Critic Reviews
| 90 |
The Onion (A.V. Club)
Perhaps unintentionally, Lemle's intercutting between the younger and older Dass makes connections that are provocative and deeply moving.
|
| 75 |
New York Post
The most touching part of Lemle's film concerns the 69-year-old Ram Dass today, as he struggles through physical therapy to regain control of his body while continuing to preach to his devoted followers, both young and old.
|
| 75 |
San Francisco Chronicle
A generous, inspiring film that unfolds with grace and humor and gradually becomes a testament to faith.
|
| 70 |
LA Weekly
Moving and informative film, in which the soft-spoken man recounts his unorthodox journey from Harvard psychology professor to beloved guru.
|
| 70 |
TV Guide
The way Ram Dass applies the precepts of his life to an understanding of aging and death -- and how he's able to help those whose lives have been changed by the death of others -- is inspiring, and its power transcends the film's technical limitations.
|
| 70 |
Los Angeles Times
An ingratiating and comprehensive portrait of the widely admired spiritual leader, author and lecturer.
|
| 70 |
Village Voice
It's an unnervingly naked display.
|
| 67 |
Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Aimed at a New Age audience, but its subject's sincerity and gentle, self-deprecating nature translate well to a general audience.
|
| 60 |
The New York Times
Mr. Lemle begins and ends the movie by dealing with Ram Dass's loss of power, -- both physical and neurological. "Fierce Grace" has a sharpness when it concentrates there.
|
| 50 |
New York Daily News
What the film does not show is why empathy, kindness, a willingness to change priorities and a gift with words (even when they're slow in coming) translate to anything more spiritual than being the kind of person other people like to be around.
|
| 50 |
Christian Science Monitor
Frequently sentimental portrait.
|
| 50 |
New Times (L.A.)
As in his earlier Dalai Lama film, Lemle seems too in awe of his subject. There is an air of hero-worship that allows not a negative moment or any questioning of even the most trivial inaccuracies.
|
| 40 |
Austin Chronicle
The movie probably offers little but cursory understanding to novices in the Ram Dass spiritual journey, but to those familiar with the work of this teacher will likely find the movie like a tune-up visit with an old traveling companion.
|
|
