Tony Robbins: I Am Not Your Guru (2016) User Reviews

What the hype is all about.

[indiapaige · 6/10 · 20 July 2016]

I don't see infomercials, yet have heard that Tony Robbins is a friend of a trusted friend, so that piqued my interest.Sadly, when I watch a film listed as a documentary,I'm expecting journalism,which means the film maker should check the material before release. this wasn't done for I'm not your Guru. If you're one of millions that haven't spent between 5 and 10 grand to fly, stay and attend these self help for the masses, you might be curious what the hype's all about. In this film, that'll be answered, with bias.As Tony Robbins admits, were in the age of entertainment. This film shows very select bits or clips carefully hand picked from one of Tony Robbins Date with Destiny self help events with approx 2500 attendees. It appears as if Tony had final approval for the finished product. If you're curious about what people pay so much for, this is the longest advertisement for his seminars you'll see.

The worst part of the film for me, aside from the two hour advertisement to sell more seats to Tony's seminar/events, are the following offensive aspects: 1) I don't like someone teaching communication techniques that has the vocabulary of a 12-year old with a foul mouth; hear me out; which Tony justifies as part of the process- that it shocks the attendees into awareness. He says he deliberately breaks linguistic taboos. I totally disagree. When someone throws "f" bombs in every other sentence it tells me a) he should wear a tattoo across his forehead "no gentleman here": b)expletives repeated over and over and over reveals the speakers lack of educated intelligent communication skills to articulately express concepts that might be helpful. 2) A documentary in my opinion shouldn't serve as an advertisement for a product without thorough fact checking, it's a cheap way for Tony to recruit more attendees. The release on Netflix was timed with promotional give aways and contests that also should have fine print carefully examined. 3)I expect a critical journalistic expose of our cultures religious, self-help, pseudo-psych gurus, leaders, and charlatans. This film did none of the above. I was disappointed to see it as an extended length infomercial of Tony Robbins.(Anthony J. Mahavoric). If you're already a convert, you might like it. If you're already an Oprah fan you might like it. If your a person that feels these programs are run by unqualified, hacks that do as much damage or more than good, this won't help you learn anything new, except how the masses buy what they've been sold hook line and sinker...Baaah baaah baa little sheepykins...follow along now. If you are curious about what the masses are paying thousands of hard earned dollars for, this will give you a glimpse at the typical followers, the demographics of his attendees, and carefully chosen Tony Robbins flattering film bits or bytes. Spoiler Alert:

I complain that the filmmakers didn't research Tony's life well enough, for this to be deemed a "Documentary". During the film Tony makes statements about his personal past that aren't substantiated or fact checked. I enjoy well made Documentary films, I watch to learn. I think the title/genre carries a responsibility for the filmmaker to do more and present beyond the singular support of promotion to the cause.

An insight into Tony Robbins' world of motivational speaking seminars.

[Amyth47 · 6/10 · 14 May 2019]

My Rating : 6/10

A controversial watch. The constant cussing can be a genuine turn-off.

Not exactly a 'documentary' but more an advertisement of Tony Robbins' philosophies.

Comes across as a bit of a cult but an intelligent viewer can take away something meaningful from it.

Fascinating Insight into the world of motivational speaking

[ravipatel-67488 · 7/10 · 28 March 2022]

An interesting insight into one of Tony Robbins multi-day seminars. It is a pretty revealing look into Tony Robbins, his philosophy and the audience that attends his shows.

It is certainly not for everyone, as it comes off a bit cult-ish and he tends to display his hyper-agressive alpha style of dealing with issues, and the documentary doesn't explore any opposing viewpoints (so in that sense, it is more of and advert), but I found it fascinating just to explore that world and what motivates people to attend a 6-day, 12-hours a day hyper-energized seminar.

I am in fact your Guru

[SpeakingEye · 4 January 2018]

Having been aware of the mystique surrounding Tony Robbins as the king of motivational speakers but having never seen him in action, I was very curious to watch I am not your Guru to understand more about the man and his methods. Having now watched it a few times, I am still not fully sure what to make of the film or Tony himself.

