On Yoga: The Architecture of Peace (2017) User Reviews

A Journey More About Man's Search Than Yoga Itself

[edlopezpr · 8/10 · 3 February 2018]

This documentary from Brazilian director Heitor Dhalia, showcasing the book of the same title from photographer Micheal O'Neil ends up being a personal journey into man's search for meaning than yoga itself as a dogma, practice or lifestyle. However, the interjection of the subjects portrayed thought this piece invites the audience to open a door of discovery on your self being. Beautifully photographed and edited. Note that the soundtrack by Silvio Piesco (available at Spotify under "On Yoga: Arquitetura da Paz" at the time of this publishing) is both superbly dazzling and enchanting. Recommended if you are searching your why and meaning in life.

Captivating and stunning

[elizabeththompson-56820 · 10/10 · 2 April 2018]

This movie is beautifully crafted to showcase the depths of yoga and the people who carry the torch. You feel as if you are a part of the moment each photograph was taken, it can only be described as hauntingly creative. If you aren't too lost in the amazing imagery, you are blessed with the honour of hearing about the layers upon layers of yoga and its encompassing philosophy. It can be a bit of a mind meld, but do yourself a favour and rewind if you need to hear things again. A true masterpiece.

Not what it appears

[achendea-62422 · 10/10 · 20 January 2018]

After I started watching the movie I realized that most of the people who were interviewed were not the ones doing the yoga. Instead, younger people at yoga studios and other young people were filmed. I found this to be a little off because I was hoping to see how much yoga is practiced by the older generations, As a 45yo male I am anxious about begging to practice because I have had some injuries with my back and shoulder and it was not helpful to see a majority of people who were interviewed be replaced by a younger generation. I am not sure if this was done due for aesthetics of because it was more artsy, but it wasn't what I expected. Also, the photographer talked about an injury but never described how yoga helped him out. He focused more on yoga instead of how yoga helped him.

I love the soundtrack

[achendea-62422 · 10/10 · 20 January 2018]

This movie was ok and I wrote another review, but I forgot to add that the soundtrack was really neat. I have tried to find it on iTunes and google but it doesn't exist. Where can I get this soundtrack?

Who are we

[ana-stroe77 · 10/10 · 10 June 2018]

In an age of doing yoga for weight loss and because it's hip, this documentary reveals beautifully the essence of this philosophy. Yoga is a way of life. It brings one closer to understanding who we really are. The beautiful visuals set the mood for one's personal journey into discovering oneself through the practice and teachings of other masters. Beyond a famous photographer's story is the story of each of us looking to understand ourselves. This documentary is a good beginning to do so

Watch and listen for insight

[karlspeedracer · 10/10 · 31 March 2018]

Not for what you agree or do not agree with. This film is the portrait of a master in his craft capturing the images and words of masters of another craft.

Applicable to any life or pursuit. This is gold

Should be titled, "On a Photographer"

[goslow-37663 · 3/10 · 17 January 2018]

Michael O'Neill takes beautiful images, but this movie is more about showcasing those images and his talents than it is about yoga. I expected to be taken on a colorful journey exploring the loss (through surgery) and recovery (through yoga) of the use of his right arm, but this is a most impersonal movie. Lots of sound bites and short spiels (some very good) from yogins and yoginis, and portraying the physical skills of master practitioners. Mixed in are Buddhism, Hinduism, and other eastern paths, seemingly as a way to add in a few more good shots.

I was at first wowed, then disappointed, then disturbed by this movie.

It was about knowing yourself

[rahulsunrays · 10/10 · 12 April 2018]

Why we are here, what we want to learn. How life is taking away from you, and how to bring it back. Great people telling stories which are extraordinary. A must see, add meaning to life.

Stunning visually, incredible soundtrack, but the same old documentary

[christo-02493 · 4/10 · 23 March 2018]

This film is okay. The cinematography is absolutely stunning, you can certainly tell that a person with a lifetime of photography experience was involved. The soundtrack is incredible, there are a few tunes on there that bring tears to my eyes and they will be added to my regular playlists while teaching.

But, this film falls into the same old pattern as several other documentaries on Yoga do. In this file we have some masters who are delivering some serious knowledge, teachings that they have learned in deep meditation after a lifetime of practice. However, while that is occurring we people practicing very difficult Asana, which does to really go along with what the masters are talking about.

This film could have really gone somewhere special with the people who were being interviewed, but it didn't. Also, none of the masters interviewed had their names on the screen.