33 & Beyond: The Royal Art Of Freemasonry

33 & Beyond: The Royal Art of Freemasonry is a film that dives deep into the world of Freemasonry, unraveling its rich history, cultural impact, and intriguing rituals. As a documentary feature, it enlightens audiences about one of the oldest and most mysterious fraternities in the world that has captivated the curiosity and imagination of millions for centuries. Directed and written by Johnny Royal, this film features notable Freemasons like Robert Doan and Tom Driber amongst others and meticulously covers various dimensions of this centuries-old fraternity.

The film starts with an exploration into the history of Freemasonry. With Freemasonry being rooted in medieval stonemason guilds, the explanation expands to include how it evolved into an organization focused on morality, charity, and fraternal bonds. Layer by layer, Freemasonry is unfurled as a subject that is much more than a mere secret society. Johnny Royal adopts an explorative storytelling method and succeeds in revealing the significance of Freemasonry in the social, cultural and humanitarian context. The movie remarkably combines insights, facts, and coverage that arrest viewers’ attention from beginning to end.

Through testimonials, interviews, and never-before-seen footage, Royal, also a renowned Freemason, takes audiences on an eye-opening journey that starts from the initiation rites of the fraternity. The film wades through the different stages of Masonic advancement known in the order as degrees. The Blue Lodge, which is the foundation of every Mason’s journey, to the York and Scottish rites which culminates at the 33rd and final degree, this journey serves as the movie’s core narrative structure.

The film is divided into segments based on the degrees of Freemasonry. Each segment delves into the symbolism, rituals, philosophy, and objectives associated with each degree in an educative, informative, and captivating manner. The structure of the film is shaped in a way that allows viewers to understand more clearly not just about the degrees of Freemasonry, but also its overall functioning and purpose. It serves as a comprehensive guide and clears the air around many misconceptions commonly associated with Freemasonry.

33 & Beyond: The Royal Art of Freemasonry is not just a descriptive documentary but also a deeply involved journey into the personal lives of practitioners. It explores the motivations, passions, and commitment of Freemasons, including what it truly means to be a part of this fraternity. The interviews shed light on why individuals initially join the fraternity and how Freemasonry changes their lives forever.

Yet, the film goes beyond just being an explanation of Freemasonry. The visual aspects of 33 & Beyond: The Royal Art of Freemasonry are breathtaking, grabbing the interest of viewers immediately, and keeping them hooked throughout. The cinematography and overall production are high-quality, reflecting the finesse and exemplary work behind every shot in the movie. The narration is truly compelling, making the viewers take a deep dive into a world filled with intrigue, ritual, and camaraderie. The film manages to hold onto its suspense while at the same time, educates viewers about Freemasonry culture and structure.

Royal’s directing style is unique and detailed, he injects a narrative rhythm into the film that feels more like a dramatic feature than a traditional documentary. Having himself invested over a decade in freemasonry, he brings out a dimension of the fraternity that is rarely, if ever, shared with the public.

33 & Beyond: The Royal Art of Freemasonry is an enlightening exploration, educational primer, and a bend of rules in the documentary genre. This film goes a long way in both demystifying Freemasonry and bringing to light its relevance and importance in the twenty-first century. Royal creates a bridge between the mystery shrouded culture of Freemasonry and the outside world, enabling a rare understanding of what lies beyond the unassuming doors of a Masonic lodge. It's a film that’s as much about personal transformation as it is about an age-old fraternity. What viewers take away from this documentary is an enlightened perspective on a fraternity that promotes betterment, unity, and fraternity amongst its members and society at large.