On the one hand, the $5,000 cost and week-long commitment to his Date With Destiny event means that it ensures that only those who are serious about making changes to their lives attend. You can see from the audience reactions to his teachings that they buy into the programme 100% but the problem for me is that although he claims not to be their Guru, that is exactly how they respond to him in their physical and emotional reactions. They hang on his every word and there is no sense of anyone ever challenging aspects such as his excessive language, provocative methods and "make your life a masterpiece" fortune cookie type sentiments. An example of this is the German teenager who has clearly been let down by everyone around him in his life (his parents, educators and peers) that he felt compelled to travel half way round the world to have Tony spend 5 minutes telling him it was all going to be ok with no substance behind it. The teenager just looked into Tony's eyes and received the reassurance he needed. Tony was his Guru and if that helped him then fine.

I am not saying that the participants are just compliant sheep; there is clearly a lot of people with promise and talent in the audience who just needed that push or reassurance. The section devoted to the brave Dawn underlines this; her opening up to Tony and just having faith in knowing that whatever happens next can only bring a better life for her and others around her is definitely the highlight of the film.

Other participants featured have less inspirational outcomes. A woman breaks up with her partner in front of 2500 people only to reunite after the event finishes. A married couple re-connect but you are left feeling that a decent marriage counsellor could have done the same thing for them at a fraction of the cost. The lack of inspirational outcomes just makes you feel the event serves as a placebo for many participants until returning to real life.

The film has a documentary feel but the lack of challenging of Tony's methods by the Director Joe Berlinger reduce it instead to a free advertisement for Robbins Incorporated. This needed a Louis Theroux style approach as he would have got under the skin of participants and Tony. The event is very professional and the army of support teams (warm up guys, counsellors, event managers etc) Tony uses does ensure that participants are looked after during the week. You can also see why its $5000 a person as these people also need to be paid.

I have always found with motivational speaking or training in general that you only take from each event small elements which over the years build into an overall library of learnings. I will definitely take away some elements of Tony's philosophies learnt from I am not your Guru. Would I fly half way round the world and pay $5000 to experience it for myself ? No I wouldn't but I can see why some people would.

Powerful Character Study Doc...

[MovieHoliks · 7/10 · 20 July 2016]

I just saw this brand new Netflix original doc the other night. I don't have a lot of background on motivational speaker and "guru" Tony Robbins, other than is little role as himself in the 2001 Farrelly bros. comedy, "Shallow Hal", although not sure that's really how he works?? o.O

This movie covers a week-long seminar, which people from around the world attend and shell out a cool $5 grand! It also goes into a bit about who he is, his life growing up, interviews with him, and a lot of what led him to become the self-help "expert" he is now.

I don't necessarily agree with his methods (don't disagree with them either, just not sure), but it was really powerful watching him do his stuff in this movie, and watching the attendees open up about their own lives and problems.

I think for me the most powerful moment(s) involved the woman from the "children of god" sect. Wow! But regardless of what you think of Tony, I would definitely encourage giving this doc a watch sometime. Thumbs up!

Age-est

[oshiflies · 7/10 · 10 June 2018]

I would have been more impressed if he would have picked at least one person over fifty to interview. There were plenty of older men and women in the audience. It appeared all of his staff was also very young. Other than that it was a pretty good film.

Drop the Jaded Skepticism. Review the film. Not the man.

