Extraordinario viaje visual que nos invita a reflexionar sobre nuestro paso en la tierra nuestro esfuerzo por entendernos como habitantes de ella, mientras la explotamos y extinguimos.
One of the reasons I love cinema and filmmaking so much is that when it is done right, it can work almost like a time machine, both showing us things recorded in the past and also the re-imagining of ancient civilizations. But films can also function as a teleport, taking us to places we will most likely never see and giving us a chance to experience them ourselves. Baraka offers you that chance. An incredible film!
The concept of the movie was taken from Godfrey Reggio's "Qatsi" trilogy (the first two movies of which were already finished at the time). So, though the imagery is truly spectacular, it is inappropriate to call the film "a masterpiece". It's just a good film of the genre started by "Koyaanisqatsi".
Your argument is invalid; though it depends on a precise definition of an incredibly subjective word. In any case, that's like saying The Good, The Bad & The Ugly is merely a 'good film of the genre' relative to whatever the hell the first Western was. Genre and format are irrelevant to whether a film can be argued as a masterpiece or not.
Just saw it again on 70 mm. I think this movie is one of those few films that are actually perfect. Every shot, every edit, every sound, every frame. Just perfect. It captures the beauty of life on this planet so vividly, so majestically, and so flawlessly that I actually can't really see anyone not enjoying it! I just don't know if I could trust anyone who isn't enthralled by this movie!
One of the most perfect films I have ever seen and one of my new favorites. The perfect definition of cinema. If I had I had to choose one movie to give to Alien lifeforms that I felt best represented us as a planet, it would be this film. A masterpiece.
An unusual title; Baraka is an Aramaic word for 'blessing'. What does Fricke think is a blessing? The planet on which we live on, which is the focus of this film? If this was his intention, he puts a good case forward, as we have it presented to us in a series of magnificent images. However, although the music may be great in some places, in others it's unnecessary and jarring, and detracts from the film.
This film has ruined all others for me. How do i return to a regular film now without thinking it pointless, unconvincing and utterly trivial, after witnessing the majesty which is Baraka. I cannot. Baraka shows our world in all it's glory, all it's beauty and horror. This is all real and in stunning clarity. How can any fictional film ever hope to compare?
This is a well-loved film, a treasure for many, and probably a profound experience of art for some. "Stunning" is the obvious but appropriate cliche -- unavoidable, really -- to use when describing Baraka's visuals -- wonders bearing news of the world's wonders. More's the pity, then, that those same wonders are sunk beneath the ponderous weight of the film's pious, self-satisfied romance of the reified primitive.
Overly high def demo reel of earth lacking the purpose and increasing pace of Koyaanisqatsi
I much prefere this to Koyaanisqatsi. I saw Koyaanisqatsi first and then Baraka a long time later, but having seen them both recently, I think Baraka is much better. I much prefer the cinematography in Barak and like the way in which it deals with people more. The scenes with the chickens and the cigarette factory really effected me...even today, in 2011.
I liked this film, but I think it was a little too reliant on its musical score.
I feel this to be like a descendant of "Koyannisqatsi" yet more expressive of the human aspect of nature. I am one who feels that we are as much a part of the earth's nature as anything else, no matter how divorced we have made ourselves from it.
This documentary was the greatest cinematic experience of my lifetime, thus far. Astounding, mind-blowing, I worried my heart would implode.
