The Art of Shaping a Bonsai Tree | Short Film Showcase 

“Do you have the right to not respect that? I don’t think so.” Legend.

I wasn't expecting something that deep. Damn.

I just wanted to see some tiny trees but I ended up having an exisential crisis

'we might be here for 80 years ;90 if we are lucky a 100 if we are really out of the ordinary , that tree has been here for a thousands of years , do you have the right to not respect that ?'

Just a heads up to those that think he is "torturing tress" or stomping around tearing up trees faster than IKEA on a power trip at Christmas. As always a little knowledge goes a long way in cutting through misconceived perceptions and people just using their noise holes before their think organs. Bonsai, when cared for properly bonsai trees outlive their average life span by 100's sometimes 1000's of years. Trees in nature extend their roots much further than they need to, this is usually what kills them in the wild, if it weren't for this most trees could regenerate almost ad infinitum. It then takes too much energy to get the nutrients to where they need to be you see as the feeder roots move further and further away due to the tree using up it's surrounding nutrients. Bonsai encourage feeder roots only, so the tree never has to seek further for what it needs. Then there's weight, some oaks collapse under their own weight as they grow too large in the wild. Disease in the wild ends many trees too, as does rot, pets, or drought. Bonsai because they are cared for so much, don't ever encounter, or overcome many of these obstacles thanks to the care provided. All ethical bonsai artists (which is most of them), only ever take trees from the wild if they won't stand much chance of survival where they are. No experienced artist would take a perfectly healthy tree and put it at severe risk of transplanting into a pot without any due cause to do so, and even then it is a gradual process over a number of years, if you take a yamadori (wild tree) straight from the ground, and jam it in a small pot then chances are it will die, an experienced artist knows this and so takes measures over a number of years to ensure the tree survives and moves safely. Other trees are grown in nurseries, or by the artist themselves either from seed, grafts, cuttings, or air layers. I fail to see how people who are generating more greenery in the world, and ensuring it's prolonged longevity should be perceived as negative, when all our natural woodland and forests are being pillaged thanks to those who just take, take, take without ever giving a crap. Or maybe bonsai enthusiasts should just consume billions of cows, chickens, pigs, fish etc, and then burn all the trees, or turn them into IKEA trash, to litter their crap filled modern lifestyle? But these things are fine? Unless you're gunna give up all the trappings of today's modern society and live organically, without money, healthcare, hygiene products, technology etc, then you can't really go wearing any kind of badge as a protector of all that is natural in the world. I know some of the methods portrayed seem drastic, but consider what trees actually go through in their life time. In their natural habitat trees have to put up with; fires, deforestation, lightning strikes, burrowing creatures, scars from rapidly changing climates, branches lost through freezing temperatures, and damage from strong winds to name just a few. Trees would sustain more damage than any artist could put them through were they in a natural setting. Any bonsai artist will be able to tell you more about trees and their importance to our survival than most people could care to give a damn about. They are far more likely to be doing more about conservation than your minor protest here, about something that you probably know next to nothing about. The main reason for many bonsai deaths is ignorance from people who decide to buy one without looking into it first and then sticking it in their house to gawk at until it withers and dies... As always it is ignorance and arrogance that are the real threats to the natural world... It would also it appear that it is also the main reason for 99.9% of the negative comments on youtube videos... sigh

never wanted this video to end. why aren't there more people like you?

I have a lot of respect for people that can create beautiful things with nature and at the same time don't feel superior. So much to learn if we find the perfect balance between nature and human life.

bonsai artists respect trees more than anyone else does.

"You'll never look at trees the same again." Goes outside and every tree looks like bonsai material.

I don't feel so silly now for loving my first bonsai the way I do. My friends don't get it, but I just want to learn and grow. Unfortunately, my anxiety keeps me from meeting with strangers who would be able to help me. It's frustrating, still I'm better with bonsai than without. Thx for video.

I came for the trees but ended up falling in love with the bonsai master. Gosh, he's beautiful!

All I know is I want to be a young Palawan to this Guru. The way he cares for, respects, and cherishes his creations is truly admirable and has made me want to learn more and grow in the art. My grandfather always told me, "You can be better than your best," and being a Master in Bonsai is something I dream of achieving.

Through the art of Bonsai, I have grown a fond appreciation for trees. Bonsai teaches you to see the beauty of nature on another level.

Net Geo has me rethinking my whole life, damn shit was deep.

It was exactly this video which brought me into Bonsai, 8 years ago. Now i have 140 trees and it became a big part of my life, it helped me so often to get through hard times. Thanks again for this video!

Immediately recognized c418.

this was an absolute pleasure to watch

i knew the music sounded familiar, i love c418 :) #minecraft

Plants are amazing, they are the reason we exist... the oxygen, food, medicines, shelter, beauty... Plants will forever be my favorite life form. Plants deserve our deepest respect and admiration.

Wonderful video! A lot of people are ignorant and they dont understand Because they don't know anything about bonsai! Thank you for this truly amazing !

I only came here to watch some trees be shaped now I'm literally questioning everything I know thanks national geographics

Beautiful. I personally love looking at trees, smelling trees, listening to trees, and being with trees. It's very intriguing to hear how he describes this interaction between the person engaging in the process of bonsai and the tree. Very thought provoking.

I wanted to see the art of shaping a bonsai, I discovered a truly inspirational young master who inspired me to shape a beautiful mind and attitude and the artful craft of shaping a bonsai will flow naturally. Brilliant!

