KanZeOn

'KanZeOn' is an interesting film - interesting in that sense that you're unsure as to how to react to it once completing its eighty-six minutes. Filmed in glorious high definition, this British-made documentary from the start seems to be a random collection of interviews and demonstrations from a random collection of Japanese that have some connection to traditional Nihon no ongaku, divided into seemingly order-less chapters. But as it continues, themes start to emerge and the different personalities come to the fore.

Setting the scene, demonstrating their talents, then explaining their philosophies regarding music and art and their place in the world, three main characters form the basis of the documentary: a Noh theatre master; a player of the Chinese instrument, sho; and an interesting hip hop priest, who beat-boxes and DJs in his own unique way. Interspersed with lots of slow shots of scenery, temples and shrines, this is a film designed to get the viewer into the tranquil state that the music creates in each of its performers.

There are many ways in which to make a documentary, with the approach to 'KanZeOn' one that lacks any real narrative structure nor extended or in-depth interviewing. Instead, it leaves those featured to say their piece and demonstrate their art, making it a very personal account of the meaning of the sounds and religious beliefs. This is watching and observing, without attempting to intrude on the impossible.

The message here is that music means something different to everyone, and so doesn't try and form any universal conclusions, perhaps a metaphor for how 'KanZeOn' itself will be received.