Koyaanisqatsi

Before all of the technological innovations that make a film like this so much easier to produce & publish today. It’s the standard by which subsequent films of this genre are compared and judged. It captures the frenetic activity that makes a civil society appear chaotic and suicidal in the face of environmental destruction. With a unique musical soundtrack heavy with foreboding and full of the energy of life. It’s repetitive variations have become s signature for this type of film. By its very nature, it is somewhat dated, but none the less a contemporary classic highlighting mans effect on the world around him. It’s themes are more relevant than ever, and even more urgent.

I remember seeing this in 1983 when it came out. Back then there were no drones, no digital cameras. Making this film was in itself a remarkable thing. Watching it, at the age of 20, was like an epiphany. Like nothing ever seen before. And then there's Glass' amazing score, which on it's own is sublime. When superimposed on the film, it's stunning. In 1987 I wss lucky enough to see the film with the Philip Glass Ensemble playing the music live in the theatre's orchestra pit. Unforgettable...

A film for the mind.

There have been other films in the same mode since, including two lesser sequels, and its language has become a commonplace of advertising and music videos. But this is the defining example, the first, best, most effective and most striking. Beautiful photography, often sped up or slowed down to reveal underlying patterns of movement, combines with what is unquestionably Phillip Glass's finest film score to build a thrilling and terrifying picture of modern America (well, 70s and 80s, but not much important has changed) that is both a celebration of its achievements and condemnation of its faults. I first saw Koyaanisqatsi back in its 1980s heyday and have watched it *many* times since, and it's still a stunner after all these years. The later stages in particular - Pruitt Igoe and The Grid - I could watch time and again. It is deeply textured, tremendously sad, joyous, exciting and profound. You can read facile environmental messages into it - and they are there and remarkably prescient - but the sum is much more than that, a hymn to our great civilisation and this wonderful planet we live on. It's not undemanding - you have to engage with it, you have to commit - but it's absolutely worth the effort. If you haven't seen it and you even vaguely think you're interested, I urge you to give it a try - with 90 minutes of nothing else to do, except maybe sip a glass of wine. You won't regret it. The clothing may have dated, the essence probably never will.

This is one of the best films ever made. If you see this and like it I urge you to try "BARAKA" which is a film in a similar vein and, if possible, is even more beautiful to watch

Might not to be for everyones film taste but it's a five star for me ! Superbly put together - not a word spoken - no actors - brilliant musical score - first class photography. By the time time you reach the end you will almost certainly be asking yourself a question or two.

Stunning and extremely influential film.

To me (someone who enjoys more orthodox films) this documentary is in no way entertaining, or artistic, it looks like something pulled off youtube. If you prefer films with a plot, or even dialogue leave this film, in my opinion it's awful. Some may disagree...i don't really care.

It will either help you reflect on life, or else it will bore you rigid. It's interesting that although Reggio apparently meant the film as a counterblast to conformity in everyday life, like all great works of art, it is not simply propaganda. It lets you find your own message within it. Worried about the fate of the natural world? That's what it's about. Fearful of new technology reducing humanity to serfdom? You'll find that too. Looking for a cinematic hymn of praise to that same new technology? You'll be happy too. My guess is that most people will agree on one thing - it is beautiful. A glorious piece of eye-candy that is married brilliantly with Glass' music. Surely most pretentious TV ads from the last 20 years have been influenced by the visual language this film creates. Half close your eyes and you might almost imagine it's selling you financial services or a car. I think it's brilliant. Will you?

After watching this film you will think about your life differently. Same with the other two films, naqoyqatsi and powaqqatsi. Therapy in film form.