Ashes and Snow (2005) User Reviews

Spellbing Film, beautiful journey, recommend to everyone!

[cl777 · 8/10 · 31 January 2010]

I had the privilege of visiting Gregory Colbert's Parisian studio this weekend and fell in love with his magnificent, oversize sepia images of people and children interacting, sitting, dancing, or swimming with Asian elephants, eagles, manatees, cheetahs, whales and more. I had seen his 2005 exhibit, "Ashes and Snow", in New York City and still have one of its posters hanging above my bed. I wanted to watch the film of the same name in its entirety and was spellbound.

For those who are not familiar with Gregory Colbert, he is a Canadian born photographer and film-maker, who traveled on expeditions to India, Burma, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya and many more to document the incredible interactions between humans and animals. He exposes his work only in immense "nomadic" structures. Ashes and Snow attracted over 10 million visitors in NYC, Santa Monica, Tokyo and Mexico City, making it the most attended exhibition by a living artist in history. Colbert's Nomadic Museum continues its global journey indefinitely and has no final destination.

The movie, narrated by Laurence Fishburne, is stunning to say the very least. It is angelic, gentle and mesmerizing. Mostly silent, a simple, enchanting music plays in the background. From time to time a poem is read, telling the fictional tale of a husband writing 365 letters to his wife. The poems themselves are wonderful and divine, perfectly fitting into this symphony of sights and sounds and of perfect harmony between living beings. There are scenes of utmost beauty and precision that sent me into a dream-like state.

I highly recommend this film to anyone who is interested in art, photography or cinematography or simply to anybody who loves animals and wants to see something truly beautiful and unique. It can also be left on in the background and be watched over and over again for the striking, almost sacred allure of its images.

Gregory's next appointment is with the penguins and icebergs of Antarctica and I cannot wait to see what they have in store for us.

My rating: 8.5 Fabio's: 6 Total score: 14.5 For more movie reviews, please visit http://www.paulinasmovies.blogspot.com/

Ashes and Snow A Film Celebrating Time and Space

[maryatvan · 9/10 · 10 October 2008]

Ashes and Snow is a love letter to his beloved written on a film that unfolds a legacy of beauty in timeless moments. The photography and underwater filming demonstrates the excellence of the arts and craft at work and artist is both Nature and co-existent man. The poetic wall of sound and song blending in the pictorial landscape slows time making it stand still as the motion becomes e-motion. Gregory Colbert has created a work of art in the truest sense of the word. There is an earnestness in the quiet voice reaching out to stop the clock to somehow hold time as he presents the gift of his soul's eye. He asks her to burn the letters upon the snow and read the song upon his heart. Oh that each of us/those viewing would have an abiding love to create such a masterpiece.

Threw me into a dark deep meditation

[mariammansuryan · 9/10 · 22 August 2018]

I was watching this asleep and awake, I enjoyed it in a completely different way than I enjoyed any other film - a meditation of another level.

The images which I saw were mesmerizing, and combined with the poetry I felt like I was floating over my life in a dream. From the very first shot, the cinematography was a killer and I thought the Sepia tones really added to the atmosphere.

I read the "poem" or words of this movie later, it reads especially well under Pink Floyd, Echoes. Try it, really worth a shot.

Beautiful, Simple, Moving

[Mrg7863800866 · 10/10 · 30 March 2006]

An impressive show of unique talent! A warm and poetic delight for the senses! Nothing but a simple taste of what luxury is on The Creator's eyes, captured by the genius of a higher human. An Astonishing audiovisual achievement, impeccable production, in less words a breathtaking piece of art.

The faunistic travel through "beyond description" locations and the interaction between "talents" show the real beauty of nature and how art on every form is only, how the human race understands the world. Interesting to see how the most common state of every human on the film is "rest" for either the soul or the body.

Watching it over and over just gives the spectator a better idea of the complexity linked to making film a real form of art.

Ashes to Snow is an Exceptional work of Photography, Ligthning and Post Production. Feather to Fire, Fire to Blood, Blood to Bone, Bone to Marrow, Marrow to Ashes, Ashes to Snow...

