Samsara (2011)

Samsara. A non-dialogue documentary that subverts all our expectations. The magnificent shots taken in 25 countries over 5 years are spellbinding. Accompanied by a hypnotic soundtrack, ultimately replacing the dialogue. The need for a narration is non-existent as it is simply embodied into a musical arrangement; allowing you to perceive the images in any way you wish. It may not seem like your cup of tea, but I didn't believe it was mine either. I was expecting to start snoring around thirty minutes in...luckily that didn't actually happen. I was extremely surprised to enjoy it, and more importantly, see the whole thing through! The term, ‘Samsara’ refers to the wheel of life; birth, death, rebirth and all the fascinating journeys in between. In terms of different perceptions, I felt that it represented the harsh realities of our world. Many juxtaposing shots helped to explore this; the brutal cycle of the conditions of manufacturing a product, to the buying by the consumers. A reality check does not even begin to describe what this documentary is portraying. Thought-provoking imagery on the issues of poverty, religion, culture and the natural beauty of our planet. As captivating as this experience was, it is not one to watch late at night or after only having 5 hours of sleep. The music, although mesmerising, can also be mistaken for sleep-inducing. Despite this, I urge many people to experience this documentary for all it’s worth: a stunning masterpiece.