Learn the secrets of shamans and medicine men. Retrace the thrilling explorations that revealed their ancient knowledge to the developed world. Sit at the knee of the man who brought their wisdom out of the jungle. In the 40s and 50s, when the was still a deeply mysterious, untracked region, Richard Evans Schulte followed the guidance of native experts tribal healers, shamans, mystics to find botanical treasure. For months at a time he combed the jungle, collecting thousands of samples and discovering plants unknown to the modern world, many of which produced fantastic chemical compounds with strong effects on our bodies... and our minds. In this ambitious feature-length documentary, renowned botanist, explorer and author Wade Davis ("The Serpent and the Rainbow") reconstructs the travels and discoveries of his great mentor Schulte, the Father of Ethnobotany.
J**H
A deep, thorough history of psychedelic discovery and use in the west
There has been a lot of focus on the psychedelic era of the '60's and even of the origins and use of LSD. This documentary is the first I have encountered that reveals how many of the psychedelic and psychoactive plants and fungi we know of today were first discovered and introduced to western culture. As someone who participated in the psychedelic culture of the '60's and who holds a deep respect for the transformative and healing power of these sacraments and substances, I am particularly grateful to know the deeper story of their discovery, the cultural contexts within which they were discovered, and their eventual emergence into our own world and culture. I have watched and re-watched this video and have purchased several copies as gifts for friends and relatives. It is unique in its coverage of this fascinating subject. Highly recommended!
K**O
Good stuff
Well made and insightful, it goes over quite a bit and I didnt feel cheated when the credits started rolling. Great doc... yeahhhhhhh ;)
R**O
If you like the book One River, you'll love this...
Despite its sensationalistic title and made for History Channel origins, this is actually a wonderful documentary that chronicles the life of Richard Evans Schultes through the narration of his student and biographer Wade Davis. The biographical components are interspersed with interviews with (or historical context on) other well known names in the world of ethnobotany and the psychedelic/beat era, also closely associated with Schultes, such as Andrew Weil, W.S. Borroughs, and Timothy Leary.Davis follows firsthand in Schultes footsteps throughout the video, from his early work with peyote to the discovery of "magic" mushrooms to his later involvement with rubber exploration for the US military. It's a great reminder how ahead of his time Schultes was, as an ethnobotanist, explorer, and professor. I've used this video in my classroom now for 3 years. After you see it, read One River.