Amazing on so many levels

[ed2oh9 · 10/10 · 22 January 2008]

I went to the opening of the Ashes & Snow exhibit when it arrived in Santa Monica, Ca. As the Nomadic Museum was being assembled (basically large cargo containers stacked upon one another), my friends and I thought it was going to be some sort of Cirgue De Soleil spin off, since that's what had been set up in the same spot the years before. We couldn't have been more wrong.

Just before the show opened, someone told me about the website (ashesandsnow.com). I was amazed by what I saw and couldn't wait for the show's opening. When the day finally came, I was mesmerized by each image as it hung in the immense gallery, which I think was designed to give you the sense of walking among elephants. Some of the images are so bold though, with the interaction between man and animal, that you start to believe that they were digitally manipulated. Then I walked into the center section of the gallery and saw the film. It was just as awe inspiring as the images and left no doubt that each image was captured as it the scenes were choreographed.

Being a photographer myself, I can say that the exposures, the compositions, the cinematography, the moods created, the toning, etc, were all absolutely perfect. I've been shooting for years and know how difficult it is to get EVERYTHING to work in coordination to create a memorable image. It's hard enough to get it all to work together in a controlled environment, but Gregory Colbert shot the majority of the images with animals. On top of that, he shot underwater, with whales, elephants and manatees, creating some of the most unique images I've ever seen.

Beyond the technical aspect of the film though is the incredible harmony that you see between man and animal. For one reader to suggest that the animals were "in distress" is absolutely ludicrous. You don't see that here. You also don't see animals that resemble circus creatures that have been beaten into submission. Instead, what you see is humans that live in peace with the animals from their native land. You see an incredible respect for the animals and a gentleness that put the animals at ease. It's a thing of beauty.

Deeper still is the message behind the film and the images. Both Laurence Fishburne and Ken Wantanabbe have the perfect voice to narrate Colbert's story of a man who left all that he knew, in order to find himself in distant lands. The revelations that he discovers along the way are what we get to see in the images that were produced. Watch the film, listen to the words, and then watch the film again, and again, and again. In it, you'll see a man's dreams, visions, heart break and redemption. You'll see the journey he took and the worlds that he saw, not only on the outside, but inwardly as well. You'll hear his message of love and see that ultimately, the film is not about animals at all...but instead about us.

It is a masterpiece, and it is an experience.

A Beautiful Picture Poem

[KaloyaNedelchev · 10/10 · 28 January 2007]

Ashes and Snow is a poem of spectacular images. It's a tale, a legend. It's a movie about the human beings and their being, about the returning to Eden, about the beauty of remembrance.The pictures tell a story about being free. The text behind - tells a poetry.

It's a slow moving film shoot with hi-speed camera. Wide lenses. Ahromatic. With imposing composition. Perfectly choreographed. Lots of underwater shooting.There is a dictors voice, a Laurence Fishburne's voice, who have done it well. We can say - it's near to movies like Baraka, Chronos, Koyannisqatsi, Powaqatsi, Genesis...

This Documentarie is like photo album of human imagination and desire. I hope Gregory Colbert will reach another peak with his second movie.

And of course - music by Lisa Gerrard!

The world as i'd like it to be

[beeka1982 · 10/10 · 12 November 2007]

What a piece of Art! a real masterpiece. That was the first thing i said after watching this film, i even paused a lot of times just to enjoy the beauty of the shot in front of me. To me; it's a film about life or the world as i would like it to be, it really takes you away from all the chaos, the traffic, the rush and all what's forming our modern life as we know it, and puts you in a piece of heaven, giving u an insight on how humans can live bound to other creatures in harmony, real harmony and how it really feels like to be free and really enjoying the beauty of this world. i so can't wait to see Gregory Colbert's new film.

Enchanting

[BrienneWalsh · 3 December 2008]

I first saw this film in New York, at the Nomadic Museum. I remember walking down the long hallway of the museum, curious to see what was at the end, where a group of people had gathered. Even though the movie lasted for almost 60 minutes, I stood in a crowd two times to watch it. I didn't even notice that I had been standing for so long! This is a film about love, about passion, and about kindness. Every time I watch it, I think of all of the people and places that I have felt a fondness for in my life. I think of my first love, my first kiss. I remember all of the most precious moments in my life.

