Baraka

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Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Type: DVD
Directed By: Ron Fricke
Studio: Mpi Home Video
Release Date: 2001-09-25
Running Time: 104 minutes
The word Baraka means "blessing" in several languages; watching this film, the viewer is blessed with a dazzling barrage of images that transcend language. Filmed in 24 countries and set to an ever-changing global soundtrack, the movie draws some surprising connections between various peoples and the spaces they inhabit, whether that space is a lonely mountaintop or a crowded cigarette factory. Some of these attempts at connection are more successful than others: for instance, an early sequence segues between the daily devotions of Tibetan monks, Orthodox Jews, and whirling dervishes, finding more similarity among these rituals than one might expect. And there are other amazing moments, as when sped-up footage of a busy Hong Kong intersection reveals a beautiful symmetry to urban life that could only be appreciated from the perspective of film. The lack of context is occasionally frustrating--not knowing where a section was filmed, or the meaning of the ritual taking place--and some of the transitions are puzzling. However, the DVD includes a short behind-the-scenes featurette in which cinematographer Ron Fricke (Koyaanisqatsi) explains that the effect was intentional: "It's not where you are that's important, it's what's there." And what's here, in Baraka, is a whole world summed up in 104 minutes. --Larisa Lomacky Moore

Completely worth a look
I was suggested this movie from a list of historical fiction and historical movies. And while I don't really see the connection so much I'm pleased I watched it anyway.

I have read some of the reviews about the movie and I have to say that I agree with most of them. One person said the movie is really nothing but a screen saver, but it's more than that. And it would make a good screen saver.

It's a wordless film. So if you're looking for that you will not find it here and that may bore you. I also wished they could have put in some context as to what was going on. For the average viewer they would almost be lost as to where in the world they are in the movie and lost as to some of the religious activities that are going on. But this may have spoiled the movie. Just note that this isn't for those not well versed in geography.

The amazing points of the movie is that the photography, I guess you would call it cinematography, is amazing. This is what would make it a good screen saver. The outdoor shots are breath taking and it makes you want to travel the world, or, failing that, get outside and look at your own. The camera tricks are really fun too. I would love to see this in HD. It's also somewhat educational for those who are older. There is some nudity and if you're not comfortable with it, even in a cultural context, then you may want to skip over some parts.

The movie doesn't just stick with the beautiful parts of our world. That would make the movie incomplete. There are some disturbing things. Nothing extremely violent, but some things that will make you think and feel blessed you have so much.

It's totally worth it if you want something calm and soothing. The music is very nice and I found it worth going to sleep to also.

All this hype for a screeen-saver ???
You see, certain images will always have great emotional impact on people, no matter how many times we've seen them. Can a normal person, for example, stay emotionless while watching piles of human bones in a Nazi concentration camp? Or watching mount Everest at sunset?
Baraka is a 90min collage of such images and the result is a great ... screen-saver.

That's right, this is not a movie - unless, of course, you consider footage from a security camera to be a movie too.

Some of the images in Baraka are quite good, actually.
What's cracking me up is the primitive humanitarian messages that the 'director' (not worth mentioning his name) has devised. For example, an image of a busy NYC intersection is followed by an image of a solemn Buddha monastery. Got it? The arrangement is very suggestive:
Western Civilization = BAD
Eastern Spirituality = GOOD

Baraka
I have seen this film numerous times. I have bought it as a gift for many friends. I have played it in my college classrooms. This is a timely piece that I think will continue to have universal appeal for many years to come. The film maker uses non-verbal communication adeptly, effectively, poignantly. This is one of those films that should be owned by many and played once a year, for a meditation about ourselves and our relationships with others and the planet.

This is it
If I could only own one dvd in the world, this would be it. No words can describe the emotions and feelings that run through you when you see the film. The closest description would be a cerebral journey through the subconsciousness. I am a better person for having viewed the film.

awesome experimental doc
one of the best experimental films ever made. one of the best documentaries ever made. excellent score.