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Overrated and overhyped

If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

It is encouraging that the film ends so strongly.Otherwise, it wouldn't have been a particularly memorable film

Personally, I think that the 3 movies that are part of the Qatsi trilogy are also some of the most beautiful, poignant and original documentaries ever made.This marvelous trilogy show the viewers about the beauty of the world, nature and people, but it also is able to show what kind of chaos and tragedies could be generated in the modern society, and also makes the viewer think about the relationship of mankind with technology. And the most incredible part of it, is that it doesn't need words or pretentious speeches to do that: Only with images and music, Godfrey Reggio is able to communicate us an important message about the role that humans play on the planet Earth.On the visual level "Powaqqatsi" is equally impressive as "Koyaanisqatsi", having some of the most memorable and beautiful scenes in the history of cinema. It follows the same wonderful style of that previous film, and it also prepares us for the chaos present in Naqoyqatsi.Each film of the trilogy is unique, wonderful and outstanding, and personally I think that the Qatsi trilogy is one of the highest achievements in the history of cinema.

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.

The imagery, metaphors and sound track in this, the second of the Glass/Reggio trilogy, are, in my opinion, better than those in Koyanisqatsi (1982). As much as I admired the latter, it did concentrate on the 'life-out-of-balance' scene in USA, to the exclusion of the bulk of the world's population.Powaqqatsi redresses that imbalance...and adds the second chapter in this trilogy.First, a few words about the music, a choral and orchestral mix that is simply spine-chilling and transcendental at the same time, a thematic tour-de-force that celebrates the almost tireless strength and perseverance of today's pre-industrial world, which encompasses South America, Africa, India and China. It's worth seeing this film just to listen to that music, in my opinion.The visual, however, is just as compelling, beginning – and briefly ending – with scenes from an earthly hell: the gold mines at Serra Pelada – Bald Mountain – somewhere in Brazil, where the workers march to the lure of riches, accompanied by staccato tom-toms, to carry bags of gold-flecked earth to the top of a ridge for collection. This is work at its meanest... and often most grueling, as shown by two men bearing a stricken worker on their backs to the top.But, it's not all bad. Sparkling images of boats on the sea; glistening sunlight shimmering; a lone eagle silhouetted against an evening sun; masses of people celebrating in dance; reflections, in water, of people walking; an amazing shot of a tree reflected in water...All of which segues into the modern accoutrements that enhance and yet which begin the process of enslavement to the god of consumerism: trains in motion; videos on TV; the crowded commercial areas in China, Africa and India (watching a cricket game, no less); industrial smog; garbage dumps; bizarre bazaars; international trade; commuter trains and boats, staggering under the load of humanity that joins the daily rush, rush, rush...except for one little girl who stops and stares at the camera for the longest time, watching, thinking, wondering...You could argue, I suppose, that the negative side of industrial development is over-done; I'm sure many would see this film in that regard. However, considering the time that this film was made – twenty years ago – I tend to think that the negativity is appropriate because much is now worse, particularly in China and India, where unchecked development is – literally – a smoking time bomb of industrial pollution.Powaqqatsi's message about life on earth going the wrong way is spot on: from the despair in the eyes of workers as they grind away at their wheels or machines, to somber children facing the camera, to once again the symbolically crucified worker on the backs of his co-workers at Serra Pelada, every person who sees this must pause and reflect upon themselves and their purpose on this earth, however imperfectly, just as those who, in the final scene, often see themselves reflected in shimmering water – but ever moving, walking, jostling forward to, we all hope, better times and bigger rewards.At the end of this film, the viewer learns that powaqqatsi is formed by the combination of two Hopi Indian words: 'powaq', meaning 'sorcerer' and 'qatsi' meaning 'life'. Thus – life sorcerer, one who has power over life and death.Was it Pogo who said: I have seen the enemy and they is us? See this movie and answer for yourself.

I saw Koyaanisqatsi several times in the late eighties and was truly mesmerized. After that Powaqqatsi was a true disappointment. I didn't understand it, to be honest.Many years later I bought the DVDs and saw them both recently. I still like Koyaanisqatsi, even if it couldn't meet my great expectations. But now Powaqqatsi emerged as a true beauty!I find the photography and music far superior to that of Koyaanisqatsi. Real people, instead of land- and cityscapes (even if wonderful). Some of the Powaqqatsi scenes are simply breathtaking. African women in clear red cloth against the desert sand, the introductory (horrible) scene from the Brazilian mine, etc, etc.I strongly recommend all those that were utterly disappointed 10 years ago to see Powaqqatsi again!