Movie Monday - Baraka

This last week, I did not actually watch a feature length film. We did have Spiritual Cinema Night, in which we viewed 5 short films. Today, I am going to write about a film I recently watched on DVD.

For those of you who have not seen the 1992 film Baraka, I will try to describe it.

First Baraka is a Sufi word which translates to “breath of life” or “blessing”.

Directed by Ron Fricke, this amazing film was shot in 24 Countries over a period of 14 months. The director calls this film a “guided meditation”.

It is somewhat of a challenge to put into words, since no words were actually spoken in the film. There was some chanting, but no narration, no dialogue.

That makes the film unusual, but what makes it incredible to me, is how skilled the director was at communicating, without the use of words.

The film is a visual masterpiece, but the real art lies in the ability of the director to present what appears to be diversity, while allowing the viewer an opportunity to discover the commonality in all people.

I found myself moved from elation to tears as the film bounced between religious celebrations and rituals (some of which seem archaic to my western mind) to manmade and natural destruction.

I will watch this film again, and probably a few more times after that. We will view this film on one of the Spiritual Cinema Nights, just for the discussion potential.

I highly recommend this engaging film. To me, it was remarkably creative to offer such a profound insight into humanity, without the use of dialogue or narration.

I give this a 4 hourglass rating.