Koyaanisqatsi - Life Out of Balance (1982)
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89% of critics liked it
(18 reviews) -
91% of users liked it
(14,300 ratings)
An art-house circuit sensation, this feature-length documentary is visually arresting and possesses a clear, pro-environmental political agenda. Without a story, dialogue, or characters, Koyaanisqatsi (1983) (the film's title is a Hopi word roughly translated into English as "life out of… More An art-house circuit sensation, this feature-length documentary is visually arresting and possesses a clear, pro-environmental political agenda. Without a story, dialogue, or characters, Koyaanisqatsi (1983) (the film's title is a Hopi word roughly translated into English as "life out of balance") is composed of nature imagery, manipulated in slow motion, double exposure or time lapse, juxtaposed with footage of humans' devastating environmental impact on the planet. Starting with an ancient rock wall painting, the film moves through sequences depicting clouds, waves, and other natural features, then into man-made landscapes such as buildings, earth-altering construction machinery, and cars. The message of director Godfrey Reggio is clear: humans are destroying the planet, and all of human progress is pointlessly foolish. Also notable for its intense, atmospheric score by new age composer Philip Glass, Koyaanisqatsi (1983) was a labor of love for Reggio, who spent several years filming it. The film was followed by sequels, Powaqqatsi (1988), Anima Mundi (1991) and Naqoyqatsi (1999). ~ Karl Williams, Rovi
- Directed By
- Godfrey Reggio
- Written By
- Michael Hoenig, Ron Fricke
- Genres
- Documentary, Special Interest
- In Theaters
- Feb 1, 1983 Wide
- On DVD
- Sep 17, 2002
- Studio
- New Cinema
Critic Reviews
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Mark Bourne, DVDJournal.com
Whether or not the movie exposes a world that is manifestly out of balance, Reggio and Glass's liturgy is that rarest of art forms: an avant-garde work with purpose and substance that also succeeds as entertainment.
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Martin Scribbs, Low IQ Canadian
Relentlessly concerned with the surface reality of human life, Koyaanisqatsi completely misses the inner beauties and dignities of man-made civilization.
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Derek Smith, Cinematic Reflections
'A magnificent, eye-opening experience'
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Gerry Shamray, Sun Newspapers of Cleveland
Jaw dropping photography. A unique experience.
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James Sanford, Kalamazoo Gazette
Unique and fascinating; great Philip Glass score
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