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56 of 63 found the following review helpful:
This might be the only review you'll need to read. Although, some may want to argue as if my opinion is irrelivant.Nov 09, 2002
By Rykre
"The Rogue Scholar"
When I first watched this film last night, I was rather disappointed. It was different in a BIG way from "Koyaanisqatsi". I then went to sleep going over the images that I saw in this film as I slept. The next morning, I had myself set down to watch it again. I learned this time, that my perspective was all wrong. I thought, probably just like everybody else, that this second installment of the "qatsi" trilogy was suppose to be more of what we saw in "Koyaanisqatsi." We shouldn't think this way at all. Don't connect these two films as if they have to be watched as one before the other. They ARE two separate projects with two separate ideas to be viewed with the mind's eye. You don't need to see "Koyaanisqatsi" first in order to understand Godfrey's next film "Powwaqatsi".
"Powaqqatsi" is a masterful piece of work addressing a cold and/or warm view of several third world countries. Godfrey Reggio gave us this visual exactly as we should see it. Maybe it wasn't as FUN to watch as "Koyaaniqatsi", but, I really don't think Reggio is trying to entertain us, as much as he is trying to inform us about our world without the use of words. Which, in itself, is an act of genius. To tell us what he is showing us, would present it all as "some guy's opinion" which could arouse doubt and argument. He gave us the world in a way that allows us to say what we see and can form our own opinion of what we see. This allows everyone to walk away from this film with a different perspective than somebody sitting right beside them watching it.
This film is definitely very colorful. There is beauty in the devastation. Plus there is unpleasant discourse in what seems to present a sense of order. All in all, it's a window to another part of the world that we may never see in our own real lives.
However, if you still have doubts about the integrity of "Powaqqatsi." Think of this DVD as a great music video collection from "Philip Glass". The music on this DVD is truly awesome! And much more glorifying, as a whole, than the music of "Koyaanisqatsi". "Powaqqatsi" is a great DVD to have on to listen to when you don't feel like watching ANY TV.
"Powaqqatsi" is it's own masterpiece! It doesn't necessarily have to be seen as a follow-up. You don't need to see "Koyaanisqatsi" first to allow you to understand this film. And the third film in the "qatsi" trilogy, is also its own work of art. It too, should not be perceived as, something that you should watch, ONLY after you've watched the first two.
I hope my review has optimistically enhanced your perspective.
24 of 28 found the following review helpful:
Please watch this trilogy in order.Sep 09, 2003
By FrontPage
Powaqqatsi (1988) is the second DVD in the Qatsi trilogy, an I suggest that you consider watching this release second. The first to view is Koyaanisqatsi (1983); the third, Naqoyqatsi (2002). With the filming of the trilogy taking over 20 years to complete, the advances in the music, technology and filming makes me suggest that you start from the beginning to watch how things have changed in that time. POWA (Powaqqatsi) focuses on life for people mainly in the southern hemisphere. Please also view my review of KOYA (Koyaanisqatsi), which I will complete shortly after submitting this. I plan to soon purchase NAQO (Naqoyqatsi) and will review that as well (obviously I found the film concept entertaining). KOYA focuses on the northern hemisphere's lifestyles of living with technology in all aspecfts of their lives while POWA shows life that is more driven by manual labor. Yet as the movie progresses, you see more and more hints of the introduction of technology, which will inevitably wind up permeating and consuming the current culture. Watch for the placement of a SEIKO billboard, which really stuck in my mind. It can be difficult not to feel some sense of pain for the people's lifestyles, but please stay open- minded to an understanding that perhaps the lifestyle that DP's Graham Berry and Leonidas Zourdoumis documented is what the subjects being filmed are most comfortable with. Watching POWA first, however, may take the whole trilogy out of order and context for you. That's why I suggest that you purchase the two- DVD set. And I'm sure that plans have been in the works to release the trilogy as a boxed set. Make certain also to watch director Godfrey Reggio's comments (highlighted with composer Philip Glass). They give insight into filming and Reggio also addresses viewer/critic feedback. One sharp criticism I wanted to note was that Glass used some of the music in this film years later for the runaway hit "Truman Show" (Jim Carrey, 1998). How silly and petty to reuse a score in a completely different movie, which I feel should be a Cardinal sin. I had to try tuning out Truman in my mind while watching POWA, and I scold Glass for recycling his music. That was an absolutely pathetic decision for him to make. The transfer from the film to DVD (MGM/UA 1003767) was sweet. The colors seemed stunning and saturated. Make certain, however to try having your monitor calibrated to get the full impact of the hues, colors and tones. Tech specs: 1988, color, 97 minutes, 1.85:1 screen aspect ratio; optional French and Spanish subtitles for English text (there is absolutely NO dialogue in POWA), which is used at the end of the film to give description of term "Powaqqatsi" (and also for any prominent text on some billboards or televisions). A postscript: Baraka (filmed by Ron Fricke, 1992) isn't related to the trilogy, but should be in your collection if you enjoy any of these. However watch Baraka last, because to me it is the benchmark in this type of filmmaking. You may feel a slight letdown KOYA and POWA if Baraka is viewed first. Chronos (1985), another by Fricke, is an alternate choice, but the weakest of these.
