Bali: Beats Of Paradise

Bali: Beats Of Paradise, a 2018 documentary directed by Livi Zheng, presents a visually and audially rich exploration of the Balinese culture, primarily focusing on its music and dance traditions that have been inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. This work features the significant contributions of Grammy Award-winner Judith Hill, renowned Indonesian composer Nyoman Wenten, and innovative musician Balawan, forming a cross-cultural collaboration that bridges the gap between continents and brings to life the beat of Paradise that is Bali.

The film unravels in two intertwined narrative strands; one showcasing the cultural richness of Balinese Gamelan music and Legong dance, and the other documenting Hollywood's venture into encapsulating these traditions into a music video led by Taiwanese educated, Indonesian filmmaker Livi Zheng and the internationally acclaimed soul artist Judith Hill, known for her work with Michael Jackson and Prince.

The focal point of the documentary begins with the life and career of Nyoman Wenten, a Gamelan music teacher with over four decades of experience in unusually energetic performances that offer an immersive experience. Wenten is one the most respected Balinese artists who has dedicated his life to performing and teaching traditional Indonesian dance and music throughout America, notably at the California Institute of Arts. The film recounts his inspiring journey of self-discovery and his tireless efforts in transforming perceptions about his country's cultural heritage.

Balawan, on the other hand, represents a new generation of Balinese musicians who has ingeniously blended traditional Gamelan music with modern genres such as jazz and rock. Balawan’s distinct musical style titled 'Balinese guitar playing', manages to bring a fresh perspective to the documentation and offers a glimpse into the dynamic and evolving music landscape of Bali.

These two parallel narratives converge to create the grand spectacle towards the end where Judith Hill collaborates with Wenten and Balawan, creating an infectious energy that is both educative and entertaining. Hill, a multi-talented musician, and vocalist, with her understanding and interpretation of the Balinese culture, bridges the eastern and western musical divide to create an enchanting harmony.

Art, culture and tradition form the heart of Bali: Beats Of Paradise. The documentary goes beyond the surface, digging deep into the inherent intricacies and complex layers of the Balinese performing arts, but in a way that is palatable for global audiences. From the rustle of the traditional clothing to the fervent energy during performances, each frame is crafted with meticulous attention to detail that accentuates the region’s exotic charm and contributes to the film's narrative.

From a visual perspective, the documentary presents Bali in its most natural and spectacular form, with breath-taking cinematography capturing the vibrant colours, the beautifully patterned ancient temples, lush landscapes, and the perpetually smiling locals. The sequences are edited seamlessly, adding to the movie's aesthetic charm. It delivers you the breadth of sensory experiences, the intense work and practice of the Gamelan artists and Legong dancers, and the profound spirituality deeply embedded in their art forms.

Sound often plays a character of its own in the film, and Bali: Beats Of Paradise is no exception. The movie uses Balinese music to advantage, with the beats of the Gamelan, the echoic vocals and the gentle rustle of a thousand beads attached to colourful costumes, ensnaring viewers into its enchanting world.

In summary, Bali: Beats of Paradise does an exceptional job of not just educating its audience but engrossing them in a culturally rich landscape where centuries-old traditions are preserved like hidden gems. By the end, you cannot help but appreciate the rhythmic complexities of Gamelan, the delicacy of the Legong dance, the islands’ vibrant culture and the people who have dedicated their lives to the art forms. This documentary makes for an engaging viewing experience, a melodic journey through time, culture, and spaces that serves as an enlightening ode to the spectacular isle of Bali.