[chuckcoulter · 10/10 · 29 August 2016]

Don't trust the pointless, academic negativity you see here. Directed by Joe Berlinger of critical darling "Paradise Lost," "TONY ROBBINS: I AM NOT YOUR GURU" is a powerful piece of vérité about a most unconventional, controversial man. The naïve negative reviews you see here for this film are simply bad because the reviewers are reviewing the "man," and not the film. There are pointless accusations that Robbins believes he is "cool," because he uses foul language. What, on earth, would that simplistic point, an inference, no less, mean in a documentary? Maybe he should have created a less complex portrait by cleaning up his language for the first- graders who saw this by accident. There are pointless slams about his lack of psychological education, when that entire industry—has anyone seen the mental gymnastics it took to explain the latest, wildly wrong- headed DSM by a psychiatric and psychological community who have expressed embarrassment about the discipline's lack of direction—and, again, this has nothing to do with the film. Neither does denying that some individual could experience cathartic change from the oddness of the Robbins event put under a microscope in this film—from its planners and facilitators to the bizarrely American come-from-nothing story of Robbins himself, a man who knows the significant abuse many of his followers have come to share (we are talking genuine abuse: murders; rapes; abandonment—not tiny things). The film, in a sense, poses a question can someone articulate, a genuine communicator, who has suffered and risen above enormous pain—is someone like that, even when that individual becomes a cottage industry onto himself—better than an academic who has only sat outside true pain and does his or her best to understand what that other, the patient who has endured the unspeakable, has gone through? For a strong portrait of a uniquely individual American, see it; if you're a die-hard skeptic—I double welcome you. But grade the film—not the man or what you believe is possible.

Require to justify the movie yourself

[kaiwdj · 7/10 · 22 November 2019]

Most reviews not tell much what the movie tries telling. The movie title tells it all.

Must See, Must attend One Day

[sean-09414 · 10/10 · 25 July 2016]

After being an attendee to Tony's events for more than 6 years, I owe so much of my success, happiness, and my leadership skills whether at my business or my home to Mr. Robbins. This movie shows a glimpse of an amazing and life changing seminar called Date With Destiny. An event that if you decide to attend, you will never forget as long as you live. You will learn to love and have compassion for others, stop your selfishness and focus on others and contribute beyond yourself. You will learn how you are wired and the reason behind every thought and decision in your life. This movie has been masterfully filmed and Tony's art of intervention is displayed in such authentic way as I'm use to seeing him at every event that I have attended. His compassion and care shines through the movie.

The only thing that I have to say to the viewers would be, watching this film should not give you any indications that you don't need to attend Date With Destiny because you know what the seminar is all about. The best comparison example would be the same as going to Disneyland vs. watching the tour of Disneyland on your TV set. If you have any desire to grow, to love and to receive love, to understand who you are and who you want to become and the legacy you want to leave behind, JUST GO. The best give you can give to yourself and everyone around you.

Weird, uninsightful but still entertaining infomercial, thankfully without any recent Netflix doco tricks

[wisdomwasp · 6/10 · 28 May 2023]

I'm doing a lot of research on Tony Robbins to see if he's legit. Some YouTube channels I respect very much swear by him, but it's hard to get past his ridiculous selling of anything and everything and his name dropping. But does he really care, deep down?

This documentary didn't help with understanding him at all, unless you'd never heard of him before. He is an amazing speaker and uses some quite hypnotic techniques to keep a crowd. It's like a religious experience.

I didn't even takeaway if his stuff works. It seems to but is it him and his CBT like techniques or is it the person making the decision to go in the first place? Some of his techniques are questionable, borderline abusive.

The documentary does not go into any controversy or hard stuff at all. It's very much all the good and on Tony Robbins terms. Which detracts from it, but when you hear the stories from some people in crowd it's at its most engaging (whether they're plants or people specially selected I don't know). Some people have really gone through some stuff. Horrible stuff. Just them then being alive is amazing. So be thankful for your circumstances where you can, someone always has it worse, even if they look great from the outside.

I really hope this was paid for by Robbins...

[bonsai-superstar · 5/10 · 11 August 2016]

because it's an excellent piece of propaganda / advertising, not a documentary. No doubt, it was interesting to eavesdrop on one of Robbins' seminars and check out what the decades-long fuss is about. However, there is an astonishing lack of questions, offstage (or even backstage) interviews, critical questions raised, skeptical viewpoints (or even viewpoints of anyone other than Robbins, his sister/assistant, or his acolytes) or just simple commentary in this "documentary". There IS an alarming amount of emotionally manipulative music, scenes of people weeping, and fables and general statements offered by Robbins.

