Today I saw Lucky People International in my Visual Culture class. It made me do my first review here in IMDb because it was different and I can honestly say that it is quite difficult to see something original these days. Along the move I tried to figure out how to answer the question "What is it about?" in one sentence, but I failed. I highly recommend the film to people who want something original, something Â… hmm, a documentary musical about cultural differences Â… that's a nice description in one sentence. I give it 8 out of 10 which for me is Excellent! The reason is that it has such a good soundtrack you can't tell it is 1998 movie. It is beautifully directed and even though, there might be some complains about some gore parts, I'll go on and prepare the ladies - it's a documentary and tribal rituals almost always have some kind of sacrifice. Other than that I think the move is relaxing (mainly due to the perfect soundtrack) and all the time I was imagining myself watching it at home with friends and a hookah (narghile). Well I don't want to plant my opinion on the move to anyone who hasn't watched it yet and has the rare opportunity to do so, so I'll only add: highly recommended. Enjoy if you find it, and tell me where you found it.
11 Reviews
A musical journey around the world
that_guy-226 April 2006
Whilst watching this movie, I kept comparing it to "Baraka". About half way through, I started kicking myself and started trying to judge this film on its own merits.
Looking back, comparisons to "Baraka" seemed like a fair touchstone to judge this movie. Whilst "Baraka" relies almost entirely on vision to not only take you on a journey, but to deliver a vaguely anti-consumerism message, Lucky People Centre relies more on music and spoken word to portray its message.
Whilst I'm not claiming that Baraka's message is muted, or hard to find, Lucky People Centre is a little more obvious with its back-to-nature-and-warning-about-the-future message.
Visually stunning, with an eclectic set of characters ranging from an Indian Guru to Maori singers (a personal highlight is the millennium Haka).
Definitely has more than one viewing in it, and would be a perfect movie for the dance music freak, anti-globalisation nut or anyone who enjoys a movie that doesn't fit into the normal boundaries of cinema
Looking back, comparisons to "Baraka" seemed like a fair touchstone to judge this movie. Whilst "Baraka" relies almost entirely on vision to not only take you on a journey, but to deliver a vaguely anti-consumerism message, Lucky People Centre relies more on music and spoken word to portray its message.
Whilst I'm not claiming that Baraka's message is muted, or hard to find, Lucky People Centre is a little more obvious with its back-to-nature-and-warning-about-the-future message.
Visually stunning, with an eclectic set of characters ranging from an Indian Guru to Maori singers (a personal highlight is the millennium Haka).
Definitely has more than one viewing in it, and would be a perfect movie for the dance music freak, anti-globalisation nut or anyone who enjoys a movie that doesn't fit into the normal boundaries of cinema
Best movie yet...
jogudmun1 November 2006
... Through the years i've seen movies which have impressed me in a way where i got a feeling that there were intelligent movie makers out there, saying and doing something relevant. Movies like; Harold & Maude, Catch-22, Bad Boy Bubby, Nashville, And the ship sails on, Last exit to Brooklyn... were like that to me.
But when I saw those movies again some 10-15 years later, none of them was that impressive anymore...
Now i've seen LPCI two times, first in 1999 and now 7 years later. It's impact on me was the same on both viewings.
It is the most human and least pretentious movie iv'e seen. It has the purest aesthetics mixed with the most honest philosophy, i've witnessed in any art. It reveals the essence of man in the universe, in a way which is unabsorbed by trivialities. It is very relevant, very humble and very beautiful, and I think it has a potential of curing stupidity.
But when I saw those movies again some 10-15 years later, none of them was that impressive anymore...
Now i've seen LPCI two times, first in 1999 and now 7 years later. It's impact on me was the same on both viewings.
It is the most human and least pretentious movie iv'e seen. It has the purest aesthetics mixed with the most honest philosophy, i've witnessed in any art. It reveals the essence of man in the universe, in a way which is unabsorbed by trivialities. It is very relevant, very humble and very beautiful, and I think it has a potential of curing stupidity.
hard to find, but excellent movie to see
h4vr4n5 September 2006
Warning: Spoilers
One of the best documentary films I ever seen. I liked the way, how the differences of our society, nature, culture are trying to divide us and how easy music connecting people in one complex entity again. I totally agree with a theory, that we are dancing and singing apes although speaking and using PC's:)) The music is really a one of the best parts of it. The mixture of tribal and tech beats are very nice. I recommend to buy soundtrack or other LP's from Lucky People Center group. This kind of movies are bringing peace and tranquility to our minds. There is only one small problem. I could not find the seller of this movie. It's possible to see it after you download compressed version from any p2p service, but quality is low (don't forget to download English subtitles too, the movie in p2p I found only with Swedish ones) and you have to find it first of course. Anybody find the way how or where to buy this movie, please let me know:)))
There is a hope for the world after all.