I highly recommend this movie to everyone. I promise that you will be crying within five minutes of seeing the film.

A beautiful, life-changing film

[ThomasBG · 10/10 · 4 December 2008]

What a stunning piece of art. As a filmmaker myself, I truly admire the technique involved in making Ashes and Snow. The composition is perfect. I love how it is edited slowly, rather than rapidly, so that viewers feel like they are entering into a transitional space. I think that Colbert is a visionary, and his work will be admired into the future.

The film is an awe-inspiring study of the relationships between humans and animals. It is a perfect escape from my normal life and routine. It's like escaping to a world that I can otherwise only visit in my dreams. Every time I have a slow moment at work, I watch clips from the film.

I highly recommend Ashes and Snow to everyone. For every holiday and birthday, I give it as a gift to my friends. It is truly a masterpiece.

Mesmerizing

[sweetpeariri · 10/10 · 4 December 2008]

As a huge animal lover and animal rights activist, I was mesmerized by Gregory Colbert's work in Ashes and Snow. I first saw the exhibit in New York, where I live. I have since then traveled to see it in both Santa Monica and Mexico City. As I await it's next stop, I return to Mr. Colbert's vision through his film, Ashes and Snow.

He is a true visionary and prophet to the animal community. Every time I watch the film, my heart fills with joy and pride at the world that Gregory Colbert has captured in which animals and human coexist as partners and equals.

I would recommend Ashes and Snow to anyone with a dream in which all of the world's species live in perfect harmony.

The Brown Stillness

[andrei-kivu · 5/10 · 7 February 2009]

First let's state clearly that this is not a movie, neither a documentary. It's photography barely moving. I cannot give a not passing grade to this movie because it IS beautiful. However, it greatly lacks is pace and variation and many other aspects. The opening scene will leave you breathless with your eyes wide open, unfortunately it doesn’t change much throughout the movie. The narrator states emphatically at the beginning of the movie "if you follow me" meaning if you watch this movie "your seconds will become hours, your hours will become days". Well, I can't say he didn't speak the truth: the hour I spent watching this movie did feel a little like a day. The chocolaty sepia is at times beautiful, at times boring. I couldn't help thinking all throughout the movie how they tortured the poor beasts to get the admittedly beautiful imagery. To make the redundancy complete, some scenes are played more than once. The narrated text is some seemingly deeply meaningful mambo-jambo, spliced with corniness and unbearable pretentiousness. A sample of this corniness would be when the narrator says something like "at the beginning of time the sky was full of flying elephants and now they sleep in the sky with one eyed open to keep watch over us and the stars we see are their eyes" - come on! If you saw the episode in Southpark where some kids make a show called "Close-Up Animals with a Wide Angle Lens Wearing Hats", then this movie could easily be called "sepia images in slow motion of people barely clothed dancing around with elephants and other wild beasts, on Buddha-bar-like music".

Such a wonderful experience

[randymlm · 10/10 · 5 December 2008]

I first experienced ashes and snow in Mexico city at it's traveling home "the nomadic museum" A unique way to see this world through the eye of a lens, I most say that as soon as I started to watch the film I could not get my eyes of it. I love the rhythm of film and find that the footage is totally incredible. Seeing this film has change my life, I can fell that the counteraction between man and animal still exist in such ways that was only imaginable in a very distant past. Now I realize that there are still good little enjoyable things are still around PD: Colbert's film is far too good to be described with simple words.

Spectacular mind's eye

[is24 · 10/10 · 6 March 2012]

Simply mesmerizing images and music. The closest to floating in a dream.

Ashes and Snow is like the moment Universe came into being. As if attempting to fathom the cosmos. It is my go to movie for meditation on being. Inspires the life within and ultimate freedom. For any human that needs to be reminded of how precious the moments we have on earth are, this is a must see. The way of coexisting portrayed, encourages the forward motion.

Be it in work or life, I see this as a hymn to uncomplicated. At least the way I like to see life unfolding on this planet.

A grand success!

[rubberspatula · 11 December 2008]

Ashes and Snow is a beautiful example of photographic mastery. Gregory Colbert is one of the top photographers of this generation and Ashes and Snow is a testament to his talent. The film is well shot, tremendously edited and all this to a soundtrack that is appropriate and spiritual: it simply is a joy to watch.

