30 years after its release, still very few films are as evocative or moving as Baraka. It is required that you watch it in the highest bitrate and resolution possible, ideally 2160p (4k).
This film basically set the standard for documentaries going forward. It was as impactful and influential for its genre as Lord of the Rings was for movies.
There are of course other documentaries which came after Baraka that are superb, such as Planet Earth 1 & 2, and what I consider to be the successor to Baraka; that which being Home (Yann Arthus-Bertrand, 2009).
I just now re-watched Baraka for the first time in years, and realised how much my perspective has changed and grown since last time I saw it. I have come to more deeply realise that not all religions are equal or even worthy of respect, or even tolerance. I am not religious myself, and look on all religions with scepticism, whilst not necessarily being opposed to religion in concept, as long it does no harm to humans, animals or the environment. On those terms, there is a lot to criticise about religion, especially the ones with the biggest followings.
The notion of blanket religious tolerance is one that should be discarded, and now in the advancing modern era of better education and worldly awareness, we should actively prevent the harm to humans, animals and the environment that religion not only excuses, but often calls for, or even demands from its followers.
Baraka displays the sheer delusion and mindless sheep mentality of certain religions and their followers, whilst also showing glimpses of absurdity, barbarity, and unquestioning worship of religious figures who were truly evil people.
I am all for religions that genuinely revere life; of humans, animals and the environment. A religion that promotes respect for life and nature, rather than harming, damaging or destroying it, is a religion that I would be the first to follow.
I for one love to see a clean river with water so clear that you can either see to the riverbed, or any unclear river would only be murky due to natural causes, rather than humans polluting it and making it unviable for life, like a certain religion in India continues to insist upon.
Of all the practices documented in Baraka, the ones that seem most appealing to me are the group dances, like the ones in the jungle. Rituals such as those whose main purpose is to evoke a feeling of profound connection with the land and eachother; these are ones which I feel admiration for, and a desire to participate in.
If all religions cherished life, protected the environment from harm and pollution, and reveres the Earth which provides all, then I think we as human animals can achieve a much greater presence in this world, and one which any God would be happy to see; a humanity which loves and respects his creations, rather than defiling, desecrating, and destroying them.
In all, Baraka is a must see for everyone, and should be shown in schools.
I can give this wonderful film no less than 10/10.
This film basically set the standard for documentaries going forward. It was as impactful and influential for its genre as Lord of the Rings was for movies.
There are of course other documentaries which came after Baraka that are superb, such as Planet Earth 1 & 2, and what I consider to be the successor to Baraka; that which being Home (Yann Arthus-Bertrand, 2009).
I just now re-watched Baraka for the first time in years, and realised how much my perspective has changed and grown since last time I saw it. I have come to more deeply realise that not all religions are equal or even worthy of respect, or even tolerance. I am not religious myself, and look on all religions with scepticism, whilst not necessarily being opposed to religion in concept, as long it does no harm to humans, animals or the environment. On those terms, there is a lot to criticise about religion, especially the ones with the biggest followings.
The notion of blanket religious tolerance is one that should be discarded, and now in the advancing modern era of better education and worldly awareness, we should actively prevent the harm to humans, animals and the environment that religion not only excuses, but often calls for, or even demands from its followers.
Baraka displays the sheer delusion and mindless sheep mentality of certain religions and their followers, whilst also showing glimpses of absurdity, barbarity, and unquestioning worship of religious figures who were truly evil people.
I am all for religions that genuinely revere life; of humans, animals and the environment. A religion that promotes respect for life and nature, rather than harming, damaging or destroying it, is a religion that I would be the first to follow.
I for one love to see a clean river with water so clear that you can either see to the riverbed, or any unclear river would only be murky due to natural causes, rather than humans polluting it and making it unviable for life, like a certain religion in India continues to insist upon.
Of all the practices documented in Baraka, the ones that seem most appealing to me are the group dances, like the ones in the jungle. Rituals such as those whose main purpose is to evoke a feeling of profound connection with the land and eachother; these are ones which I feel admiration for, and a desire to participate in.
If all religions cherished life, protected the environment from harm and pollution, and reveres the Earth which provides all, then I think we as human animals can achieve a much greater presence in this world, and one which any God would be happy to see; a humanity which loves and respects his creations, rather than defiling, desecrating, and destroying them.
In all, Baraka is a must see for everyone, and should be shown in schools.
I can give this wonderful film no less than 10/10.