Customer Reviews

The Nature of Existence

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Despite the host being terribly boring, this is still a mildly interesting documentary, but only because it would be hard for this subject matter to not elicit one or two intriguing opinions. However, there was no reason to talk to the "folk artist" about his broken tractor and alligators. Nor do I think the Christian wrestler or the drag racer serve any purpose other than showing some people apply their faith in strange and prosaic ways. These kinds of interviews don't add to the discussion about the nature of existence; they are simply short biographies on people who believe things without giving any good reason to believe them.

If I made a documentary about global warming, I wouldn't include an interview of a farmer who just says, "I'm a farmer and global warming is true." It's irrelevant. In the same vein, filming your obviously-coached neighbor's 7th-grade daughter makes your film seem amateurish and cheesy.

Then there's the goofy man "Aha" who answers "Where do the voices in our head (like our conscience) come from"? with: "From the place where the birds make their sound." Aha is an unkempt, obese, "awakened being" who has several props like a crystal cane, an ankh cross, bead necklace and tarot cards. The filmmaker speaks briefly to scientists like Dawkins and Susskind and skeptic Dr. Shermer but most of the conversations are either with spiritual figures or complete laypersons who give one-liners and there's often no follow-up question to elaborate on what their platitudes mean. E.g., "Truth is what the Torah says." Gee, that's profound.

My biggest criticism of film making in this style is that too often, directors try to cram in dozens of interviews instead of having a few good ones. When someone says something like "Electrons don't really exist," the filmmaker should ask for deeper explanation. Otherwise, it's like saying "Parthenogenesis is possible," and then moving on to another question. I think it's better to watch a debate online between, say, Hitchens and David Wolpe or Sam Harris and Deepak Chopra, because at least there is an opportunity to elaborate on claims with deeper explanation.

Overall, this documentary does not add anything original or particularly memorable to the conversation about the nature of existence. This filmmaker's final statement is something akin to "No one knows anything for sure about existence, but learning is fun and we should keep trying to figure out why we're all here."

This was an eye-opening, uplifting film. And despite the polarizing and controversial topic, it was surprisingly lighthearted and dare I say fun. I think this is because the director made it personal. You feel like you're on a road trip with him, just sitting down and chatting with a bunch of people that are really interesting (and some quite bizarre). Frankly, I'm amazed at the openness and honesty of the interviewees. Nygard must have a real knack for making people feel comfortable and unthreatened. Also, I was impressed by the balanced portrayal of all religions, with no trace of agenda or mockery. This is a film that can build bridges and open dialogue between people of varying viewpoints.

I never thought I could learn about spirituality...and laugh at the same time!! This movie is fabulous! I was lucky enough to see it in one of the Film Festivals and everyone in the audience seemed to agree. Director Roger Nygard saves the viewer a lifetime of searching by visiting the most compelling and quirky spiritual philosophers on the planet. It is quite a journey and well worth seeing.

I went to a screening of "The Nature of Existence" when it was in the theaters last summer. This film provides a lot of food for thought. In fact, it's multi-course meal of interviews with preachers, painters, ascetics, astrophysicists, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, secularists and seventh graders. Along with the interviewees, the viewer gets to chew on such questions as "Why are we here?", "Is there a purpose to it all?", "What happens when we die?' and other meaty topics. In the end, though, the movie is really just an appetizer. The entree comes when the viewer carries on the conversation with friends and family. Just leave room for dessert.

News flash!
This movie is not meant to be a course in Applied Pompous Pseudo-Philosophy. It is more like the real definiton of 'philosophia', love of wisdom. It has something called a sense of humor in it. The Vulcans who wrote the bad reviews can look that up on Wikipedia.
This is not asinine hair-splitting. It's entertaining and thought-provoking, and will be a conversation starter for a diverse audience, not a boring ego convention that many here want it to be.
There's still time to argue at your local community college. Oh, never mind, the Internet was made for porn. And arguing.
How many pinheads can fit on the head of an angel?

This DVD is made to be non judgemental. This is a "box of chocolates" of spiritual ideas. Among the over 6 billion(human) minds now occupying this planet there are over 6 billion different beliefs. Some of these sample beliefs will sound familiar, others will go beyond your comprehesion. Who is to say one of those is not the right belief.

I would have like to get the views of other species but they are not talking.

"To be, or not to be: that is the question:
Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,
Or to take arms against a sea of troubles,
And by opposing end them? To die: to sleep;
No more;" - William Shakespeare

Well "The Nature of Existence (2010 documentary)" is quite befuddling and that it is not a dissertation on existence as much is a survey on obscure and flamboyant religions. Two thirds of this presentation could probably have been cut out unless of course those just having to be the two thirds that you were looking for. I suspect that the presenter Roger Nygard was using this documentary is a way to pay for his vacation.

The drawback in this presentation like many today is that it is an a sound bite snippet format as we bounce back and forth between different people in different locations with different agendas as they get to speak one sentence at a time versus one person in one location with one agenda completing one thought.

Personally I was particularly interested in the interview with the Paiute Tribe. As a kid I was always fascinated by Native American creation stories.

I do not mean to make this presentation appear totally flippant; if you pay attention to some of the questions and answers you may find some insights to "the nature of existence."

Two excellent DVD collections are top picks for general lending libraries looking for discussions of science, spirituality and enlightenment. THE NATURE OF EXISTENCE comes in a special edition, two-DVD set to explore the basics of beliefs in God and perspectives on enlightenment. Humor blends well with a world journey considering different questions ranging from sexuality to mortality and the afterlife. If you like this collection, be sure to also choose the seven-DVD set that enlarges the topics, arranging them on discs suitable for both general and classroom viewing alike. This DVD Companion Series for The Nature of Existence blends philosophy, sociology, psychology and comparative religion alike in a format that lends to quick and easy consideration. Choose the single-disc NATURE OF EXISTENCE first - then pick the entire COMPANION SERIES for more depth and detail. The entire product is outstanding in scope and presentation!

An intelligent film from a director who has devoted much time and effort to seeking answers to timeless spiritual questions. During these interviews, it clear that human consciousness is evolving, and people are outgrowing the dogmas of the past. It is refreshing to see that people across the world are thinking for themselves and no longer want to feel the fear and guilt that is promulgated by some religious doctrines. The message comes across loud and clear: when it comes to faith - there is no proof that anyone is right or wrong. Everyone is entitled to have their unique opinions on spirtual subjects and no one is going to punish them for expressing their intuitive truths.

The film moves along at a brisk pace and offers straightforward, relevant, and meaningful insights into the universal spiritual mindset that is replacing the mythologies of the past.

Roger Nygard was fortunate to get to go out and speak to an interesting variety of people about the titular "Nature of Existence." This is a project I know I would have greatly enjoyed doing myself as it is fascinating to get the perspective of such a diverse group of human beings. This is an excellent series that will be appreciated by people who are open to the possibilities regarding existence. If you have closed your mind and decided that you have the "one true answer" this DVD is not for you. Nygard does an excellent job of getting the subjects of his interviews/discussions to open up and really communicate how they feel about this timeless subject. Mr. Nygard has a well-thought out website that is a companion to this DVD where you can join in on the ongoing conversation about the metaphysical issued raised by this project at [...] I recommend visiting the website so you can answer the 85 questions about your perspective on the Nature of Existence.