I came here to look at a pretty baby tree but leaving a little dead inside with shaken up soul, questioning my decisions in life and what will happen after I die. Why you do this to me?

I agree , I love the trees, since I'm a child , always had a connection 2 them, still do❣️❣️❣️❣️💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💛🌿🌴🌴🌳🌴🌿🌿⛄🌵🌳🌳🌲🌳🌳🍃🌿🌿💮💋💋💋💋💢✨😘

I don't believe in the pursuit of perfection but aside from that, I found this video very inspiring. I love when people are truly immersed in their passion, lifestyle, beliefs and just keep working and finding peace. Great video 😊

I agree with you 100% trees and people have a very close relationship and other people don't get that then they should be doing Bonsai cuz that's what it's all about if you don't understand the relationship between trees and people don't do bonsai

I don't keep bonsai but I do have two miniature rose bushes in my windowsill, and goodness knows the pruning and care is satisfying. They were rescues and I've had them for a year and a half

We should take a moment and appreciate the phenomenal direction of this video

Thank you for this short video. It was a pleasure and an honor to have been shown such an extraordinary perspective of not only trees but life itself in a way I never expected.

This video made me want to start a bonsai tree and unlock the meaning of life

One of the best damn videos I've ever seen.

it's simple, it's basically like raising a child. from the day my first child was born, I started taking care one and two and three, a lot now. it's a priceless possession.

I really love this video. I started my bonsais 2 years a go and all that you said is true. I feel your passion. Keep up the wprk

I came here looking how to shape my tree. I left in tears..😳🤧 just the way he stood up for trees. “Do you have a right to not respect that? I don’t think so.” 💀💅🏼🗡

A peaceful vibe of kudos to Ryan Neil. Shokun is something I want to do eventually.

wauw that was really inspring, i always loved bonsai but i didn't really know the meaning and everything behind it, but now i know more, thankyou. he is a legend

I want to be loved the way this guy loves trees

Dude. Dude that's something beautiful right there.

Holy crap! A young good looking guy with this amt of respect he has for plants? Its every tree huggers fantansy! Where can I find this guy? I wanna marry him!

I just wanted to see some small cool trees but ended up rethinking all my life choices

This is so deep I don't know if I can do it. But I want to.

I love this guy and his art 😍😍😍

This video is going to change my life. Forever.

I have respect for people who respect trees. Respect to you, Ryan!

This is a beautiful presentation. A very fruitful video. Thanks for sharing your unique perspective, it helped to shape mine. I just received my first bonsai tree for my 28th birthday and I’m a JAMAICAN 😄. Wish me luck.

Respect. Very wise words. You are on another level. We aspire to it.

That was a great video. Pushing my thoughts to new hieghts

This video is way beyond anything I imagined. Bravo

That Minecraft music though..

This is so breath taking

That was heart touching TBH

amazing thoughts.. he should write a book about life

great achievement Ryan Neil has made bringing bonsai to Europe!

Very clean.

I love the cinematography and the choice of music. Just another great video over all.

Amazing!

my heart is on fire

2:30 that shot was very serial killer-ish :))

Really really good video :)

1000 years of existence

He kinda made me sad and also guilty.... I like it ! We all gotta start seeing beauty beyond the surface of anything especially everything. I’m gonna go try to do this but also maintain my hope of healing the world. Don’t see the change be the change 💜

That is an incredible job! You have made me think and feel different towards nature. I love the way you think and respect your art. I have fallen in love with Bonsai.

Exceptional video. From the narration to the visuals.

This ain’t just about shaping Bonsais. It’s way deeper.

awesome work

Came here to look at small trees , left with a life changing philosophy .

Fantastic film.

I don't think I'll ever be into anything as much as this guy is into bonsai trees

great video, really like it ;)

Beautiful

Perfect Minecraft music for this vid haha :)

I like bonsai trees👍👍👍

came for some quick knowledge, left as Confucius

Thank you very much. Carry on .

Respect. I am less than student. I learn,sadly,without a Sensei,like a leaf,drifting on the ocean.

each tree on earth has it's own voice once you start to listen deeply

So much wisdom packed into this 7 mins - thanks for sharing and for being so generous with your knowledge online Ryan!

I'm obsessed in bonsai or in plants unique characteristics

Great video

Such a wonderful short.

Great videography, really good footage

I love this video

Loved that

The music is done by the same guy who has done the music for early minecraft. C418. Imagine that

I love bonsai 😍

Tiny trees, cool

Amazing video...

This is emotional

Who else wants one of these and watch it in the middle of the night while listening to lofi music

"Pushing the ability to survive for the purpose of creating something even more beautiful", well a tree is beautiful even in it's natural form and if you truly love them you would understand that better than anyone. Just saying . P.s I really respect bonsai's and bonsai artists

Okay, he’s an interesting person.

I am From Nepal Bonsai Artist 🙏 His name is Rain Neil Great Bonsai Master ❤ @Bonsai Mirai

this was so beautiful. thank you

Im going to try this

That was incredible.

Thank you

I'm really curious about how they survive in such tiny pots. Roots generally grow down several feet if possible, passing around obstacles in order to go deeper. This is true even of small, infant garden plants, let alone trees which can grow over five meters deep. With how tiny the pots of bonsai are I imagine the entire pot is full of nothing but cramped, twisting roots, leaving little room for soil.

Simply loved it... :)

Another level 👍🏼