This is a fine short film about the ascetic hermit Yamabushi monks in Japan, and especially about Master Hoshino, a 13th generation Yamabushi master.
It follows the story of one young man who was not satisfied with his 9-5 job in Tokyo and longed for something more meaningful. This he has now found amongst these ascetic hermits.
The religion itself is very syncretic drawing on elements of esoteric Buddhism, Shinto, Taoism and Tendai in its beliefs and practices.
This seems less important though than their total commitment to their practice which is quite extreme, as can be seen even in this short film.
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to see an album of stills click here