Good concept, poorly executed.

When a movie has you begging for it to end not even half way through it's pure crap. We've all seen this movie and this characters millions of times, nothing new in it. Don't waste your time.

It is neither dumb nor smart enough to be fun, and spends way too much time with its boring human characters.

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

"Powaqqatsi" is the second picture in filmmaker Godfrey Reggios' "...Qatsi" trilogy, a series of features that basically meld visuals and music without resorting to a conventional narrative. This one has a message, clearly stated throughout, about the "cost of progress". Its first half shows us different rural cultures all over the world (from Nepal to India to Kenya, etc.), and derives a great deal of impact from giving us a portrait of good, old-fashioned, honest hard work, as well as displaying a cornucopia of beautiful images. The heartfelt music score is once again the work of Philip Glass, and it supplements the images wonderfully, although it can be repetitive.Where the picture becomes a little less interesting is in the next 25 minutes or so, when we're confronted with the sights and sounds of the urban jungle in which many of us exist. Among the visuals utilized during this portion are those things that we all experience everyday: advertising, newscasts, and the like. But it all comes together in the final quarter, where we see that progress does come at its price; that it can lead to loss of identity, and be built on the backs of others.All done without the use of a narrator, this is documentary-style filmmaking of a different variety. It does force one to stop and think about the world we live in, and about all the things that many of us take for granted.This viewer went in blind to this picture without having seen "Koyaanisqatsi", the previous film in this trilogy. And one doesn't have to have done so. The material has a compelling nature regardless.The title is a Hopi word, explained at the conclusion (before the end credits). It means a life form that consumes other life forms in order to extend its own existence. That pretty much sums up the whole theme of the film right there.One of the most highbrow projects that the legendary Golan-Globus team (of Cannon Group fame) ever made.Seven out of 10.

Great imagery in this movie set to hypnotic music. No story line as we know it, but a look at how the world is changing and becoming more westernized. Some superb filming and thought provoking images. You really need to sit and watch this without interruptions to get the full effect. It's a great insight in seeing aspects of life from civilizations that many of us never experience. A lot of what you see on this film is more than you would if you vacationed at these places as they are far removed from the tourist traps. I find it fascinating to see other cultures and how they live their lives. On many occasions you can witness a lot of western influences on these people - a lot for the worse!!! If you've watched Koyaanisqatsi, then you will more than likely enjoy this. If you haven't seen it, then make that your next one to watch - that movie is based on North American culture. I enjoyed this one!

I was completely unfamiliar with this when I came across it in a second hand store. It looked like something I'd maybe like. I found that to be an extreme understatement. I was glued. I was mesmerized. I was completely taken by this most beautiful piece of work, and piece of art.I so loved watching the manner and methods in which the people in the 3rd world countries performed their jobs and daily tasks. Though one can detect the harshness and agony associated with some people's tasks, there were numerous others where it looked poetic, majestic, and noble. Yes, noble. When contrasted with the scenes of modern society, the city looks utterly ugly, incorrigible, stark, cold, and dead.Are we really at an advantage living in a modern and wealthy civilization? Is not the sweat of the brow still blessed by God if it's done for His glory? Watch this beautiful, superb, disturbing, poetic work of art. See what you yourself glean from it.

According to IMDb.com this film is..."An exploration of the efforts of developing nations and the effect the transition to moderernization has had on them." According to the film itself, the title means (paraphrasing) a life force which consumes other life forces to sustain itself. I saw neither of these in this film and would caution others to beware the advertising. "Powaqqatsi" is a visual feast of scenes of variegated humanity and sweeping cultures stitched together to show the people's of the world, their work and their works, set to powerful orchestration with no narration whatsoever. Just film and music with a strong aesthetic appeal and a very nebulous message. If you're expecting a documentary about globalization, as was I, you'll likely be disappointed. However, if you just want something like National Geographic in slow motion, you're gonna love this flick. (B)