Truer Than Fiction Award
Nominee
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Beetle Queen Conquers Tokyo2009
BEETLE QUEEN CONQUERS TOKYO delves into the mystery of Japan's age-old love affair with insects. From the first fabled emperor who dubbed Japan the "Isle of the Dragonflies," to the cricket-selling businesses of the 1800s and finally to modern-day Tokyo where a beetle recently sold for $90,000, insects inspire an enthusiasm in Japan seen nowhere else in the world. Interspersed with the philosophies of Dr. Takeshi Yoro, one of Japan's best-selling authors and anatomists, and laced with poetry, literature and art inspired by insects, the film is a quiet rhythmic observation of traditional Japanese values, particularly the intense appreciation of something so seemingly mundane. It challenges filmgoers to observe the world from an uncommon perspective that might not only change the way we think about bugs, but about life.
Recognition
Poster & Images
Member Reviews (3)
top reviewer
4 ½ Colorful, magnified look at the unique love of insects in Japanese culture, where beetles, dragonflies and crickets are not just pets, but also spirits of reincarnation and connections to nature. Shows their special place in the Japanese heart from the first known insect hunt for the emperor in the 13th century to children playing arcade games of fighting stag beetles in the 21st. Full of beautiful cinematography of cityscapes, festivals, gardens, and of course bugs, but also full of imaginative and dynamic editing. It’s hard not to be moved by the obvious respect and admiration of the adult collectors and the gleeful enthusiasm of the children. Though there is quite a lot of philosophical background in the narration, there is almost no explanation of scenes. Gorgeous documentary.
top reviewer
These bugs are SO cute! If you like bugs you will love this beautiful film. In Japan, they love bugs so much, if you sell enough bugs, you can buy a Ferrari, like the young entrepreneur in the film. But maybe that is only in Japan. I never heard of anyone turning bugs into a Ferrari in USA. Except maybe the guy who invented the "Ant Farm".
Not a film on entomology and the nature of insects on the islands of Japan. More a film about the the nature of the Japanese in their relationship to insects. While I would have preferred a film on entomology, this is still very revealing and worth a look.