Khaled Kalache i can see how this documentary -or i should say masterpiece- is one of the best films ever made in history of documentary films and all of cinema, before i watch this film i watched his little brother Samsara (2011) long time ago, i liked it, but not like this one, in Samsara they concentrate more on the architecture, but Baraka is more about human life and religion, this theme tell us how we humans are so close.. yet so far away.The best thing i liked about this film is how you can see and feel the connection between the scenes, and how mankind is treating earth and nature, in good and bad ways, and how our decisions can make a huge different in this fragile world.

Dalbert Pringle If you are at all familiar with the 1983 film Koyaanisqatsi, then you'll be sure to find that Baraka (whose title translates into "essence of life") runs along similar lines of having no actors, no dialogue, just a constant procession of very vivid images that all (even in a roundabout way) relate to specific, recurring themes. (This time around one of Baraka's main themes is that of various world religions) After calmly sitting through Baraka's 95 minutes of startling camera-work, striking images (from 23 countries), and meditative, ambiance music, I am now quite convinced that this world we live in is, indeed, mad, mad, mad, mad, mad.And, sure enough, religion (this includes all sects) is, in one way or another, the very thing that is at the root of all this mass madness. If you ask me, the only unity and "oneness" that religion creates is that of the profoundly insane.Anyways - I found it somewhat unfortunate that out of the 23 countries visited in this DVD, Canada was one of the nations that was noticeably excluded from said production.

Jack Hawkins (Hawkensian) A bold statement certainly, however Baraka has an immense beauty that is surely universal in appeal. It is a documentary that's without narrative or narration, it captures a veritable plethora of imagery that reminds us that Earth is indeed a baraka, which is Arabic and Hebrew for 'blessing'.Any attempt to derive meaning or identify connection becomes merely incidental as you're presented with the hypnotic scenery that Ron Fricke and his team have captured; it must have been difficult for them to cut their glorious footage down to 97 minutes. The film traverses verdant jungles, epic mountain ranges, sweeping temple complexes, arid deserts, imposing cityscapes and haunting landmarks of evil such as Auschwitz and the Cambodian S-21 prison. Its human subjects are of all colours and creeds, with much of the film focusing on those who are less fortunate and sometimes utterly destitute. It is a sensational and occasionally disturbing cross-section of the planet's landscapes, cultures and history.The stunning wide shots and time lapses are scored with heady ambient music by Michael Stearns. His music is a cacophony of tribal chants, chimes and drums that's vital in creating Baraka's truly sensory immersion. My favourite piece is Baraka Theme, its broad, sonorous notes create a vast scope that perfectly accompanies the boundless panoramas.There are so many moments I could talk about, I could throw effusive adjectives at almost every frame, however I feel mere words can't do it justice. Baraka is a purely cinematic experience that's somewhat futile to describe.However, one memorable sequence I will mention is the factory processing of chicks that's interspersed with the frenetic pace of the Tokyo railway commuters; it is fascinating and ultimately quite unpleasant as the birds' destiny in battery cages is revealed after having their beaks burnt. The camera offers insights into an array of factories, showcasing their subjects' perfectly rehearsed skills in computer hardware assembly, textiles and poultry.It is a film that demands to be shown on good equipment, a film that serves as a benchmark for one's TV or projector. Apparently, it was the first film to receive an 8K transfer, what an awesome experience that must be, most likely better than real life!When Baraka sadly finishes, you eventually move your eyes away from the screen for the first time in 97 minutes and realise that you've been dead still the whole time as you check your watch, surprised to see that many hours haven't passed. It is a triumph that the moving image alone can achieve such engrossment.86%www.hawkensian.com

elmserybasha people don't feel like human beings unless those things do exist in their lives : * Order : which couldn't be achieved without "Respect" and there is no respect without "Morals" , and there wouldn't be morals without "Rules" to follow which means "order" !~! * Production : And that is what we are meant to do ... we are created to work * Civilization : people with no past has no future ... knowledge is the mile stone of civilization * Art : is the radical , ultimate reflection of civilization ... no matter which kind , what really matters is how does it represent you & the culture of your community ?! * Army : all of the above will be of no value without a proper defense * Union : the human is a weak creature who can't live alone , always needs support & interaction ... bonds between people are like spaces between atoms in a matter ... (the closer they are , the stronger it will be) !! * first of all and above all of that people need to "Believe" , they always need correction , rules to follow , brain searching for concept ,& heart seeking faith ... full their emptiness and feel like normal .. "Religion" is a collection of believes that shape our lives & without it we will be like dead bodies walking in an infinite dark road !!! "Baraka" : great tribute from the far east be to : " Ron Fricke " & "Michael Stearns" you are genius !