Passages

The first title in the three-volume series Women of Wisdom and Power (the other two are Ageless Beauty and The Power Within), which aims to explore “issues most deeply relevant to women at the beginning of the new century,” while offering suggestions on how women can achieve personal and societal change, Passages immediately dives headlong into new age video clichés--slow-motion horses galloping against a ravishing sunset and women in flowing veils dancing to the swelling drumbeats of world music while a voiceover narrator ardently gushes about “timeless wisdom," “ageless beauty,” and “finding your sacred garden.” Fortunately, all the motivational footage in director Lili Fournier's documentary is backed by first-rate interviews with 10 notable women who share fascinating stories on how best to achieve spiritual, emotional and physical well-being. Among these women are primatologist Jane Goodall; humanitarian and founder of The Body Shop, Anita Roddick; co-director of the Foundation for Mind Research, Jean Houston; and Hawaiian Native Elder, Dr. Apela Colorado; as well as other authors, humanitarians, and researchers. Specific topics covered include finding meaningful work, aging gracefully, taking care of yourself, forgiving yourself, and…well…finding your sacred garden. Recommended, overall. [Note: for those who are interested in acquiring public performance rights, the individual titles in the series are also being sold at the home video price of $24.95 each direct from www.questforlife.com]. Aud: C, P. (A. Cantú)