Review of Baraka (1992) by Kelly S — 09 Aug 2009
Baraka is a sufi word which means "blessing" that also translates to an "essence of life." If a picture paints a thousand words, then this documentary movie more than speaks for itself.
Its strength lies in breathtaking cinematography by Director Ron Fricke, and a musical score by Michael Stearns that combines ethnic music and chants that creates an aura of an experience that is transcendental, evocative, mesmerizing, inspiring, relaxing, spiritual, and ennobling.
Shot on six continents, in 24 countries, it portrays stunning images of religious shrines, and the devotions of individuals all over the world, majestic views of mountains, to the way of life depicting squalid life, tribal rituals and varying ethnic cultures.
What the film lacks is the narrative or a caption that would associate the image to a location but that would ruin the effects that it tries to evoke. After viewing Baraka, it makes me love and respects the world we live in.
As Roger Ebert says, "The movie has the power of a dream, from which we awaken, instead of a warning, to which we respond.".
This review of Baraka (1992) was written by Kelly S on 09 Aug 2009.
Baraka has generally received very positive reviews.
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