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Ram Dass Fierce Grace
Film Forum


9.6

based on 13 reviews
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based on 3 votes
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MPAA RATING: Not Rated

A documentary portrait of Ram Dass, the highly influential author of the Seventies classic "Be Here Now," a book that changed the lives of millions and set a whole generation on a quest for expanded consciousness and meaningful spirituality. (Lemle Pictures)

GENRE(S):	Documentary
DIRECTED BY:	Mickey Lemle
RELEASE DATE:	DVD: April 8, 2003 Video: April 8, 2003 Theatrical: February 27, 2002
RUNNING TIME:	93 minutes, Color
ORIGIN:	USA

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

The Onion (A.V. Club) Noel Murray

Perhaps unintentionally, Lemle's intercutting between the younger and older Dass makes connections that are provocative and deeply moving.

New York Post V.A. Musetto

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.

San Francisco Chronicle Edward Guthmann

A generous, inspiring film that unfolds with grace and humor and gradually becomes a testament to faith.

LA Weekly Chuck Wilson

Moving and informative film, in which the soft-spoken man recounts his unorthodox journey from Harvard psychology professor to beloved guru.

TV Guide Ken Fox

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.

Los Angeles Times Kevin Thomas

An ingratiating and comprehensive portrait of the widely admired spiritual leader, author and lecturer.

Village Voice Mark Holcomb

It's an unnervingly naked display.

Seattle Post-Intelligencer William Arnold

Aimed at a New Age audience, but its subject's sincerity and gentle, self-deprecating nature translate well to a general audience.

The New York Times A.O. Scott

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.

New York Daily News Jami Bernard

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.

Christian Science Monitor David Sterritt

Frequently sentimental portrait.

New Times (L.A.) Andy Klein

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.

Austin Chronicle Marjorie Baumgarten

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.

The average user rating for this movie is 9.6 (out of 10) based on 3 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Ladybear gave it a 10:
Namaste`, Again Ram Dass leads the way for us. he is most caring & sharing, most humbled & reminiscent. Interviews with old friends, Ralph Metzner, Bhagavan Das, Huston Smith, Larry Brilliant, Wavy Gravy, Timothy Leary, old home movies, video and photos of Maharja-ji NEEM KAROLI BABA. This WONDERFUL film will warm your heart and renew your hope for humanity. Shanti Ommmmmmm

Jon S. gave it a 9:
The only weakness was that the 93 minutes were too short. Could have easily been 120 minutes. Can't wait for the DVD.

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Ram Dass Fierce Grace Film Forum

Ram Dass Fierce Grace
Film Forum