Nema takes the best of the counterculture movement of 1964-1969 and separates it from the worst.
By best I mean the open-mindedness, the questioning of old values and conditioning, and the artistic and intellectual freedom it created. By the worst I mean the sex and drugs for which it is mostly known. He paints the 'hippy movement' as a relatively sour note in the much larger intellectual and creative mind-awakening that was happening.
Up to now, I think no one has known how to paint the movement, or make sense of it, and sadly its good has been associated with what was its worst elements -- to a great disservice to humanity.
Van Gasteren also manages to put Meher Baba in the heart and center of it (literally center of it in the film) and it raises the entire film to a higher plane.
I think this film may play an important historical role, no matter how long it takes for the world to discover it in retrospect.
By best I mean the open-mindedness, the questioning of old values and conditioning, and the artistic and intellectual freedom it created. By the worst I mean the sex and drugs for which it is mostly known. He paints the 'hippy movement' as a relatively sour note in the much larger intellectual and creative mind-awakening that was happening.
Up to now, I think no one has known how to paint the movement, or make sense of it, and sadly its good has been associated with what was its worst elements -- to a great disservice to humanity.
Van Gasteren also manages to put Meher Baba in the heart and center of it (literally center of it in the film) and it raises the entire film to a higher plane.
I think this film may play an important historical role, no matter how long it takes for the world to discover it in retrospect.
