chromaphob "Every mystery of human existence…explained in one movie!" proclaims the film's poster advertisement. This film certainly asks many questions about the existence of humans, but doesn't provide any solid answers — a plethora of opinions, but no answers. It is the film equivalent of the world religions class I took at Santa Barbara City College.Roger Nygard, the film's 'creator' (pun-intended), is experiencing a sort of mid-life existential crisis; instead of enrolling in the city college class, he has the luxury of traveling the world to ask adherents of each religion the questions you could find in a textbook or google. Evangelists, Mormons, Jews, Christians, Druids, Taoists, Buddhists, Hindus, etc. are given the chance to stand on their very own soapbox to proclaim their deeply held beliefs.Although this film seems to hold a slightly cynical perspective, it does not provide an answer. Although Nygard appears to be open and curious to other ways of living and believing, the editing of the movie tends to poke fun of the interviewees. I found myself laughing along with the others in the theatre, but I suppose I had some slight guilt about it, or felt that perhaps Mister Nygard should have some slight guilt about it. Everyone interviewed spoke with the utmost sincerity and passion concerning their viewpoints on the world and religion. I can't speak for them, but many of these people may not have agreed to speak if they knew about the atheist agenda of mocking other's beliefs. Atheists are capable of being just as militant in their convictions of non-religion as any practicing religion.Perhaps it is unfair of me to attend an atheist film festival and be shocked that the audience and films are making light of organized religions. Allow me clarify: this is not a bad film, it is entertaining and informative – two key components for any documentary. The Nature of Existence makes rather substantial claims: not only to provide an explanation for everything, but also to change your perception of everything. It just seems a tad over zealous is all.

glahey It was hard to take this documentary series as an exploration of a question. The film maker biases himself from the outset. Christianity (his native religion) is represented only by wrestlers, back-woods ministers, a crazed lunatic, and very only crusty men. Other religions are represented by sincere but folksy types who boarder on primitive. Atheism is represented by extremely friendly and socially well-adjusted supra-geniuses.Were no authors from the Christian best seller's list available? Are no Buddhists or Muslims teaching in universities? And most noticeably missing, the Atheists I grew up with Texas trailer parks ranting, "There ain't no God, that's why I steal and kill." I do not think this was intentional on the filmmakers part. I think he subconsciously sought the answer he was already desiring...."Whatever the nature of existence is, it is certainly not offered by the church, it is doubtfully possible that some other religion offers it, but science gives us the best hope."

ChumleyX The Nature of Existence is great documentary film-making. It is exhaustive in its scope, presented in a very objective manner and leaves the viewer wanting more.Mr. Nygard does not delve into each philosophy in great detail as he is constrained by the length of a feature film. He does, however, give enough depth that you can begin to understand the basis of the religions he covers. His interviews give a very personal and individual viewpoint that really set a sort of indelible imprint which you take away with you and are likely to think of days after.At no time does he minimize or ridicule these belief systems, and with at least a couple that would be very easy to do. You get the sense he is on a journey and is genuinely interested in hearing what people have to say. Most importantly, the Nature of Existence brings to light certain commonalities of religions, showing that if people would actually take a little time to learn and understand what their fellow neighbors on this planet believe there might be more tolerance of each other.

rroberto18 "The Hitch Hiker's Guide To The Galaxy" was a quest for THE answer to everything. This intelligent, thought-provoking and witty documentary provides many answers that at first make about as much sense as Douglas Adams' "42" because they come at you so quickly. Almost as quickly though, the viewer realizes that posing big, probing questions is key to moving forward, both in life and on the screen. Filmmaker Nygard's double role as tour guide and tourist is never self-serving. His impish approach to philosophy, science and religion as three sides to the same multi-dimensional coin is essential to the film's success. It's corny to say this, but when the film is over, you want to meet him for a friendly chat over some pancakes (reference explained in the film's opening sequence). An obvious choice for Best Documentary because of its scope and all it gives you to ponder on the way to the exit (figuratively and metaphorically). The film itself is a fast-paced 96 minutes that whets your appetite for a forthcoming, mind-blowing 7 DVD set. A digital equivalent of an encyclopedia to spark the search for knowledge even in a high-school drop-out. Just when it seems that cable TV's Discovery, National Geographic and History Channels are morphing into network "reality shows," this is the right film at the right time.