Review of The Celestine Prophecy (2006) by Ian H — 19 Apr 2012

This spiritual adventure film based on James Redfield's worldwide best-selling novel, The Celestine Prophecy is chronicling the discovery of ancient scrolls in the rainforests of Peru. The story introduces us (not very effectively) to the prophecy and its nine key insights predicting a worldwide awakening, arising within all religious traditions, that moves humanity toward a deeper experience of spirituality. Because I am a historian and archaeologist, I love Peru and spending time there, and I am a teacher (as the main character) who loves references to vibrations and energy - it was natural that I wanted to see this movie (I missed it originally because I was in the jungle with an expedition  )... For those who are not familiar with the book it'll be a little bit confusing, especially when you have to process in a short time advices to avoid the negative (you can tell good people by their eyes), stop doubting, follow your intuitions and premonitions, flow with coincidences, believe in the purposiveness of everything, join thousands of others on the quest, tune into your feelings and evolve to a higher plane... On the other side, people who love the book almost hate the movie! Why? Because of the high expectations and missed opportunity.

Due to the fact that The Celestine Prophecy novel sold over 23 million copies since its publication in 1993 and has thus become one of the best-selling books of all time, everyone expected the film to be a success. However, the film was a disappointment for most of the fans of the Celestine prophecy theory.

The cinematography wasn't bad, the story was clumsy, special effects not something you could be proud of... but I really wonder what were these guys thinking casting Matthew Settle as John Woodson... I have no idea... Thomas Kretschmann as (sterile look) Wil wasn't better choice, and I have no words to describe Sarah Wayne Callies as Marjorie and Annabeth Gish as Julia! The only one worth mentioning in the "acting department" is Hector Elizondo as Fr. Sebastian , who was just average.

I like the idea, but the execution could be done so much better!