Powaqqatsi (1988)

I'm not trying to undersell Powaqqatsi (meaning 'parasite' in the Hopi language) but to emphasise the quality of the steady stream of images that unfold on us - and their subject matter.Often of people doing things in third world countries and often in very slo-mo, always very colourful and beautifully and perfectly composed, this is a feast for the eyes - and the ears. Equally good is Philip Glass' excellent, haunting and eclectic score, that obviously wasn't just tacked on afterwards.The film's intention is to highlight the way man has and is encroaching on nature - hence the title and its translation. Executive produced by mega directors of the period, Francis Ford Copolla and George Lucas, you can see that this was meant to hit big and hard. It could be argued, however, that the images don't go far enough - a certificate U means that the film is universally pretty and inoffensive, but what man has done to this planet isn't and a bolder approach would hit home harder and make its message clearer.I still prefer Koyaanisqatsi (PC's spell-checker going mental!) to this as that veers more to slightly more exciting imagery.

This movie is a wonderful follow-up to Koyaanisqatsi.Once again, Godfrey Reggio brings the beauty of life on screen. This movie is about humans, how they live, how to work, how they are. It is a mirror of our current position and where we are heading.With the visual mood set perfectly, the powerful soundtrack of Philip Glass takes you away and makes you live a journey across Earth.This film will help you disconnect of your worries and help you concentrate on your life. It will help you see how other humans are living on this planet and how we should not take what we have for granted.Startup this movie and let your brain lead you on a fantastic trip.

I saw Koyaanisqatsi several times in the late eighties and was truly mesmerized. After that Powaqqatsi was a true disappointment. I didn't understand it, to be honest.Many years later I bought the DVDs and saw them both recently. I still like Koyaanisqatsi, even if it couldn't meet my great expectations. But now Powaqqatsi emerged as a true beauty!I find the photography and music far superior to that of Koyaanisqatsi. Real people, instead of land- and cityscapes (even if wonderful). Some of the Powaqqatsi scenes are simply breathtaking. African women in clear red cloth against the desert sand, the introductory (horrible) scene from the Brazilian mine, etc, etc.I strongly recommend all those that were utterly disappointed 10 years ago to see Powaqqatsi again!

Powaqqatsi may not be the fast passed time lapse world of Koyaanisqatsi and there is nothing wrong with that. This movie is a counter point to Koyaanisqatsi. Reggios's plan was for a three part series I believe the new movie is almost done. This is not North America. Just think of the time envoled in this shoot, the locations, the stunning cinematograghy. This is the real world. A world where many people still live with out electricity, still hold onto the past, work on the land or sea, work hard for very little. This is movie of world culture. Anyway one who puts this movie down is truly living in a bubble. This is not a movie that gets backing money easily this is a movie of sweat and toil. I commend the filmmaker for taking a risk and creating a visual feast of the developing world that we are destroying.