I recently had the opportunity to watch The Mandala Maker, and I loved it. This movie touches upon various issues that affect men and women from spirituality, relationships, and how to make life more fulfilling. The main character Naomi, played by Courtney Hogan, does an excellent job portraying the struggling artist and how unmotivated we all feel at times of depression. She searches for ways to make her artwork more unique and fulfilling to her. Her relationship problems with her boyfriend, played by Conor Timmis, are something that many people who are in relationships can relate to. The feeling of being alone, even when you are with someone everyday and the emptiness that engulfs you when you don't know where to turn. The Mandala Maker portrays these problems very well and I am glad that I had the privilege to watch it.
6 Reviews
A Movie that everyone can relate with **POSSIBLE SPOILERS **
vze29r3v15 June 2009
While on the outside, this film might seem like it would appeal more to women - and the general Oprah crowd - Sam Borowski has made a film that everyone can relate to.
Directed and Produced by Borowski, it all starts with the source material - which in this case is a brilliant script - which was co-written by the director himself and Gregory Nissen.
Immediately we are introduced to the lead character of Naomi, played nicely by Courtney Hogan. A struggling artist, it would be a major understatement, to say she is not happy with her current life. And we realize that she has not only been struggling with finances and lack of a career, but with something from her past. That's where the crux of this story comes in.
Naomi, who has been dealing with expressionism - ala Jackson Pollack - one day decides to paint these circular designs that just seem to come right out of her. Known as 'Mandalas,' these circular patterns seem to bring her some form of inner peace. She soon searches for the origin of these paintings, taking her on both a physical and spiritual journey.
I don't want to say too much about the plot, as I think most people should experience it for themselves as I did. Fortunate enough to see it premiere at the SINY Film Festival, this film moved me in ways I won't even try to describe. I know others in the theater experienced it for themselves.
Also, Borowski's brilliant shots help set the tone for the piece as does the hypnotic music in the film. Not only did I recognize the shot sequence of one particular scene by the Verrazano Bridge - an homage to Saturday Night Fever as reported here on IMDb !! - but there were some interesting original shots and yes, indeed, I did recognize the framing of the final scene.
This movie will appeal to women everywhere, however, it will also appeal to PEOPLE everywhere. A true story of self-empowerment, spirituality and healing, The Mandala Maker truly is a film that everyone can relate with.
Directed and Produced by Borowski, it all starts with the source material - which in this case is a brilliant script - which was co-written by the director himself and Gregory Nissen.
Immediately we are introduced to the lead character of Naomi, played nicely by Courtney Hogan. A struggling artist, it would be a major understatement, to say she is not happy with her current life. And we realize that she has not only been struggling with finances and lack of a career, but with something from her past. That's where the crux of this story comes in.
Naomi, who has been dealing with expressionism - ala Jackson Pollack - one day decides to paint these circular designs that just seem to come right out of her. Known as 'Mandalas,' these circular patterns seem to bring her some form of inner peace. She soon searches for the origin of these paintings, taking her on both a physical and spiritual journey.
I don't want to say too much about the plot, as I think most people should experience it for themselves as I did. Fortunate enough to see it premiere at the SINY Film Festival, this film moved me in ways I won't even try to describe. I know others in the theater experienced it for themselves.
Also, Borowski's brilliant shots help set the tone for the piece as does the hypnotic music in the film. Not only did I recognize the shot sequence of one particular scene by the Verrazano Bridge - an homage to Saturday Night Fever as reported here on IMDb !! - but there were some interesting original shots and yes, indeed, I did recognize the framing of the final scene.
This movie will appeal to women everywhere, however, it will also appeal to PEOPLE everywhere. A true story of self-empowerment, spirituality and healing, The Mandala Maker truly is a film that everyone can relate with.
