Faces of the Hand

"We are human because we have hands. We have hands to be human." So states this intriguing and thought-provoking film that explores one of the most valuable, but overlooked parts of ourselves: our hands. The many "faces" of hands are seen in an incredible range of activities, cultures, and situations. Kneading dough, trading stocks, firing a gun, stroking a baby's soft cheek--these are just a few of the many images that crowd together, painting an eye-opening picture of how hands are extensions of our souls and minds. Music, sports, religion, economics--there is no area of our lives in which our versatile hands do not play an intrinsic part. Despite possibly inappropriate or disturbing scenes for younger viewers (brief but tasteful nudity, a cadaver's arm being examined, a bloody reconstructive hand surgery), this is an excellent supplement for art, anthropology, or creative writing classes. Recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (E. Gieschen)