Customer Reviews

Darshan: The Embrace

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I have awaited the release of "Darsan" for quite awhile, after having seen a short piece of it as a pre-release tid-bit. It was then that I knew the power of Amma would be brought forth in this work of art by the filmaker, Mr. Jan Kounen. The only thing lacking are the miracles Amma manifests so inconspicuously, as true Saints always do. Amma's life is one ongoing darshan to the world, and this movie is a beginning glimps of how Amma impacts so many around the world, every day, spreading Her self-less love to all, everyone!
This movie is, in reality, a darshan with Amma, as Her energy is permeated throughout, God in a tiny human frame, hugging the world. May you be as moved as I upon seeing this great work of love and unparalleled dedication to those in need of love and direction everywhere. In a world torn with violence and pain, Amma comes to give us hope and a whole lot more. I suggest getting a real hug and kiss from this Divine being, and decide for yourself. Amma awaits with open arms.....
Sincerely,
Atindra Gibbs

Darshan: The Embrace, is truly a film of great inspiration. Rather than focusing on Amma's verbal teachings, the film exquisitely zooms in on Amma's physical presence, her dark radiant face, her arms reaching out to thousands of devotees, her legs barely able to walk after a non-stop 21 hour marathon of constant embracing. Such images say more than words ever can. It brought tears to my eyes.

The film beautifully captures the feel and colorful look of the Indian countryside, and the pure madness, filth and chaos of the cities, as devotees embark with Amma on one of her seemingly endless tours. And what is the final message here? That there is such a thing as Pure Unconditional Love. Is this not a message of hope during our troubed times? Darshan captures what is deeply essential the way all great art does; by taking the viewer


beyond words. --David Fields

Great cinematography and sound, but where is Amma's human heart?
I wish the filmmakers would have more interviews with Amma and her devotees. For the whole movie the viewer stays an outsider to the screen drama... and it is SO different from a real Darshan experience with Her.

Jai Ma

As a devotee of Amma I was eager to watch this film. It is not perfect. I wanted more Amma, speaking to us about love, enlightenment, and how to find peace and purpose in our lives. It is her presence that is compelling. In her presence she projects immense "shakti" or spiritual energy. Her hug in darshan is life-changing. Her wisdom and one-pointed devotion is immense and inspiring. She IS the Mother.

I enjoyed the flashbacks to the early days and the testimonials of devotees who have been in her service since the 70's. Footage of India was spectular, but so much of it gave the film a travelogue flavor.

The final darshan of 45,000 hugs was mesmerizing, a darshan for the viewer...For anyone who has been curious of Ammachi or who is entranced by her radiance, I recommend this film to begin the journey to her heart.

To make a film of one of the greatest saints alive cannot be easy. How do you show what it means to perfectly fulfill the two supreme commandments (to love God with all your heart and love others as yourself) in a two hour movie? The film itself is largely visual. Many scenes do not show Amma herself but the surrounding land of India. This creates an austere, meditative quality that would be lost if there was a documentary voiceover or further commentary.

I think this film is best approached with a devotee's heart. We can take great hope and inspiration from it: that we, too, can live lives of divine compassion and spiritual mastery. It is easy to begin with a sceptical, critical attitude, and that is alright. But when you get to the end of this film you see Amma embrace the crowds, and you learn that she has hugged over 45,000 people for 21 hours without the slightest repose. And when you consider how hard it is for most of us to be loving in our daily lives, how often we fall into conflicts and bitterness even with our closest friends - it becomes clear that she simply must be connected to a spiritual power that is very real and fully transforming.

I believe that future scholars will regard Amma as a great epoch in the spiritual history of the world. She will be talked about with the same reverence as figures like Ramana Maharshi, Mother Teresa, Mahatma Gandhi, and even Buddha and Jesus. It really is a wonderful time in which we live - when we can all see as such a radiant embodiment of God's love walk this earth.

As a longtime devotee of Amma's I found this movie lacking in a few areas. Having been present at the time much of the film was shot, there were so many stories and levels that could have been reflected that were not noted. We patiently watched the filmaker take in so much day after day for months. Much of these clips were not even hinted at.

As for a story about the filmakers experience, I think it is good. As a story of who Amma is, it lacks the information which shows her vast humanitarian projects,spiritual leadership and her worldwide impact.Her mission is simply love and compassion for all.

Many who saw this movie only remembered the white Mercedes Amma got into with terrible memories of another Sprirtual leader in a Gold Rolls in years passed.I am sorry they could not see the millions of dollars that have been donated through Amma's work worldwide by devotees that are benefiting the poor of the world.

Still worthwhile to see. Go to amma.org after you view it for more information.

"Darshan" is much more than an overview of who & what the Divne Mother / Avatar Amachi is; it is also an experience of India - much more real than "Mystic India".

Anyone who has experienced Amma in person will love the footage of her giving darshan to throngs of people in India. It is also a gorgeous look at the beauty and chaos of Indian cities, festivals, and countryside, with timeless portraits of people from all parts of Indian society. I could have done without one more shot of the burning of bodies on the Ganges-must all films about India show that?- but I love the montage of images and music that make up this film. It made me feel as if I was on tour with Amma, and it is a blessing and a huge gift to have such lovely images of her to return to again and again for inspiration.

i'm really glad i own this -- it reminds me a lot of Baraka in that it's much more of an experiential movie than the typical documentary. there's a lot of spectacular cinematography of india just with music, or the ambient sounds of the environment. it makes me feel like i'm a silent observer in the room, rather than being the recipient of a story being told AT me. i love putting this dvd on when i'm feeling blue, or need to quiet down. moving, powerful, and makes me long to go to india.

I watched this film recently, what a piece of art! I love no narration in the documentary. . If you love this film watch Kumbh Mela Songs of the River. Highly recommended!