Essay Quiz #2

My favorite short film we have watched in class so far is Hedgehog in the Fog. Aside from being visually stunning, the film is filled with questions that I feel many of us do not know how to ask, but unconsciously wonder.  I find that G.K. Chesterton's The Ethics of Elfland is relatable to most of the films we watch in this class, but it relates particularly to this film because it touches on who we are and what we have forgotten. When watching Hedgehog, the viewer can not immediately recall what the film is reminding him or her of, yet- at least for me- still know it is important. I think this film resonated with me so much because the wonder, fear and danger in stepping into the question of spirituality become so prominent. Moreover, it is understood internationally. This film is internationally renowned, but particularly in Japan. In Japan, they have a saying "Born Shinto, marry Christian, die Buddhist." In other words, everyone is born Shinto (the ancient animistic religion of Japan), married in a Christian wedding, and cremated after death in a Buddhist funeral. This saying in a way relates the confusion of many people, not just in Japan, toward spirituality and religion. So I think this film is important to me because it is so important to approach spirituality in an open way. Instead of driving people off, the film really just encourages people to consider that they don't have it all figured out. Maybe one should look deeper, step out into the fog and discover the unknown.

I will be accepting Hedgehog merchandise at any time.

Here is a cool water color I found with a Google search.