Discover the Gift (I) (2010) User Reviews

I enjoyed it

[panta-4 · 8/10 · 6 July 2021]

OK... I see someone gave it a half star... so I guess this is not for everyone. It is an amazing documentary which reveals a lot if you are open to grow... but if you are someone who follows certain teaching which are always attached to unchangeable dogma - stay away from this!

Amazing interviews, many people who know what are they talking about, and few stowaways jumped but you will recognize them according to their deeds (or just talk) - all trying to let us know that the most powerful and most misunderstood force of this universe is LOVE... Albert Einstein said it - and all the people in this documentary agree with it.

I liked most of it, with the exception of "self-stimulating spirituality" of the Lichtenstein family! That part seemed cheesy! But I will leave that to you...

What is the Gift?

[grodemann · 10/10 · 28 June 2011]

I can't say that I've seen too many inspirational movies like Discover the Gift, at least not in their entirety. Like most movies that have a corresponding book, I usually prefer the book more than the movie and the same is true here. However the movie does a really good job of expressing the book in the time allotted, It's almost as if the book is being narrated by the family remembering the incidents that brought this book into print. All of this is set to rather soothing, almost hypnotic soundtrack that plays through the majority of the movie.

As for the content, I don't really want to spoil anything for you. There's a bit of a build up to finding out what the Gift is, and all the other original ideas Discover the Gift presents. In all honesty It's the wrapping the Gift comes in that impresses me the most. The Ideas are presented through the family experiences of Shajen Joy Aziz and her brother. These family experiences are really what makes this movie stand out from anything like it I've seen.

a gift in itself

[gdt07 · 25 July 2011]

I'm often cynical when it comes to these kind of movies, but this one quickly changed my mind just like 15 minutes in. It felt really genuine and the lessons it attempts to teach are truly deep. Watching it gave me that feeling of having butterflies in my stomach. I felt really bubbly because all of a sudden I was so hopeful about what my future could hold. On top of it I also got this sense of relief because I was finally able to let go of so many grudges that I had been holding on to. Its not quite so much a movie you see but a movie you experience. And unless you take a couple of hours to enjoy the experience, let go and let the lessons sink in, its quite impossible for you to understand what you're missing out on.

Discover it!

[smorales3308 · 10/10 · 28 June 2011]

Why is that we do the things we do; why is that we like the things we like. It is an interesting thought! I love it! It is so important to understand yourself. Trying to improve your emotional intelligence might sound simple and easy, but in reality it is as hard as it can be!! In the movie "Discover the Gift" this is explained through awesome interviews and examples. The Dalai Lama, Michael Bernard Beckwith and Ravi Shankar along with many other motivational speakers helped to create a spectacular stepping stone to achieve 'emotional intelligence' and to find what is that you that you have to offer to the world. Some of the things that they talk about had been in my heart for years, but I had never been able to put it on words. In conclusion, I recommend this movie to everybody; not only for those who may seem lost!

A Wonderful Bit of Happiness

[hays24 · 10/10 · 14 July 2011]

Can it ever be spoken that there are solutions to life to help people overcome the weary and the mundane? That is what Discover the Gift is all about. Demien Lichtenstein goes through a long journey to discover this new world of development. However, Demien's journey is not the only thing that happens. He goes through his journey and what it means for him to be self enlightened by this new way of thought. The movie is not entirely about him as well. Demien invites many other religious figures and spiritual leaders to add a word or two on the subject as well. People like His Holiness Dalai LamaI, Mark Victor Hansen, Niurka, Cheryl Hunter, Dr. Sue Morter, Sir Ken Robinson, David Wolfe, and Jack Canfield add a very complimentary commentary on the matter and make the presentation of the subject accessible to the ordinary people like me and you. The art work throughout the entire movie is absolutely breath taking as they use digital effects to create spectacular images of relaxation and to illustrate their points clearly. The best part of this movie is the touching story between Demien Lichtenstein and his sister, Shajen Joy Aziz. I really enjoyed Discover the Gift for its sentimentality and I think you will too.

Spiritual Journeys and Their Milestones

[EMFilmGeek · 10/10 · 24 June 2011]

On my free time, I like investing in my personal growth. Sometimes I get this done by watching documentaries such as What the BLEEP, The Secret, and read books such as Eckhart Tolle's the Power of Now and New Earth, but nothing has struck such a chord with me like Discover The Gift did. It sheds light on our connection with each other, and even stars the Dalai Lama sharing his thoughts on the power of compassion and love. What I love most about this documentary is the several different approaches, ideas, and speakers that are featured providing a way in for not just me but others who have different views and ideas about their experiences. I usually stick to either the documentary, or the book – not both. But there were lots of advantages to having the book format, most notably the exercises in the book, the mandalas, and of course its portability. The "re-watchability" value of Discover The Gift is high – it's extremely informative and covers a wide-range of topics that are engaging still, even as stand-alone pieces.

