a young girl excitedly exploring a pond. She examines various bugs, including a beetle. This insect, known as Kabuto-mushi, the most celebrated bug in Japan, became the inspiration for the director to explore this topic. It has a long, vicious, and magical history and has been considered a symbol of strength, endurance, and love in Japanese society.

The documentary introduces the audiences to different Japanese people obsessed with insects. One of the characters featured is a beetle breeder who carefully nurtures Kabuto-mushi beetles on his farm. Another is a scientist who taps into the magical powers of the Japanese hornet to create an eco-friendly pesticide.

The film takes us on a journey through Tokyo's streets, where different insects are taken care of as pets and live with their owners in tiny apartments. One of the insect-keepers featured in the film has a room filled with jars of chirping crickets, as part of his passion project where he records different cricket sounds to make music.

The film also dives into the realm of art, where insect-inspired calligraphy and ink painting have been a part of Japanese culture for centuries. A master calligrapher creates art that captures the movement and vibrancy of insects, inspired by the sounds and movements of the bugs themselves.

Throughout the documentary, the director skillfully weaves together different elements of Japanese culture around insects. From anime to traditional tea ceremonies, the insect's presence can be felt everywhere. The documentary also explores the shadow side of this affection for insects – their confinement in small spaces, hunting and selling for commercial purposes, and scientific experimentation.

One of the most fascinating moments in the documentary is its exploration of the idea behind this love of insects. The director poses the idea that the Japanese people's appreciation of insects connects them to nature and to the larger universe. The insects remind them of their place in the world, to see and appreciate the beauty in unexpected and often overlooked aspects of life, and to contemplate the big questions of life.

Overall, Beetle Queen Conquers Tokyo is a beautifully crafted documentary that captures the essence of Japanese culture and its fascination with insects. The film is well researched, and the director takes care to present an honest and nuanced view of the topic. The stunning cinematography and the calming music add to the overall ambiance of the film, making it a thought-provoking and inspiring visual experience for viewers.