Powaqqatsi (1988)

63% of critics liked it
(8 reviews)
82% of users liked it
(4,856 ratings)

Powaqqatsi was the second of the feature-length "non narrative" films produced, directed and co-scripted by Godfrey Reggio. As in his earlier Koyaanisqatsi, Reggio utilizes a collage of sounds and gimmicked-up images to make a comment on modern life. And as in the earlier film, Reggio's onslaught of… More Powaqqatsi was the second of the feature-length "non narrative" films produced, directed and co-scripted by Godfrey Reggio. As in his earlier Koyaanisqatsi, Reggio utilizes a collage of sounds and gimmicked-up images to make a comment on modern life. And as in the earlier film, Reggio's onslaught of imagery is backed up by the music of Philip Glass. This time, Reggio concentrates on Third World cultures, and the way those cultures are perceived and sometimes exploited by the power merchants of the world. Powaqqatsi was supposed to be the second in a trilogy, but wasn't as eagerly embraced by viewers and critics as its popular predecessor. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: G, 1 hr. 35 min.
Directed By: Godfrey Reggio
Written By: Godfrey Reggio, Ken Richards
Genres: Documentary, Drama, Musical & Performing Arts, Art House & International, Special Interest

In Theaters: Apr 29, 1988 Limited
On DVD: Sep 17, 2002
Studio: Cannon Film Distributors

Critic Reviews

Mark Bourne, DVDJournal.com
Reggio's work may be mesmerizing and technically engrossing, but it's also narrowly self-righteous. Instead of expanding our consciousness, he instead seeks to squeeze it into his point of view through a movie that tries to tell us what to think.
Mark Bourne, DVDJournal.com
MGM's DVD release of Powaqqatsi looks just perfect in an anamorphic 1.85:1 transfer. The real stunner, though, is the audio, which comes through super-clean, strong as a bull, and wide open in well-employed Dolby Digital 5.1.
Derek Smith, Cinematic Reflections
'shows the consequences of what we have done in the past and the danger of where we are heading'
Brian Webster, Apollo Guide
You'd be hard-pressed to find another movie that conveys the contrasts of life in the modern world more effectively.
Marty Mapes, Movie Habit
The new MGM DVDs are the best way to see these films, unless you have access to the director's vault
David N. Butterworth, rec.arts.movies.reviews
An exquisite combination of sound and vision.

Read all 6 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Anthony L

Powaqqatsi is not a great follow up to Koyaanisqatsi but it's not all bad. At times It feels like it's trying to imitate his superior older brother too much, never quite catching up and never quite hitting the mark. It deals more with the developing world this time round but… More
Powaqqatsi is not a great follow up to Koyaanisqatsi but it's not all bad. At times It feels like it's trying to imitate his superior older brother too much, never quite catching up and never quite hitting the mark. It deals more with the developing world this time round but never very convincingly. This is covered ground thanks to its predecessor. It is as beautiful as Koyaanisqatsi and this time the camera focuses and lingers a little more, which is welcome to start with but is overused before we reach the end of the film. The music is beautiful but lacks the impact of the first film. A nice film but an unnecessary one, destined to live in the shadows of its older sibling.
Ross C

Disappointing sequel to Koyaanisqatsi. The focus has shifted away from the marvellous wonders of Planet Earth and onto life in developing nations. Although a worthy, interesting portrait it doesn't capture my imagination nor hold my attention anywhere near as well its… More
Disappointing sequel to Koyaanisqatsi. The focus has shifted away from the marvellous wonders of Planet Earth and onto life in developing nations. Although a worthy, interesting portrait it doesn't capture my imagination nor hold my attention anywhere near as well its predecessor. The music is rather irritating too!
Lafe F

This movie is more personable than its predecessor Koyaanisqatsi. The music is tribal and danceable at some parts. It had people in motion with nature; I won't say I understood what it all meant.

Powaqqatsi (1988)

Critic Reviews

Featured Audience Ratings

Anthony L

Ross C

Lafe F

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