I am really proud that there are so many World Wise Beauties of all ages following World Wise Beauty. With this said, there are some readers that will immediately remember the poetry book ‘The Prophet’ by Kahlil Gibran, and others who may be just introduced to it through the new movie ( inspired by the book). The movie is produced by a real World Wise Beauty, Salma Hayek. The book has been translated into well over 40 languages. It has sold more than nine million copies in its American edition alone since its original publication in 1923. If you have not read it. maybe you might consider it now, before you see the film!
I am not a film critic and certainly not here to review it. You can easily google the reviews and find a mixed review from critics who either love it or hate it. I can tell you however, that I loved the book and still refer to my copy I have for over twenty years! I am planning on seeing the film and I’m very inspired by Salma Hayek’s creative vision to produce it. I selected the following movie review for you from ‘Variety’ because it gives you a quick sense of what to expect.
Books turned into movies often hold a risk of losing the true character of the book. But this book is totally different and is really a collection of poems. How does one turn poems into a story and movie? Salma Hayek had a creative vision and it began by tapping into the ‘universal’ appeal of the book.
Photo Credit: Fropki.com
Salma shared in a Charlie Rose interview last night that she was amazed how one Lebanese ( Arabic) poet could appeal to so many people around the world from so many different religions. This is a ‘passion project’ for Salma and one of the main reasons I wanted to share this movie with you, is because she is so passionate about sharing wisdom to a fresh new audience. Below is the official trailer for the movie. You may recognize Liam Neeson’s voice and Salma herself does voice over for the main character in the film.
For those just learning about the book. Here is a quick overview from Amazon.
Just to give you a taste of Gibran’s wisdom, below are a few wise quotes from the book to give you a sense of how profound the poems are. The beauty of the book is, you don’t need a PhD in philosophy to understand his words. As Salma puts it “it’s not your brain recognizing it, it’s like your soul is recognizing it, and telling you that this is the truth.” I believe wisdom throughout the ages is exactly like that. It just resonates with us and it feels like a ‘knowing’ within us.
“Let there be spaces in your togetherness, And let the winds of the heavens dance between you. Love one another but make not a bond of love: Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls. Fill each other’s cup but drink not from one cup. Give one another of your bread but eat not from the same loaf. Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each one of you be alone, Even as the strings of a lute are alone though they quiver with the same music. Give your hearts, but not into each other’s keeping. For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts. And stand together, yet not too near together: For the pillars of the temple stand apart, And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other’s shadow.”
― Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet
“You give but little when you give of your possessions.
It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.”
― Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet
“Some of you say, “Joy is greater than sorrow,” and others say, “Nay, sorrow is the greater.”
But I say unto you, they are inseparable.
Together they come, and when one sits alone with you at your board, remember that the other is asleep upon your bed.”
― Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet
At World Wise Beauty we celebrate ‘Passioneers’ and Salma certainly is one, both as an artist and humanitarian. Most importantly WWB is committed to advancing the wisdom of ‘wellness culture’ and there is no doubt that Salma via this creative movie, wanted to encourage the many ‘deep thinkers’ in the world, to keep seeking and sharing enlightening wisdom. Below is an excerpt from an interview she did with Time and she discusses her motivation to produce the film…
Bravo to Salma Hayek for taking a creative risk and following her passion for ‘enlightenment and wisdom’. I personally can’t wait to see the movie. Anything that involves wisdom, music and beautiful art is an attraction for me. What really pulls me into creative projects is the ‘mission’. The mission of this film is so beautiful. Ultimately it tells us that no matter where we are from, and what religion we practice, there are universal truths we can all ‘hear’. Amidst all the senseless and violent films out there, this is a film with a positive message that is so needed, and especially for the young citizens of the world. Have a great weekend and hope you see the film!