In addition, for some odd reason, every featured participant seems to be a naturally or artificially hot woman with simple, selfish concerns (weight, sex life, etc.). The few true sufferers ( the suicidal dude, the abuse victim) do seem to be comforted by Robbins' platitudes (the abuse victim is $100,000 and a career richer by the very next day, the geeky suicidal guy appears to be comforted by a few minutes of Robbins growling at him). Throw in a vacuous hippie (mr. white dreads) and a weak guy dragged there by his gf (the "lion") and you've got the whole picture.

Sure, these burnouts & simpletons are free to throw away thousands on this cultish, empty self- help time waste and Robbins is free to exploit them. Both sides appear to be satisfied. Sometimes, placebo does work. That's not the issue here. The issue here is that this infomercial is being presented as a real documentary, which is laughable. Save it for Scientology.

Give yourself the chance to experience what this man can give you...

[sanjay-43750 · 8/10 · 22 August 2016]

Lets start by saying I AM A FAN of the techniques that Tony Robbins offers those willing to have a go at improving some aspect of their lives. For me these techniques work, I apply them everyday and they have kept me above water and focused on some of the more important things i wish to achieve in life. So am i biased when it comes to recommending this movie? Probably.

What intrigues me is the resistance and cynicism with which some approach this man. We all have some areas in our lives where we know we are falling short. But how many of us ever actually spend the money, get on an airplane and go and try and figure these things out? Very few is my best guess. It is however, easier for those who choose to avoid such personal issues to dismiss or be critical of the approach.

I don't love everything at a Tony Robbins event. In fact there are things that can sometimes be annoying (such as groupie fans that hog the microphone just to hear the sound of their own voice and perhaps feel relevant, or "Significant" as Tony might say).

Why I recommend this movie is because of the 'taste' it provides of a man who is genuinely motivated by the desire to help others improve their lot in life whilst actually offering a few tools that work in the real world. Whether he makes money out of the process is irrelevant to me. In fact, he should charge for what he does as the audience member then has 'skin in the game' and might actually be more motivated to make the changes which ultimately will enhance their own lives....which is the whole point. Is $5000 really too much money? Is it? What if it rekindles your relationship with a cousin or a sibling who you haven't spoken to in several years? Is it to much money to help a couple who live together but have basically stopped communicating properly? Is that $5000 better spent on a holiday where you can continue the lack of communication but only this time with a cocktail in hand and a palm tree in the background?

I know a fair few people who proudly assert their religious, spiritual or atheistic nobility who unfortunately have deeply fractured relationships with loved ones, are difficult to sit next to at work or who just don't seem to be very happy in life (sorry for judging). Personally, i challenge any of these people to attend one of Tony Robbin's seminars and not come away with just one life changing adjustment which in turn has an amplified effect on one's sense of well being or fulfillment.

The emotions we see in the film are real. What the film unfortunately fails to convey is the length of time, the effort, energy with which one man on the stage manages to speak about how we can improve aspects of our lives for 12-14 hours straight (with only momentary breaks). What the film also fails to convey is how during this time - however cynical you may have been going into one of these events - that you too are still sitting there 10 hours in, with more energy and hope for the future than you had before you came in. Donna Karan said it best when she said that even though there are 3000 people in the room, for some reason it feels like he is just talking to you. The dialogue that he expertly encourages, is the one you ultimately end up having with yourself. Going to an immersive event is what forces this inner conversation...otherwise it's all too easy to just sit back and watch the next episode of Game of Thrones.

If the film leaves you with a curiosity to see what the event is like in person, then it has served its purpose. The real value is in attending and participating, not sitting back in an arm chair and criticizing. I have read that some say it's just a glorified commercial for an event. This - in an of itself - doesn't meant that you wont derive something of immense value by actually attending.

