Watching this perfectly shot video felt so much like we actually were ambling slowly through the Brooklyn Botanic Garden that we felt palpably relaxed and dreamy. It makes the many videos we’ve seen of cherry blossoms at full peak pale by comparison. It is a balm for anyone craving nature and the feeling of full-tilt spring. (Video link here. View full screen or close up in on a phone.)
Cinematographer Nic Petry of Dancing Camera worked with BBG to film this 18-minute video through their Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden on a sunny day during the first week of April, 2020. He had the idea to create the feeling and pace of walking through the garden. And he did.
It takes its time moving through the garden — not a moment of hurry — looking around and up into the treetops and wandering in and out of shadow. There is no sound other than birdsong, geese and some church bells.
Perfection.
And of course, there may be no better poetry about cherry blossoms than haiku. Here are two by Kobayashi Issa written 200 years ago that are especially touching today.
What a strange thing!
to be alive
beneath cherry blossoms
…
In the cherry blossom’s shade
there’s no such thing
as a stranger
Related posts:
Annals Of Anonymous Art: Heart Writ In Cherry Blossoms (With Haiku)
The Last Of The Cherry Blossoms With Haiku
Tiny Blossoms Knocked Off A Flower Make Unexpected Arrangements
