Good concept, poorly executed.

A great movie, one of the best of this year. There was a bit of confusion at one point in the plot, but nothing serious.

It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.

Very good movie overall, highly recommended. Most of the negative reviews don't have any merit and are all pollitically based. Give this movie a chance at least, and it might give you a different perspective.

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.

"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.

This movie of the beginning of something beautiful that turns in to something ugly, personifies so many cults, how they come to be, and how hard it is to try to free yourself from all that you've been taught. I want to say thank you, so much thank you, to Will Allen, and all the wonderful people who are in this film, for showing your hearts and souls and what you've been through. I cried throughout the film, and in the end I was bawling my heart out. Having been interested in cults and also having a short (a year only) stint in one myself, I've read so many books, and watched so many documentaries and movies and clips of ex-cult-members, this one was truly the best. To all of you, thank you from the depths of my heart. Marianne

I am giving it a 10 based on honesty. I think each of the disciples deserve their fate as they architected it based on their own hubris and arrogance of their own looks. If you want to know how to take advantage of a set of models or good looking people then this is definitely very instructional in how to do so (aka use your own hubris to exploit yourself). Kudos to Michel, what a superb act to convince arrogant morons to follow you as god and have coital relationship with you for >10 years. This only works in people influenced by LA culture who only have themselves to blame for their situation. Thank you Michel for dropping everyone's mind and showing them the way of the Gita.spoiler: All of the people who eventually complain and fall out should honestly evaluate why they stuck there for 22 years or more. Clearly you though that your 'club of good looking people" made you "special" and your need to fornicate with all the people around you allowed yourself to be abused (well deserved)