nicklas2 December 1998
Lucky People Center International takes us on a journey around the world, navigating by means of people's inner life. The use of music and rhythm and the pulsating form of the film are reminiscent of the aesthetic tools of music videos, and provide a fresh approach to documentary filming.The film team spent two years travelling the world looking for people and ways of living reflecting the world as it approaches the year 2000. The people we meet open different doors to belief and life-affirming vigour, and embody different stances in a world characterised by unrelenting change. Dreams, a sense of quest and critical thinking are seen to be matters of concern for all life on earth. We encounter voodoo powers, the investigative methods of a brain research scientist, Buddhism's view of death, a former porn actress and her thoughts on pleasure, a banker and his ecstatic needs, and much more, all held together by musical rhythms and the song of the gibbon.
heartfelt comments
oddjobrod6 November 2000
A beautiful, perfectly edited ethnographic film that fills you with joy and sorrow and makes you want to change yourself and your world. Great tunes composed by the Swedish crew who break new ground with their non-linear sound/narration/music combinations.
life changing experience
maciejwlo21 August 2020
Do not think it's another boring documentary
Drastmir20006 March 2001
This is an experience. When I saw the movie I thought it was longer than 85 minutes, maybe as long as 2 hours. And I mean this in a good way. I've seen it twice, and I'm just amazed.
Right now I'm writing a C-essay in media with LPC as topic. You should to. at least see the movie.
Right now I'm writing a C-essay in media with LPC as topic. You should to. at least see the movie.
A movie that beats you, right in your mind
shiut-27 September 1999
A movie that beats you, right in your mind. It lets you think things over. You see in this film why the "beat of life" is that important. At the first side it is a religious and philosophic documentary, at the other side it is an art movie that mixes samples of music, words and pictures and all that in a real rhythmic and musical sound. But also the stills are great filmed.
I like this film very much, because I like DJ Music (and this is like a more serious party, where a DJ also mixes Images), because the People are very interesting and it is excellent filmed.
I'm now 16, but I think those who are as old as I, don't like this movie because it is long time very quiet and it is not like I thought always action and music. I would recommend it to all who like great stills, electronic or rhythmic music, good documentaries and to those who are bored of all the normal movies. For those who expect Action or Comedy it isn't to good, though it have both in a way implemented, but not very usual. I'd call it: "cool dj avant-garde art documentary"
If you want something new and cool
I like this film very much, because I like DJ Music (and this is like a more serious party, where a DJ also mixes Images), because the People are very interesting and it is excellent filmed.
I'm now 16, but I think those who are as old as I, don't like this movie because it is long time very quiet and it is not like I thought always action and music. I would recommend it to all who like great stills, electronic or rhythmic music, good documentaries and to those who are bored of all the normal movies. For those who expect Action or Comedy it isn't to good, though it have both in a way implemented, but not very usual. I'd call it: "cool dj avant-garde art documentary"
If you want something new and cool
Interesting premise but fails in central points
prometheus-dk11 April 2002
The first third of this film, thrilled me. I was piqued by the connections the directors made between song, dance, religion and ecstasy. But gradually it began to irritate me that the makers apparently couldn't see beyond their own New Age eco-narcissism. Step by step the movie becomes a political manifesto and most of the good intentions go to waste. It is still a very interesting film and despite its shortcomings in image quality, it should be viewed by anyone who liked Baraka.
Interesting, but falls down on itself
Atavisten2 June 2005
This manifesto of a will away from modern life of credit cards and fear of death is composed of images juxtaposed against each other, urban skyscrapers against mother nature, Japanese noise artists against African tribal people. We see Bill Clinton and Dalai Lama. Different people tell their view of life, like the Maori, a man living in the jungle for six years, one scientist discover the power the gibbons scream evokes, a porn actress from the happy days of porn teaches the gospel of ecstasy and so on.
Somehow it failed on its course, we get the point, but its lacking in depth. The montages as well as the music could be done better.
Somehow it failed on its course, we get the point, but its lacking in depth. The montages as well as the music could be done better.
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