Watch Rite Of Passage

Rite Of Passage is a unique and captivating documentary series from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) that explores the diverse cultural practices surrounding coming of age rituals in different parts of the world. The show takes viewers on a transformative journey, giving them a glimpse into the emotional and spiritual significance of these rituals for the people who participate in them.

Each episode of Rite Of Passage focuses on a particular community or culture and its unique rite of passage tradition. From Australian aboriginals to tribes in Africa and South America, to the youth of modern society, the series showcases the significance these rituals have in shaping people's identity and sense of belonging.

The documentary series is hosted by actor and writer Benjamin Law, who is himself a second-generation Chinese Australian. He travels extensively across the globe, immersing himself in the lives and customs of different cultures as he explores the rituals that mark the transition from childhood to adulthood.

In the first episode, Benjamin travels to a remote Indigenous community in Arnhem Land, Australia, where he witnesses the initiation ceremony of young men who have reached puberty. While the tradition of men's initiation is an ancient one for the Yolngu people, it is still respected and practiced today, and Benjamin observes firsthand the strict protocols and behaviors that the young men must follow to prove that they are ready to be acknowledged as adult members of the community.

Benjamin then travels to Georgia in Eastern Europe, where he experiences the intense and brutal training regimen of teenage boys from the Pankisi Gorge, as they prepare for a dangerous and potentially life-threatening mission which forms an important part of their passage into manhood.

On other episodes of Rite Of Passage, viewers are transported to a Maasai village in Tanzania, where young girls are taught the complex art of beading to signify their passage into womanhood, and to the Brazilian Amazon, where a group of young men seek spiritual enlightenment and prove their manhood by enduring the unimaginable pain of bullet ant stings.

The common thread that runs through all the episodes of Rite Of Passage is the idea that these rituals not only acknowledge individuals' transition into adulthood, but also reinforce the community's societal norms and values. They provide an opportunity for individuals to connect with their cultural heritage and the broader community, and to gain a sense of identity and belonging.

While the documentary acknowledges that some of these rituals are controversial and may appear disturbing to outsiders, it also highlights the positive aspects of the traditions, including the sense of pride and identity they provide for those involved.

Another notable aspect of Rite Of Passage is its visually stunning cinematography. The beautifully shot episodes capture the colors, landscapes, and customs of each culture in intricate detail, allowing viewers the chance to immerse themselves fully in the culture and traditions that are being explored.

Overall, Rite Of Passage is an insightful and thought-provoking documentary series that provides a unique and valuable cultural insight into the different coming of age rituals practiced around the world. Its exploration of the significance of these rituals in shaping a sense of identity and belonging is poignant and profound, and viewers who watch the series are sure to come away with a deeper understanding and appreciation of these vital cultural practices.