We all have areas in our lives where we can do better. I appreciate the way this man has chosen to make his money....it's certainly more admirable than the way I have chosen to make mine (or lack thereof!)

Tricked by the Netflix Logo...

[dj-monty · 3/10 · 25 July 2016]

The Netflix Logo tricked me into watching this infomercial disguised as a documentary.

From a movie making point of view it is flawless. Beautiful camera-work, perfect editing and intriguing soundtrack.

As the director proved time and time again, he is a master of his art, e.g. the Metallica documentary.

But this time he failed in separating his personal experience from his job as a documentary filmmaker and basically made a concert movie that serves as an advertisement for Mr. Robbins and his empire.

The length of the documentary with almost 2 hours is also contributing to the fact that i fell like someone tried to brainwash me.

Amazing documentary on the Legend Tony Robbins

[mendoncaallwyn · 10/10 · 11 February 2022]

From the beginning till it end it was just wow. These seminars are truly transformational provided you want to resolve or overcome whatever you are dealing. I am sure every person present there experienced some kind of a breakthrough. It's over 66 hours and the director has managed to do justice and presented it as it is. We need to watch these documentaries with a open mind as they are not scripted and these are real people who are overcoming their brutalities. Thank you for this amazing experience. Thank you Tony Robbins and team for doing what you do. Stay blessed.

I loved this movie! - Highly recommend!

[sunita-28208 · 10/10 · 18 July 2016]

I loved every minute of this movie. What is interesting is that this movie gives the viewer an inside look at the experience of attending one of Tony Robbins Seminars. It is interesting that Tony Robbins' attendees are suffering with severe emotional issues from unspeakable traumas and have suicidal tendencies, anxiety, depression, and other emotional issues. He gives them a safe place to express, gain acceptance, and heal. He also provides methods to empower people to take control of their emotional lives. For someone who has never attended one of Tony Robbins' seminars, it is not what you may expect or imagine.

The movie also captures Tony Robbins behind the scenes and how he prepares for his seminars to get ready and keep his energy up, what drives him to do what he does, and what is the end goal and outcome for attending one of his seminars. I think people who have had breakthroughs with Tony Robbins' teachings will enjoy this movie tremendously. For those who have no experience or understanding of who Tony Robbins is, what he is about, and/or have never experienced the impact of Tony Robbins methods, this movie is an opportunity to get a glimpse into one of his seminars to see what happens to transform and change people's emotional well being and take control of their emotional lives. Highly recommend.

In the end, it's simply boring.

[idanschwartz-980-276039 · 4/10 · 11 October 2019]

A pointless speeches, that motivates the mass of people. Yes it is somewhat engaging to realize exactly who this man is. But in the end, Tonny character is not interesting enough to hold an entire plot. I did expect more from this movie, more authentic experience, but in the end it is a cliche, very cringy environment, which seems very artificial.

Mesmerizing documentary, watched it breathless

[boself · 10/10 · 5 August 2016]

First of all, I rarely write reviews. Second of all; I have never been to a Tony Robbins event and nobody paid me to write anything here. ;-) I just thought I wanted tot tell you I really enjoyed this movie and watched it with tears in my eyes. It was a beautiful piece of work showing the authenticity of this man in the way he works with people and in the way he approaches life. It gave me things to think about myself and even though it was just 2 hours I really got some of the energy and vibe going on there in that 6 day event. I really loved to watch the transformations happen. I am a therapist myself and I just really loved every bit of these 2 hours I spend on it. Thanks for making it!

WTF It's like church without religion.

[ellisalex · 2/10 · 1 August 2016]

I give it a 2 because it was entertaining at first. The suicidal guy lifted up, cool scene, entertaining. Tony saying the F word, shocking and funny. Learning that they paid $4,000 per ticket? Wow. The man can speak, he can make them cry, he can make you think positive but he can't possibly cure your issues. The woman made to break up on the phone with her boyfriend, lol funny and weird. talk about pressure. Hey it's those peoples money and they can spend it how they want but less than halfway through, it got old. Netflix brought me here. I don't think it was investigative enough or showed the bad side. Tony has been around forever though, he knows how to hustle that is for sure.