It is clear that Colbert has an extraordinary talent and patience. He is able to become a part of these animals' environment. The animals seem engaged and happy.

Plus, Lisa Gerrard and Patrick Cassidy's music is delightful. These two performers only enhance an already perfect experience.

I would recommend this film to anyone, young or old: everyone will find something to enjoy.

a beautiful story

[lawnfurniture · 9/10 · 10 December 2008]

Ashes and Snow is unbelievable. Gregory Colbert has inspired me to try and express myself and expand my horizons to try and find the worlds he explored while filming this movie. To this day I am shocked that Gregory Colbert was able to document such gorgeous places. Who knew our galaxy even possessed such paradises of beauty. They're untouched, unaffected by colonialists' damage, and appear to only be occupied by these cultures of cohabiting animals and people.

It is a true paradise. Gregory Colbert offers us an opportunity to travel, if only for an hour, without leaving the comforts of a our home to these wonderful places and experience such beautiful both underwater and dessert worlds. If you dream of adventure and beauty in the worlds outside our civilized worlds, look no further.

The water is our sky, our bed, and our soul, and the elephant is our soul keeper.

[mark.waltz · 10/10 · 14 July 2021]

What an impressive way of using music, a tiny bit of narration, sepia tone photography and odd imaging that doesn't make sense at first but quickly becomes a spectacle. The elephants who sleep with one eye open are angelic creatures of a sweet disposition who are seemingly there for what could be a decreased young Asian boy who has gone to the next world where his guardian angels are these amazing pacaderms who watch over him. Hints of a fire guides the viewer to what little exposition there is so it's a tragedy followed by a peaceful rest, and shots of the young sleeping boy as well as visions of him doing ballet like moves under water are interspersed with visions of other humans, possibly a mother and sister, and floating elephants represent what he refers to in the narration as the ladder to his dreams.

Giant birds fly around the other characters, at times making it appear as if the humans have wings, and what appears to be ancient temples seems to be a resting place for our lost young sweet hero, always sleeping and so filled with peace. Calm leopards act as a pillow, and through the narration (Laurence Fishburne so delightfully calm and soothing in the English language version), more details slowly are revealed. What then exactly is this film saying? Is this a vision of heaven where the animals we craved as childhood friends end up being our protectors, nurturers, companions and spiritual maternal figure? Is this a wake up call for animal compassion, especially for the gentle giant, the eye of the elephant which recognizes goodness and protects it.

The boy while sleeping underwater is protected from drowning, guided by this majestic mammal, moving around as if floating divinely finding the peace of a new world outside our own. This is just one of many possibilities that the individual viewer will have to figure out, and it's so beautifully done that discussions will certainly be necessary between those who have seen it. This is a deeper view into our soul than I had recalled from that other mystical view of our world and lives and aura ("Koyanaskatzi") from the 1980's.

Yet as beautiful as it is, to watch it again would diminish the impact because beauty like this can only be felt after the initial viewing where the calming sense of whatever world the viewer decides it is cannot be felt again. Just try not to sob when a beautiful baby elephant affectionately pops into the film, literally smiling as it gets and gives affection. Videos of real elephants with their sincere loving human companions and protectors show us the reality of heaven on earth, and if those videos make you feel angry at those who harm them, this film will make you absolutely furious.

What a surprise!

[fiddlefaddle-1 · 10/10 · 10 December 2008]

I had never heard about Ashes and Snow until the show made it's way to Santa Monica in 2006. However, what a magnificent time I had on my first visit to the Nomadic Museum. The most awe-inspiring part was watching Mr. Colbert's film: Ashes and Snow: How beautiful! The music is spiritual and organic and Laurence Fishburne is perfectly cast as the films narrator; his voice is calm, steady and emphatic.

Upon returning home, I purchased the film and have watched it again and again. This film is truly a masterpiece, like I have never seen before or since. I commend Gregory Colbert—and avant-garde filmmakers like him—who have the audacity to think outside the box.

Like nothing I've ever seen before...

[NYCman75 · 10/10 · 10 December 2008]

I wasn't sure what to expect, but was so very pleased with the film and the message. I just recently saw Ashes and Snow, even though Colbert's work is popular and well known in Manhattan (where I live).

