Capoeira: Fly Away Beetle

Capoeira: Fly Away Beetle is a compelling and artistically inflected documentary released in 2011. It brings to the forefront the uniquely Afro-Brazilian martial art form of Capoeira, amalgamating various critical perspectives and throwing light on the cultural and historical significance of this traditional performance art and combat sport. Directed by Ted Golder, the film stars Roque Batista, Ted Golder, and Mestre Cobra Mansa.

The film explores the historical roots of Capoeira in its native country, Brazil. Developed during the colonial period, Capoeira was a clandestine form of self-defense and cultural expression for enslaved Africans brought to Brazil by Portuguese colonists. Its fluid, dance-like movements were meant to disguise the deadly martial capability of the practitioners from their colonial overseers.

At the heart of Capoeira: Fly Away Beetle are three Capoeira maestros - Mestre Cobra Mansa, Mestre Mão Branca, and Mestre Boca Rica. The documentary showcases the deep passion and commitment of these masters for this art form, as well as the monumental role they play in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Capoeira. The film takes us on a journey through their diverse energizing approaches to Capoeira, their varying philosophies and the significance the sport holds in their lives and those they train.

Roque Batista, Ted Golder, and Mestre Cobra Mansa offer an engaging narrative thread. While Roque Batista uses Capoeira as a form of communication and self-expression, Golder, a Capoeira teacher from New York, uses this art form to transcend cultural boundaries and build bridges of understanding. Mestre Cobra Mansa, a reference in the world of Capoeira, shares his valuable insights about the significance of this martial art, weaving a tapestry that encompasses traditional African rituals, the history of slavery, and post-colonial resistance.

Capoeira: Fly Away Beetle also ventures into the African roots of Capoeira, drawing parallels between it and the Angolan martial art form, N'golo (Zebra Dance). The film brings to light the cultural exchange and mixes of techniques between these two martial art forms, revealing a larger narrative of African diaspora and cultural preservation in the face of slavery and colonialism.

Set within the vibrant landscapes of Brazil, from the buzzing urban cities to the alluring beach towns, street performances to intense training sessions, the film visually appeals to the viewer. The directors are mindful of imbuing the whole film with the pulsating rhythms of traditional Brazilian music and Capoeira’s signature instruments, accentuating the viewers' experience.

Beyond the exploration of the technicalities and aesthetics of Capoeira, the documentary delves into the philosophy of the martial art form. It explores the metaphysical aspects and the deep-rooted spiritual teachings of Capoeira, with the art form presented as a unique combination of combat, rhythm, and philosophy. It is shown as a means of personal development and social interaction, a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.

The documentary not only celebrates Capoeira for what it is but also uses it as a lens to view the social reality and the history of a multi-ethnic society. It examines the inherent race and class dynamics intertwined with the history of Capoeira's evolution and present state. Through the narrative, it reflects on the themes of colonization, slavery, resistance, identity, and cultural preservation.

Capoeira: Fly Away Beetle is a beautifully shot, deftly edited, and passionately told story about Capoeira. Its strength lies in engaging the viewers in the mesmerizing dance-like movements while subtly educating them about its critical socio-cultural and historical context.

While the film's subject is Capoeira, it speaks volumes about intellectual colonization, cultural erosion, and the preservation of deeply personal expressions of struggle and resilience. It's a piece of art that leaves the viewer with a remarkable sense of not only the unique art form of Capoeira, but of a crucial, often untold, part of world history.

A must-watch for enthusiasts of martial arts, dance and culture, Capoeira: Fly Away Beetle isn't marching to the regular documentary beats. It's a passionate tribute to Capoeira's historical origin that unfolds as a visual spectacle, serving both as an engaging martial arts documentary and a striking exploration of cultural identity and preservation.