10 of 11 found the following review helpful:
 Haunting, overwhelming and stangely hopefulJul 23, 1999
Video is no way to see Powaqqatsi or Koyaanisqatsi, seeing it on the big screen is the only way to capture Reggio's brilliant work. But if it is your only option, don't pass it up. I never imagined Reggio could follow up Koyaanisqatsi with such a gem...it gives me hope the third movie in the trilogy, Naqoyqatsi, will be as brilliant. Powaqqatsi shocks you out of the comfort of your safe middle class (or better) existence and reminds you that we are very much in the minority with our creature comforts. Yet, despite the haunting images and the curious juxtaposition of the Glass music, the film leaves you with courage that the human animal can rise above the harsh realities of the current state of our economically segregated world. These two movies changed my life. If you ever get a chance to see Glass perform the sound track live while he shows either move, don't miss it at any price. Now, where can I get my copy?
9 of 10 found the following review helpful:
Visual and Sonic MasterpieceApr 30, 2002
By A. Segal-Isaacson
Another amazing film by Geoffrey Reggio, following up on the wonderful Koyaanisqatsi. While K was mostly landscapes, P has more shots of people. Both are essentially music videos: pictures and sound with no story. Both, however, do have a message about the qualities of modern life and some of its destructive potential. Score by Philip Glass is more world music than previous Glass scores, and has the same driving and evocative power that his score for K has. This film is visually stunning and like K should be seen on a large screen if possible, but still is powerful even on the smaller screen.
9 of 11 found the following review helpful:
Moving and Mind StimulatingApr 14, 2005
By L. Shirley
"Laurie's Boomer Views"
This review refers to "Powaqqatsi"(DVD)...
"Qatsi" is the Hopi word for life. "Powaqqatsi"("Life In Transformation") is the second in Director Godfrey Reggio's "Qatsi" trilogy. "Koyannisqatsi" ("Life Out of Balance") is the first part and "Naqoyqatsi" ("Life as War" ) the third. A combination of great talents working together as one bring to film the most visually and musically stunning experiences.
In "Powaqqatsi" , once again Reggio and Composer Phillip Glass collaborate this time with photographers Graham Berry and Leonida Zourdoumis for yet another mesmerizng experience. Images of cultures from underdeveloped countries, and their ancient ways, toiling to make a life, set to Glass' genius will have you hypnotized.
I suggest watching the first one, and taking time to absorb it and watching the second later on. These are films to be discussed, as each person may take something different away with them. And each time you view it, the experience may be different for you.
The DVD does justice to this wonderful piece of art. The pictures in widescreen are crystal clear, colors vibrant and gorgeous. The sound is in Dolby Dig 5.1, and with the music being the dialouge for these films, adds greatly to the whole experience. There are trailers for the trilogy, and some insightful commentary by the filmakers. This commentary is in the form of a featurette, not viewed during the film.
"Koyannisqatsi"(also a beautiful DVD) and "Powaqqatsi" may also be purchased in a more economical two pack(each in their own case).
You'll want to make sure that when you watch these films, you will not have any interuptions. You will not even be able to tear yourself away from a minute of these moving and mind stimulating events. So turn of the cell phone, pagers and make sure the kids are tucked safely away!
Enjoy...Laurie
also recommended:
Short Cinema Journal 1:3 - Authority
Three Colors Trilogy (Red / White / Blue) [Import](All-region)(Remastered)
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