Baraka
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Movie Reviews of Baraka
Movie Review: The One Indispensable DVD
Summary: 5 Stars
I own at least 500 DVDs. If you asked me which is my favorite film/DVD I would have to say "Baraka," because, if for no other reason, it is the DVD I watch most. Scarcely a week goes by that I don't watch Ron Fricke's masterpiece.
"Masterpiece" is not a term I use lightly. In fact, it's not a term I use at all but it describes this film. First, it is simply beautiful. If you have a home theater system that you take pride in, this is the one DVD to own. It's approximately ninety minutes are spread over two layers: as a result the picture is almost HD-like, especially if you have an "upscaling" DVD player and a suitable display.
The music, a combination of Michael Stearn's original score and contributions by artists like "Dead Can Dance," compliment the visuals perfectly.
None of this would matter if the subject of the film weren't worthy of your consideration. Rest assured, it is. I don't trust the words "spiritual" or "spirituality" but I will make an exception for "Baraka." As Fricke puts it in the documentary on the DVD, while we have been invited to live on the planet, life has not given any of us a veto over the guest list. "Baraka" is about that "guest list."
There is no other film I can say this about: I watch it a lot because I am always a better person for having watched it. 12/10
Movie Review: You'll watch it again and again
Summary: 5 Stars
Lets not kid ourselves. This is awe inspiring and captivating film. This review tackles all those who haven't rated it 5 stars. Most of these have seen earlier work by Godfrey Reggio and Ron Fricke. The only thing that separates these earlier works is that some people prefer them over this. In truth, the films are very similiar in technique, time-lapse and camera angles with the only differences being editing, music and locations. In earlier work Philip Glass composed the music which was appropriate and brilliant (although now slightly dated) and in Baraka, Michael Stearn tried to meld the music to the location. Michael Stearn -in my opinion- creating the better atmosphere.
If you've not seen any of these following Chronos, Koyaanisqatsi, & Powaqqatsi. Then see Baraka, as it is the superior film and tends build on methods, techniques and angles visited in the previous films. I'd also like to mention Alton Walpole who doesn't seem to get much say in reviews, but he's also had an active part in all of these films and part of the 3 main people behind these films.
When you see it make sure that it's on the biggest screen possible, with the best sound system possible in a dark room. And let the music and film take you on the journey that is Baraka.
Movie Review: This is what film does best
Summary: 5 Stars
We picked up the original DVD of Baraka a few months ago, and were knocked out by the film. Upon hearing of the new release, I ordered it to see how much better the transfer is from the original (and this version cost less, too--go figure). We ran each DVD through two different players on two different TVs. Honestly, there isn't an appreciable difference in picture quality. In fact, we had to boost the color when playing the new release---otherwise, colors were a little washed out. The image clarity on each print looked to be the same, although I'd love to see a 70mm print in a big theater. As far as the score goes, it did sound as if the remaster had a bit more presence, although that should not discredit the fidelity of the original.In any case, Baraka is a captivating work of art that takes the medium to creative levels that dramatic film, or even documentary film, cannot. Every time I watch it, I stare at the screen with childlike fascination at the images. It takes me out of my petty little world and shows me the bigger picture, and that is why I love this film.
It's too bad that Koyannisqatsi is wrapped up on so much red tape, I'd like to see that on DVD at a reasonable price, too.
Movie Review: Breathtaking. Inspiring. Sad. Beauitiful. It's your world!!
Summary: 5 Stars
This is your world. How can you not respect a movie that takes you from your daily life of limited perspective and mundane daily activity and flings you across the world to see breathtaking shots of the world you live in? The good, the bad, and the indifferent. Everytime I watch this I am humbled, I am shrunk to my proper size, my concerns, my fears, my complaints are all drowned out and I am left thinking, "why do I stress about little things in my life?" There are bigger concerns in the world than my petty problems and their is beauty out there that surpasses ordinary eye candy. There is a big bright beautiful, sad, living, breathing organism called planet earth that is spinning in space. This is priceless, to me. But this kind of movie is not for everybody. Rent it first, if you find it humbles you in a meditative way, than you might see it like I do - as a priceless experience - and you will buy the darn thing, just as I have.
My only complaint is that this movie doesn't show all sides, all aspects... but it can't, nor does it attempt to. It is just that the images become just a tad bit one sided. Hard to explain, but it is no biggie. This is a five star "movie".
Movie Review: Baraka will evoke joy, pity, fear, anger...and love
Summary: 5 Stars
Set to the music of ethnic chants and indigenous instruments from around the world, this film will compel you to see the world in a new light. You'll see beautiful vistas of terraced paddy fields, deserts, and city scapes. You'll see the dances of the aboriginees, african tribes, and amazon Indians. You'll see the faithful praying in places of worship that range from the Vatican to the shores of Ganges. In short you'll see how similar we all are beneath our different wardrobes and languages and faiths. The score to the movie complements the scenes and intensifies the emotions one feels watching the movie. Particularly haunting are the scenes of burning oil fields in Kuwait set to the music of Scottish bagpipes, Tibetan water music, and Japanese drumming.
The movie explores love, faith, joy, war, death, rebirth and circle of life by showing scenes from around the world for each of these topics. Each time I have watched this movie I find myself discovering more of its hidden meanings. I think each viewer will come out with his own feelings and interpretations. But even if one isn't inclined to be philosophical, the music and cinematography alone is worth getting the DVD.