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Baraka
Director: Ron Fricke
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Retail Price (not our price): $19.98
Release Date: 2001-09-25
Theatrical Release Date: 1993-11
Studio: Mpi Home Video
Run Time: 104 minutes
Format: Array
Format: Anamorphic, Color, Dolby, DVD-Video, Widescreen, NTSC
Aspect Ratio: 2.20:1
Discs: 1


Editorial Reviews (supplied by Amazon.com):

1) Amazon.com
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

Customer Reviews (supplied by Amazon.com):
Average Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5

1) Nature vs Mankind   [Rating: 5 out of 5]
Baraka is a feast for the eyes and a treat for the soul. It is on one hand beautiful and awe inspiring yet also shocking and horrible. I had the overall feeling as if the director or the person behind the camera was trying to tell me something. Nature is better old ways were best, tribalism to civilised mankind what really have we gained? Except for a life with no spiritual meaning and a day full of mindless busy-work. You may really need to get in the mood for this, it is not lite-fare. Some images may be too shocking for children. The only thing missing is a Blu-Ray version.

2) Beautiful   [Rating: 5 out of 5]
Very moving, with images of humans from our most sacred to our most profane .

3) Cosmic and touching   [Rating: 5 out of 5]
If you're looking for big stars, they're not here. If you're looking for slapstick comedy; nope, not even close. Neither is there a narrative to guide you into someone else's conclusions. But on the other hand, if you'd like to remind yourself why you're here, what beauty there is in the world, then allow yourself the time to experience this film. I might also add that the bigger the screen, the better. Better yet, see this film, then walk out into the evening and look up at the biggest screen of all; our universe of stars which turn above us every night.

4) Joseph Campbell meets Koyanisqatsi   [Rating: 5 out of 5]
This movie is similar to Koyanisqatsi, it uses superb imagery to explore the many vibrant cultures that populate this planet. As you journey from one exotic local to the next you gradually realize how much we all have in common. I love the otherworldly feeling it evokes every time I watch it.

5) wow.   [Rating: 5 out of 5]
No words or review can describe this DVD. Just get it and prepare to open your mind to some incredible discussions about life and the world. Incredible.