Great Film
starrygrrl14 June 2009
The Mandala maker was by far the best film I've seen all year.. I enjoyed it so much that I wish it was longer!! Great acting, great story. As an artist i can relate to the process of making art and that art itself has healing powers. I wonder what the inspiration was for the film? Courtney did a wonderful job as the artist whose life seamed to be going no where until she got inspired. Her boyfriend played by Conor was great as well! The writing and the dialogue was great! The music was uplifting and I would buy a soundtrack if there is one available. I definitely need to see Sammy's other works for he is a genius.
This was a film that I can definitely relate to.
jonfugit12 September 2009
I really enjoyed this film a lot. I understand what it is like to be in a slump and I know how uplifting creating art can be. Art in itself is a very therapeutic mental exercise. It seems like she was exploring the depths of her own mind and finally reached a stage where she could be comfortable and happy.
As far as the Mandalas are concerned I really enjoyed the fact that the movie was actually quite informative as to what a Mandala is capable of if your heart is in it.
The music was great, I thought the piano really did well to represent the subtle emptiness in the first half of the movie, while at the same time leaving enough space to transition into an inspiring piece of uplifting music.
Overall it is a great film and everyone should see it. There are multiple different levels that this movie moves through and there is always something to relate to.
As far as the Mandalas are concerned I really enjoyed the fact that the movie was actually quite informative as to what a Mandala is capable of if your heart is in it.
The music was great, I thought the piano really did well to represent the subtle emptiness in the first half of the movie, while at the same time leaving enough space to transition into an inspiring piece of uplifting music.
Overall it is a great film and everyone should see it. There are multiple different levels that this movie moves through and there is always something to relate to.
Interesting look into warm darkness
realestaterandolph10 November 2011
Warning: Spoilers
Couldn't wait to see this film at the 2011 Golden Door Film Festival for several reasons: First it was made by the same director who made the opening-night feature, "Night Club," which I enjoyed very much.
Secondly, it qualified for the Oscars in 2009 and I wanted to see the caliber of short it took for that kind of distinction. It didn't disappoint.
As I said in the summary, it was an interesting look into warm darkness. More likely the darkness turns to warmth, because of the healing powers of these "mandalas," circular designs which supposedly promote calmness and the aforementioned healing.
The lead female, who was nominated for Best Actress in a short was very good, as was the music in the picture. The direction was solid, and overall the majority of the cast did a nice job. There were some picture-esque moments and nice cinematography.
Really enjoyed it - a different kind of movie (even for a short). Do hope I can find this on the internet on DVD somewhere.
Secondly, it qualified for the Oscars in 2009 and I wanted to see the caliber of short it took for that kind of distinction. It didn't disappoint.
As I said in the summary, it was an interesting look into warm darkness. More likely the darkness turns to warmth, because of the healing powers of these "mandalas," circular designs which supposedly promote calmness and the aforementioned healing.
The lead female, who was nominated for Best Actress in a short was very good, as was the music in the picture. The direction was solid, and overall the majority of the cast did a nice job. There were some picture-esque moments and nice cinematography.
Really enjoyed it - a different kind of movie (even for a short). Do hope I can find this on the internet on DVD somewhere.
Heard the Directors interview on WFAN
JosephKeyz15 August 2009
Warning: Spoilers
I am writing this NOT as a film expert or critic or anything else.I am writing this as an everyday individual that occasionally watches a movie IF it has a plot or something about it that draws me.Not MANY films do,to be honest,but almost 2 weeks ago I 'happened' to wake up at about 5:30 on a Sunday morning and tuned in to WFAN.I heard the interview with Sam Borowski,the films director,and was taken by his excitement and enthusiasm.
I am a musician and I understand passion.I know just enough about this movie to know that,although I don't normally go out of my way to see them,this one is the exception.I could say more but I don't want to be a spoiler! I won't miss this one!
I am a musician and I understand passion.I know just enough about this movie to know that,although I don't normally go out of my way to see them,this one is the exception.I could say more but I don't want to be a spoiler! I won't miss this one!
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