Heartwarming and Genuine.

[metaick · 10/10 · 8 September 2020]

You can feel the authenticity from Tony and those who spoke. Watching how Tony evaluates, digests and understands people and their needs is impressive. You can see how sharing his light improves the world, helps so many and brings Tony joy being aligned with his higher self. Inspiring and moving!🙏🏽👍🏼👍🏼

Plays like a concert movie

[JJ-N · 30 April 2016]

I was not too familiar with Tony Robbins before seeing this movie. Personally, I found him shallow and superficial, turning psychotherapy into a simple-minded show while making some quick money out of it (I do get the idea that it is not just about the money for him though). I think the participants who are seriously seeking help would be better off with a good professional therapist (that is, if you can find one).

That said, this is a nice recording of a Tony Robbins "event". It plays out kind of like a concert movie: you get an idea of what is happening out there plus some backstage comments. If you do like the band, good for you. If you do not like the band, well, you still get an idea of what it is about plus some touching moments. At worst, it might look like a Tony Robbins commercial, but it is what it is: recording of an event.

Be Inspired To Be More!

[ericanitti · 10/10 · 20 July 2016]

Watching this film gives you an up close and personal look at transformation in real time. It will teach you, it will challenge you, it will open you and it will leave you feeling love for those who are featured in the film, whose lives will be forever richer and more fulfilled. It also may have you question what you believe is 'right' or 'PC' in how people can change, and what we have been taught. You don't need to be a fan of Tony's or a current client to receive value from this film, what you do need to be is open to watching with open eyes and an open heart. Look for the greatness in the rawness and truth of what's happening in real time in front of the cameras. You can only walk away with appreciation, love and the will to do more and be more in your own life!

Its a long commercial

[jagodamrr · 1/10 · 6 December 2020]

If they just said so, id clap, beautiful commercial. But to disguise as documentary is just pure trickery. Especially that his "healing" methods are very shady. I feel duped.

A candid look at one of Tony Robbins events

[elevu · 9/10 · 19 July 2016]

With some movies I can go wow, that was really good. With this one I found myself in tears of joy and sadness reflecting on my life and experiencing compassion for others.

I don't know else really to put it other than, to really get this movie/footage of his event, you need to feel it. His life purpose is to get to the bottom line of nearly everything. Watching this movie could be, for the right people, just the jolt they need to take action and do better in life. If so, then he succeeded.

It was well done. I showed an honest view of his most popular seminar experience.

I thought the interviewer at times seemed quite cold, at times of understandable emotion for Tony and others. I do however thank the director and producer(s) and all involved for making this. It was awesome!

Egad!

[emk92y · 1/10 · 21 October 2016]

Posing as a documentary, this infomercial amounts to forced feeding of Tony Robbins dog food. Nowhere is there any semblance of objectivity,or the slightest inkling of the real man. In other words, there's no insight into this self-absorbed hustler whose miracles are accepted at face value. Cringe-worthy in its relentless adulation, this film makes Fox News seem, as it claims, "Fair and Balanced" in comparison. Seeing wounded people gain momentary solace is hardly a vision of real mental or emotional healing. It seems clear how and why the filmmakers were given such complete access. The question that begs is whether they were also provided with funds by the Robbins organization. No thanks!

A must see!

[Sherwin_Ace_Ross · 25 July 2016]

I attended and graduated Mastery University from 1997 to 2000.I have crewed events as well.

For sure, Tony Robbins comes from the streets and from his heart. His never ending commitment for himself to personal growth is absolutely hands down the perfect opportunity for you if you have not or if you do not know about Tony.

Of the many techniques he will teach you, one is how to role model someone you admire and turn years into months, months into days and days into minute creating absolute certainty in having a full and productive life, living on your terms.

Tony has spent his life perfecting techniques that break patterns. In this very important documentary, you will get that this works.