The modernization of peasant life, or as Marx would say, "primitive accumulation." A farewell to pre-monolithic culture.

Powaqqatsi feels more focused on the “Human” aspect than Koyaanisqatsi had and for that it feels a bit more unique than it’s predecessor. And while a large portion of this was uninteresting, it still managed to say some profound topics of our world with it’s beautiful images and another fantastic Philip Glass score.

SPRING CRITERION MARATHON #19

While still very pretty, I went into this hoping I would be in the boat of people saying it's as good as Koyaanisqatsi, but sadly, it's merely a great film instead of an incredible film.

That said, I still enjoyed it and I think it has its place, I just don't think it packs quite the same visual punch as the first film or the likes of Baraka and Samsara.

I still look forward to the final film in the Qatsi trilogy, I'm just keeping my expectations loooowwwwww.

My guess is, most people rate this much lower than Koyaanisqatsi for a number of reasons: the soundtrack is not as catchy, it's slower, less direct in the presentation of its themes (or is it more direct?). Personally I thought it was just as good, but Powaqqatsi lacked the momentum that works so well in the first film of the Qatsi trilogy. Still, there are some shots here that left me speechless.

I pretty much have the same thoughts as before, but seeing it on a bigger screen and a louder sound system made it better.

I don't think it even holds a fucking candle to the power that Koyaanisqatsi has, but it still has a pretty great score and a lot of notable cinematography porn.

I think this might be the greatest film about Africa I've seen so far, but I want to see more.

Still glad I bought the Qatsi box set on Criterion. I just wish the other two held the same power as the first.

Can't catch lightning in a bottle twice, I suppose.

More like Wowaqqatsi

Although I still really enjoyed this, it's nowhere near as impressive in its construction or ideas as Koyaanisqatsi.

The Cannon Group presents:
Koyaanisqatsi II: The Crackdown.

Not as enthralling as the "Koyaanisqatsi" but an interesting follow-up. Focused on the conflict between natural world and industrialization and modernization. There are some very cool visual tricks, but on the whole the images are less fascinating and score is less memorable.

Prosperity is built up by the hands of slaves, so should the world advance further when many suffer for progress?

Is modernization necessary as it offers health and protection while bringing destruction to ancient cultures?

How can the world promote Westernization to stricken countries when the West has an overworked population, poverty, and corruption?

These questions are simultaneously asked explicitly and implicitly in this experimental documentary. Despite some powerful and beautiful scenes, they are few and are instead flooded with a bad score and terrible pacing -- passing over interesting subjects while taking a little too much time on other stuff.

Pretentious AF

I turned this off. I absolutely adore the first film, mostly due to the Glass score, but here the music was so bad that I couldn't stand it. I have no idea what Glass was going for, and it hasn't aged well.

Humanity is cool.

I was intrigued by the more apocalyptic feel of Powaqqatsi, compared to the crazy insane ride of Koyaanisqatsi, and the calm, meditative trance of Samsara. Although I found this less epic than the other two, I still liked it a lot.

To those who say that these films lack depth or are unnecessary: no u. This film has every right to exist. It’s a window into a wide diversity of cultures, and if you don’t want to see that, go play with your shuffleboard or something lol. No, but seriously, to say that these films lack depth is really weird to me. They are escalating montages feeding you with impressions of specified themes within human evolution. That’s super rad.

Great 3am comedown movie!

The soundtrack slaps in this one. But alas, even longer and slower than its predecessor. Play this loud and its aight. Thanks Phillip Glass you legend.

maybe more fun to say than to watch, but still enjoyable as a collage of moving portraits, and an homage to mankind. it's pretty and meditative, despite its ideological agenda.

Was looking for a movie experience to transport me outside my tiny sliver of subjective experience, and Powaqqatsi definitely delivers on that front. Embodies the "moving pictures" origin of the "movie" name, and provides time for the viewer to experience and process each shot. Although less compelling overall than Koyaanisqatsi, the personal focus this film took in it's close-up shots of people's faces was an interesting contrast to the often zoomed-out scope of Koyaanisqatsi.

Criminally overlooked and beautifully edited and shot.

Composer Phillip Glass continues to bless my ears. will definitely revisit in the future. 🌴