Samsara

On this Christmas Eve, why not discuss something artsy-fartsy?

As some Christmas themed pictures have been seen as of late, instead I went in a different direction and at random noticed that this was on Prime. As I've watched all the films in the Qatsi trilogy and love Baraka, why not finally have the joy of checking out something from the makers of Baraka?

Such as with those movies with pretty imagery, ethereal music and no narration, it is up to the viewer to determine what it all means and how you interpret the experience... although this was less subtle in its messages. This will be a shorter review than usual as I do not want to give away much for those interested but haven't made the time for it yet. There are people shown in a variety of settings-including one that was rather avant-garde, in not a good way-to go along with all the nature and natural footage. An obvious theme is contrast, whether it be comparing two shots or two things in the same shot. For the record, Samsara is a Sanskrit word which in general relates to the cycle of death and rebirth; that is an important clue as to what Samsara the movie is all about.

Baraka is something I rate a little higher; that is no slight on Samsara as it still shows a dizzying variety of different footage from practically all corners of the globe and it has an excellent score which is a key component to this non-narrative documentaries. Like I said, it's on Prime for those that have seen at least most of the rest.