The images of animals and humans was both startling and soothing. I was moved by the message of equality and hope that Colbert's meaning isn't lost on others, especially now in this time of Hope and Change.

It's an interesting movie and one that will inspire western civilizations to look within them to try and make a more positive impact and connection with the natural world.

Take a chance and check out this film: I hope that it'll have the same positive, reflective effect on your life as it did on my own.

Pseudo-artistic animal abuse

[dcroteau-266-509762 · 1/10 · 21 December 2015]

Yes, the images are beautiful but Yes, these beautiful images are symbolic of humans trying to control nature for their own purpose.

Exotic animals are beautiful when they are wild and in their natural habitats and without humans swirling around. When you train elephants in a circus to obey you, it becomes disgraceful and disgusting. How many takes were necessary to obtain the "picture perfect" images of a dancer and a bird flying above? How many takes does it take to have 5 elephants moving together at the same time? A lot!

Most animals in that "movie"/artistic performance have been domesticated even if their nature is to be wild and sometimes ferocious. We're not talking about cats and dogs here but about animals usually living in the wild.

Controlling animals for the pleasure of humans had always disgusted me.

Visual Poetry

[Cathex · 8/10 · 11 January 2016]

If you are into aesthetic metaphor in the moving image than this film is well worth viewing. The director constructs a kind of guided meditation through the use of poetic narration and symbolic imagery.

The film is narrated by a man of whom it would appear has suffered some kind of crises and has thus gone to live a spiritual life among nature. The metaphor and beautiful symbolism both in word and image succeed however in making this an archetypal journey of spiritual growth.

The director clearly has a keen and exquisite sense of aesthetic beauty, and the film is edited very well, the combination of which I felt thoroughly worked to accomplish not only a beautiful but a relevant and meaningful experience for the viewer.

There were however a few moments where I felt certain elements had been over-stressed and sometimes this felt a little laboured. For example there is a slight over-reliance on dancing, as if the director was afraid to let the beauty of stillness occupy the screen. This sometimes results in an unnecessarily 'noisy' image. At times also the dancing appeared a little ambiguous and confused, and this I feel was a mistake caused by what seems like a loss of focus towards the end.

That said however, the film is overall extremely good and I found it very moving at times. It is visual poetry and truly a work of art.

Living as equals with animals.

[HenrikBakke94 · 10/10 · 15 December 2020]

Colbert comes forth as a mastermind when it comes to cinematographic storytelling. The way these images tells the stories of different societies living in harmony with nature and the animals is breathtaking. It makes you reflect your culture, your herritage and the world in general by challenging the anthropocentric viewpoint by showing these clips as documentary evidence that a world in harmony with nature could be possible.

The music by Lisa Gerrard, Patrick Cassidy and others fills the soundscape with mystery, passion and awe, and blends in well with the poetry read by Laurence Fishburne.

Contrived Pseudo-Spirituality

[spanky-70 · 3/10 · 25 April 2006]

I watched the movie. I saw the show (the "nomadic" museum). I can see how this might appeal to some people but to me it seemed that the animals were unwilling or unwitting participants and the spirituality aspect was contrived. The human models or dancers always had their eyes closed, as though in prayer or meditation, while putting themselves in ridiculous, often uncomfortable, sometimes dangerous situations. The music and the sepia tones created the mood but were this in color with live sounds it would be a mockery of art. Of course, one might argue that this *is* art and belief should be suspended, but some of these animals seem so distressed that it proved impossible for me to get into.

I know many find this film moving and beautiful. I just found it disturbing.

A Beautiful Film

[heathcliffes · 10 December 2008]

I've worked for many years as a cinematographer, on small film projects, and I must say, this is one of the most beautiful films that I have seen in my entire life. The first time I saw it, in Los Angeles, I was thrilled beyond belief. I returned every weekend for the entire three months, braving the long lines at the exhibition. I am only truly peaceful when I am watching the film. I have a hectic life- three children, a long work day, and very little time to relax.

I bought the film, and often show it at home to guests. My children also love it. I am so happy that they can grow up with something so beautiful in their homes. Thank you, Gregory Colbert, for the amazing film that you have created.