Baraka (1992)

A collection of expertly photographed scenes of human life and religion.

Director:

Ron Fricke

Writers:

Ron Fricke (concept), Mark Magidson (concept)

2 wins & 1 nomination.

Storyline

Without words, cameras show us the world, with an emphasis not on "where," but on "what's there." It begins with morning, natural landscapes and people at prayer: volcanoes, water falls, veldts, and forests; several hundred Balinese Hindu men perform kecak, the monkey chant. Indigenous peoples apply body paint; whole villages dance. The film moves to destruction of nature via logging, blasting, and strip mining. Images of poverty, rapid urban life, and factories give way to war, concentration camps, and mass graves. Ancient ruins come into view, and then a sacred river where pilgrims bathe and funeral pyres burn. Prayer and nature return. A monk rings a huge bell; stars wheel across the sky.

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Plot Keywords:

human nature | environmental education | world culture | working conditions | environment | 

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Taglines:

A world beyond words.

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Genres:

Documentary

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

None

Release Date:

19 November 1993 (USA)

Also Known As:

Baraka - Eine Welt jenseits der Worte

Filming Locations:

Rajasthan, India

Box Office

Budget:

$2,000,000 (estimated)

Gross USA:

$1,250,322

Company Credits

Production Co:

Magidson Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

96 min

Sound Mix:

70 mm 6-Track (70 mm prints) Dolby SR (35 mm prints)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.20 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Was filmed by a five person crew over a period of 14 months in 24 countries across 6 continents.

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Goofs

The city Istanbul is misspelled in the movie twice, as Instanbul.

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Connections

Referenced in Rogue One (2016)

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Soundtracks

Varanasi Sunrise
[Excerpt: "Wandering Saint" from "Expressions of Impressions". Performed and composed by L. Subramaniam. (P) 1985 Sonic Atmospheres and Sonic Edge Records. Courtesy of Sonic Atmospheres and Sonic Edge Records]
Music Composed and performed by Michael Stearns
Edited By Miguel Rivera
(P)© Magidson Films, Inc. Manufactured under license from Varèse Sarabande Records, Inc. U.S.A. by Colosseum Music Entertainment GmbH, Germany

User Reviews

A milestone of revelation

'Baraka' is a work of art which rates amongst the greatest achievements in the field. As with any masterwork, it is something one will have to pursue. For those that seek it out at the proper time, 'Baraka' can act as a milestone of revelation. What the viewer takes from this film will solely be determined by the life experience they bring to it. 'Baraka' is unique in that it actually requires a commitment of time and concentration. This is a film that communicates its message without utilizing standard film language. Those that try to make the images conform to the conventional notions of Hollywood story telling are likely to give up in frustration. For a film with no plot,characters or dialog, it communicates an astonishing number of profound themes. Those who are familiar with National Geographic or the works of David Attenbourough will have little trouble in identifying the fascinating locals and tribes, but be forewarned: there are reasons that there are no subtitles or text on screen. Personal discovery is at the heart of the filmmaker's intentions. The ambient soundtrack by Michael Sterns weaves the images together on a separate plain, producing a hypnotic pathway for the images to flow. Once you allow yourself to be pulled along by this current of sound the images will link themselves together and the true revelations hidden within 'Baraka' will make themselves apparent. You may find as I did that your subconscious will be at work on 'Baraka' for many weeks after the experience, unlocking doors to a greater understanding.