2006, Netherlands
Documentary, Drama
This phenomenal film begins with the statement, “Living is an art to be learned.” Truly this is so, and remarkably Thai monk Phra Khru Ba has discovered how to teach this skill. As he cares for and raises young boys that have been orphaned or are in need of help, he seems to perform miracles where society has failed.
Phra Khru Ba was once a Thai boxer, and he has incorporated that training into teaching young, troubled boys to become thoughtful, confident adults. He sprouts wisdom and truths which are never overly-ornate, evident when attacking a hotheaded villager who steps over the line. Every action is done out of a love for the people, and he quickly earns their respect and trust through his selfless ways. “I provide tough love, not weak,” he exclaims.
He is assisted by Sister Mae Ead, who is just as fiery as the abbot when the situation calls for it. Both teach with a sense of humor that wins over frightened boys who have never been allowed to prove themselves as intelligent or competent. Boys that came to the monastery mute leave with laughter and a confident voice.
Phra Khru Ba’s Golden Horse Temple has rescued 120 horses, often from slaughter, and he uses these animals to encourage appreciation and care for others. Most importantly, while learning to understand the needs of the horse, the boys in turn learn to care for themselves. Their newfound animal husbandry skills carry over into social skills and responsibility for their own actions. This is demonstrated beautifully as the group nurses to health a horse that suffered a great fall, and Phra Khru Ba assigns the boys to constant care of the animal. As with the other orphans, the horses have become their brothers.
While tearing down an old structure and building a new temple in its place, both the boys and local villagers learn respect and responsibility. Just as the boys ceremoniously lose their old names and are reborn into a new self, the building will begin fresh with possibilities, untainted by the past. Many of the surrounding villages are riddled with drugs and poverty, and the construction provides a needed distraction. Phra Khru Ba uses the time to teach grown men how to better treat one another. His lessons are not premeditated speeches, but rather are administered as needed. His effect on the people is amazing to witness.
It is impressive how beautifully the scenes are composed by director Mark Verkerk, considering that this is a documentary and therefore the crew must plan for the unexpected. The multiple angles and crane shots are usually reserved for grander dramas. The monk and his young novices brilliantly stand out in their maroon and saffron robes against the drab villages. Their chants are melodious and entrancing, as to their purpose. Small boys learn their prayers in confusion, but inevitably will soon be shouting the chants at the top of their lungs with their fellow brothers.
It is sometimes difficult to determine whether a documentary is considered great because of a powerful story alone, or whether the director had a noticeable hand in its presentation. This film combines both an inspiring story of an incredibly devoted being, and the detail and scope of a director who has managed to capture the beauty of the land and its people. The vision is stunning, the message profound.