Knock Off Of "The Secret"

[charlesxa3 · 3/10 · 19 July 2013]

What a bunch of malarkey. Welcome to the world of Demian Lichtenstein and Discover the Gift, a self-indulgent movie where a guy (who could be the least qualified person ever) tells you the secret to life.

The movie uses interviews to give people advice on their life, focusing primarily on Lichtenstein. He claims to have a rough life, and discusses his anger with his sister. Text book definition of "first world problems". It's literally a movie about his temper.

Now I've never really liked any of this spiritual mumbo-jumbo, and some of these interviews are preposterous and pointless. Many are equally self-indulgent. But the biggest flaw of the movie is that it is a collection of interviews where people act like car salesmen- they speak a lot, without saying much.

My issue is not so much with the movie, but with the main character of the film itself. Demian Lichtenstein is known for his violent and sexist movies (3000 Miles To Graceland, Venus and Vegas). The movies he's made are the complete opposite to this movie. He's also infamously discredited his co-author and replaced her with his sister, another self-indulgent schoolteacher. The uncredited co-author ended up suing him.

My main point? Why the hell would I believe this guy has the answer to life's questions? Watch the movie with a critical eye. Movies are fake, and this one's no different.

Inspired me to think deeply

[ajamesbombard · 10/10 · 24 June 2011]

This is one of those rare films that makes you think about its theme days after watching it. I probably will be thinking about this one for a while. This movie states that we all have a gift then it proceeds to instruct the audience on how to reach their full potential. However, that description of the film does not due it justice. Discover the Gift is so much deeper. During and after this film I felt inspired to do something and to make changes in my life. I haven't felt the rushing energy coursing through my body, since I was a young boy in church hearing the inspirational words of my favorite pastor. This movie brought me back to that feeling, the tingling in my arms, the feeling that I can do anything, and that it's only a question as to whether I will. Overall, this is a film everyone should see. If you are looking to watch something to motivate you, I strongly recommend Discover the Gift.

its a mystery

[orangish-64368 · 2/10 · 13 June 2021]

Why are so many cults making documentaries these days?

Discover Your Gift & Change Your Life

[JackIsBackAgain08 · 13 July 2011]

The other night I tried to get into Transformers 3 and when it was sold out, my girlfriend suggested we go back to her place to watch Discover The Gift. The film begins with some background information about the director (Demian Lichtenstein) and how he learned about this invisible power that lives inside each one of us. As Demian travels on his enlightened journey not only does he interview the Dali Lama, but also Niurka, Jack Canfield, Dr. Sue Morter and several others. It even features some actresses that are featured in Will Ferrell's Casa de mi Padre, as well as the remake of The Girl With Dragon Tattoo coming out later this year. What made this a surprisingly great film for me was by the way it can reshape lives. I'm hoping it can do the same for me because I'm in the process of entering the real world after college, and desperately need a job as soon as possible. After watching the film, my explanation to discovering your gift is to experience laughter, freedom, love, and many other positive feelings. If you are able to do that or at least mask any negatives aspects that you encounter in your life then great things will happen for you.

Inspirational and Uplifting

[clarkstein · 4/10 · 29 June 2011]

Discover the Gift is an inspirational film from director/producer Demian Lichtenstein (3,000 Miles to Graceland). The audience follows his spiritual journey to self-fulfillment and reconciliation to his estranged family. Along the way, dozens of motivational speakers and spiritual gurus are interviewed (including David "Avocado" Wolfe, Sir Ken Robinson, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama) and shed light upon the path to inner peace and discovering one's gift. It is in these parts of the film where the film is at its strongest; the wisdom and insight displayed by them has opened my mind and my heart. The parts of the film that follows Lichtenstein's path to fulfillment are told in retrospect and therefore feel a bit weak but he makes up for it with beautiful scenery and masterful cinematography. The film offers other perspectives and Lichtenstein emphasizes that his journey is unique to him. And that is the ultimate point of the film, that one must open his/her mind and heart up to find their own path. But it is the how that is the hard part (or is it really that hard?) If you are at all interested in improving your life, check out Discover the Gift.