pnkstr An interesting documentary worth viewing. Seeing how ordinary people can be caught up in the web of a cult without ever realising what was truly going on. Rather a unique view from people who joined at the begining, their life inside and ultimately how they were able to break away and leave.

hddu10 Since this was picked-up and broadcast on CNN, I figured it would have something earth-shattering or at the very least "new" to say...but nope. This is essentially the same cult story we've seen and heard over the last 30-odd years retold; eccentric, dynamic, charismatic yet narcissistic leader gains a following of feeble-minded "searching" (see: self-absorbed) adults who then feel betrayed after they find out he is a fraud. Yes, the specific details of this particular case get very lurid (instead of the female followers being targeted, this time it is the males) and we do get a glimpse at the subject from an insider's point of view. While the documentary tries its utmost to show all the participants/cult-followers as "just regular people" as if to say, "this could have happened to you!" the reality is no one in their right mind would or could be naive enough to think following such a ridiculous individual would NOT lead to sexual impropriety. Notice, I specifically omit the word "abuse" since looking at these individuals, it becomes very clear that any unwilling heterosexual, able-bodied man would at the very least use his facial muscles to mouth the words "no thanks" when faced with eminent anal rape. This looks more like a bad-date/bad-sex after the fact regrets from possibly being emotionally coerced/tricked into it. But to put this into perspective, no one was killed, no one died from malnutrition/poisoning/fatigue, no one even made it into the internet news until this came out...so as far as cults go this one is pretty boring. All this film seems to do is come off as some reminiscing homage to the lost youth of the cult's followers who are now just trying to move on to the next phase of their lives. Take away the cult part and this is just another day in the life of anyone else on the planet. NOTE: I am NOT a cult member, nor have I ever even heard of this guy or this cult before watching the movie...I'm just saying this really isn't that great or saying anything new about cults. Frankly, it just seems more self-indulgent than insightful.

treavorb "Holy Hell," a documentary written and filmed by Will Allen, gives an unsettling and eerie insight into the actions and nature of an American religious cult that began in the 1980s. This documentary narrates the story of the Buddhafield cult through old video footage filmed by Allen, as well as indirect interviews with former members of the cult. The Buddhafield society, as stated by one of the former members, was never originally labeled as a cult but rather a religious, self-prospering group that promised happiness and self- discovery. This promise can be seen as somewhat believable throughout the beginning of the documentary; however, from an outsider perspective to both hardcore religion and group "family", "Holy Hell" can come off as very strange, and quite frankly, uncomfortable. The Buddhafield religion was formed through a manipulative, former aspiring actor, named Michel, who at first glance seems to be an awkwardly happy, smooth talking man that could possibly fit the role of a leader that he so desperately tries to fill; however, as time progresses one begins to truly see the maniacal nature of his "leadership." It begins simply as a supposed man of God sent to instill ideas of faith and self-acceptance through those who follow. He teaches those around him to accept themselves for who they are and to abstain from any type of self enhancement (i.e. make up, cosmetic surgery, etc.) as well as romantic relations, not only within the group but with anyone outside the group as well. He preached about the importance of community and of serving for God, however Michel is hardly ever seen serving. The actions of serving God begin to shift towards serving Michel, and it gets to the point where the members of his group, for lack of better words, became obsessive over Michel. It honestly made me feel uncomfortable viewing such a thing. It only continued to get worse as the documentary progressed. You soon discover that he sexually exploited the members of his group only to tell them that they were "special" and not to tell anyone of the events that happened. His denial of any such wrong doing and the demonization of anyone who did not agree with his ideals truly made me sick to my stomach and wonder if I should even continue the rest of the documentary. So, I think it goes without saying, but I didn't particularly love this film; however, I will admit that it was interesting.This documentary is not one for the average movie goer, due to its continuously unsettling nature. In, the documentary Allen chose to shine light on the members in a way that presented them to be no different than any other deeply devoted religious group even though their actions alone give off an uneasy feeling within oneself. "Holy Hell" can be understood best with hardened film fanatics given its highly analytical structure. The way in how this documentary was filmed lacks the sort of narrative backbone that allows a story to appeal to a much broader audience. It instead forms a sort of "glimpses-in-time" manner of delivery that gives more of an objective standpoint on the story. However, the interviews with former members, along with the narration of the film, contrastingly provide a subjective undertone, persuading the audience to see Michel in a sinister light. Due to its highly paradoxical manner of storytelling, it can be quite confusing for viewers comfortable with the classic style of narrative film. So, all in all this documentary is one for those interested in the topic and the style in which it is directed. It is definitely not for everyone, and should be watched with that in mind.

brooks320-800-703355 I thought this was a fascinating and well-crafted documentary. The intimate, meticulous footage detailing the life and psyche of a cult leader is very interesting yet disturbing. While the leader is very much a sociopath who uses people as fuel for his massive ego, I have to wonder how much I consider his followers to be victims. I'm not saying that I can't understand how they were conned, but when it comes to major issues like having abortions, something that clearly was against one member's personal belief system, why couldn't she see the light and vanish from the premises if it meant the life of her child on two occasions? These followers are educated adults, many from privileged backgrounds so how can all reasoning skills be dismissed when it comes to Michel/Andreas? He is the definition of a creepy/sexual opportunist from the get-go with his soulless shark eyes, make-up, oiled body and unexplained need for all followers to know every inch of his body. What about this doesn't scream narcissistic opportunist? By the end of the movie, I was left wondering how so many people could have fallen for this man's charade. I'm not victim blaming as much as honestly wondering why they didn't band together for a mass exodus.Also, where did the money come from? The travel expenses from California to Texas are one thing, but who had the couple of mill lying around to build the elaborate dance theater? While it is understood that Michel/Andreas was the son a wealthy Venezuelan land owner, I don't get any idea if that played into the group's obvious wealth or not.The end was somewhat dissatisfying as there is no true confrontation of Michel/Andreas/Reyji. The former follower who spoke to him on the beach in Hawaii seemed to still be under his spell and there is no resolution, just video evidence that yet again, this person has been able to maintain followers.For anyone who's fascinated by cults, this is a must watch. The voyeurism into 20 years in the life of an unrepentant narcissist alone are worth the nagging questions about adult consent and reason.