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Short Cut to Nirvana: Kumbh Mela
  • Release Date: Jan 14, 2005
User Score
9.3 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 12 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 12
  3. Negative: 1 out of 12

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  1. SavithI.
    Jun 10, 2005
    1
    This film fails miserably a result of both gross superficiality as well as its inability to avoid an Orientalist lens. Due to the persistent, historical exoticization of Eastern tradition in Western media, what becomes vital to this sort of European-directed project is a sort of introspection regarding the process of production itself. Instead, what we see are bits and pieces of purportedly "Hindu" thought (chosen by individuals far from knowledgable about the belief system) that will undoubtedly come across as foreign to Hindus themselves! Those unfamiliar with India may be somewhat entertained by the sights and sounds, however the depiction is misleading and misrepresentative.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. ShulyA.
    Sep 21, 2005
    10
    Wonderful movie! I enjoyed it a lot! Great footage and soundtrack!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. shulya.
    Sep 27, 2005
    10
    BeautifuL and colorful. Great sound track. After watching it for the 3rd time I can say it only gets better! Makes you wanna go there and experiance it yourself!!!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  4. AndreaS.
    Sep 21, 2005
    10
    "Short Cut to Nirvana", the movie, is extremely informative yet with good sense of humor. I felt touched and inspired by its magnitude and simplicity.(...) Thank Maurizio and Nick for this remarkable experience! The message stays with you! Peace for all!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  5. roxys.
    Sep 21, 2005
    10
    A trip to india for the price of a movie ticket!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  6. susanb.
    Sep 20, 2005
    10
    A rare kind of film. Spiritual but not preaching. Loved that the camera was not judging. I felt as I was there, surrounded by that mass of blissfull humanity without any fear. A gem! Sue B
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  7. LuM
    Sep 29, 2005
    10
    The film takes us on a journey that neither we nor the flimmakers could have planned for or anticipated. This is the beauty of the Kumbh Mela. After seeing this movie (several times) I would love to experience my own adventure at the next Kumbh Mela. Watch the movie now and you still have a few years to plan your own visit!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  8. erink.
    May 19, 2005
    10
    Fantastic film!!!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  9. RajK
    Jun 21, 2005
    10
    This very entertaining and enjoyable film doesn't attempt to explain Hinduism, which is a good thing. Instead it's an experience of attending Maha Kumbh Mela and it succeds well because it treats the viewer as an intelligent human being capable of discernment. It shows some sadhus and babas who have some extreme practices and almost invites derision, but then subtly reminds audiences that it is a mistake to rush to judgment, and it's important to understand what you are seeing using the heart and the mind together. Anyone whose mind is narrowly trained in the Western academic "intellectual" tradition can easily miss the point! This film is a vehicle for something quite wonderful and heartfelt.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  10. KarenZ
    Sep 21, 2005
    10
    A glimpse into the biggest spiritual gathering on Earth in terms of numbers of participants. I came to the film as an eggheady Christian looking for common ground with other spiritual corners of the globe. Shortcut to Nirvana is a superb vehicle for such connection. As others have stated, Kumbh Mela is too vast a festival to be crammed into a nutshell, and the filmmakers have not tried to do so. What they give us is a warm, enthusiastic overview of a event that moves a wide variety of people to community and vitality in their quest for godly energy. For a westerner, it is indeed moving and encouraging to see Hindus of widely differing practices, as well as the Dalai Lama, peacefully embracing each other's humanity and expressing their faith.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
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Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
55 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 14 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 14
  3. Negative: 1 out of 14
  1. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Ty Burr
    50
    At its strongest cataloging the sheer sensory overkill of the festival -- the faces, the food, the many roads to bliss. Only the slightest historical information is offered and no spiritual background whatsoever.
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  2. Film Threat
    Reviewed by: Phil Hall
    60
    A beautifully crafted documentary.
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  3. San Francisco Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Carla Meyer
    75
    A snapshot of the festival, one that radiates good cheer and offers moments of true, godly goodness.
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