Spirituality & Philosophy

Joseph Dorman wrote and directed this biographical documentary tracing four Jewish intellectuals from NYC's City College during WW II to the present day -- political essayist Irving Kristol, sociologist Nathan Glazer, the late socialist literary critic Irving Howe (who died in 1993), and social theorist Daniel Bell. At CCNY, debates raged in the school's cafeteria, later continuing in the pages of influential academic journals. Alan Rosenberg narrates. Shown at the 1997 Boston Jewish Film Festival. ~ Bhob Stewart, All Movie Guide

Explore the life and preaching of evangelist Billy Graham in an analysis of his life's work and through interviews with people who know him best. From the early days of Graham's teachings in the 1940s to his work in the later part of the 20th century, this documentary includes the political, personal, and public life of Graham and a behind-the-scenes look at a Graham revival before an audience of 60,000. The documentary is followed by an in-depth conversation with the man himself about his relationships with famous and political figures and about the ups and downs of his life and his work. ~ Cecilia Cygnar, All Movie Guide

Pope John Paul II has definitely led a life filled with singular events. He is the first non-Italian Pope in nearly 500 years. Frontline: John Paul II - The Millennial Pope presents the historical side of this fascinating man's life. It chiefly focuses on the life of Karol Wojtyla and how he evolved into such a deeply religious man, eager to teach others about Christianity. The pope's early family losses, the Nazi invasion of his Polish city and other key events have all clearly helped shape this man's faith and belief in God. Includes footage of the Pope traveling and interacting with many of the world's Catholics. The viewer will also see some of the startling moments surrounding the assassination attempt made on Pope John II's life back in 1981. This video reminds everyone that a number of truly fateful events must occur in order to produce someone like John Paul II, the world's first Polish Pope. ~ Elizabeth Smith, All Movie Guide

This video is part of a series that examines some of the most important stories and figures in the Bible. In this volume, the subject is prophecy. In Biblical times, men and women who could see and predict the future were very important and powerful figures. This program examines the words of Biblical prophets, including John, Elijah, Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Isaiah, and Deborah. Biblical scholars discuss the meaning behind the prophets' words and imagery, their impact, and their accuracy. The film features on-location footage, religious art, and readings from the works of the prophets. ~ Rose of Sharon Winter, All Movie Guide

For this Swiss-German documentary, filmmaker/Sinologist Ulrike Koch sneaked cameras into Tibet in order to film four men and 160 yak in a 2,000-year-old ritual -- the annual spring pilgrimage to gather raw salt at remote lakes, a three-month Himalayan trek. Camping along the way, they engage in prayers, talk, and songs. Following nomadic traditions, the saltmen make the return trip with salt in backpacks made from yak pelts. In addition to Tibetan chanting, the film's music includes a post-production blend of Hamburg musicians and native Tibetans. After a digital video transfer to film, the 108-minute documentary was shown at several 1997 film festivals, including (Sundance, Vienna, Taormina, and Pusan). ~ Bhob Stewart, All Movie Guide

Part narrative, part documentary, and part animation, What the #$*! Do We Know?! was filmed with the intent of expressing the neurological processes and so called "quantum uncertainty" of life. With the help of a directorial triumvirate consisting of Betsy Chasse, William Arntz, and Mark Vicente, Marlee Matlin stars as Amanda, whose uninspired daily routine is abruptly altered into a chaotic, Alice in Wonderland-style reality, complete with quirky characters and wildly different perspectives on life. As Amanda falls deeper into the experience, she's forced to drastically reconsider her perceptions of interpersonal relationships, men, and the fundamental principles of life. What the #$*! Do We Know?! is supplemented by a host of mystics and scientists, who are interviewed intermittently throughout the film for their wisdom and knowledge concerning religion, science, the thin line between them, and the consequences of blurring that line. ~ Tracie Cooper, All Movie Guide

This edition of Biography, the long running documentary series from A&E, explores the life of Moses. He remains a major character of Israelite history, portrayed in the Book of Exodus as the leader of the deliverance of Hebrew slaves from Egypt and the recipient of the Ten Commandments at Mt. Sinai. In Exodus, stories about his early life depict his escape from death as an infant by being hidden in the bulrushes, his upbringing in the Egyptian court, his flight to Midian, and the divine call to lead the Hebrews out of Egypt. The video also describes how Moses predicted a series of miraculous plagues designed to persuade the Pharaoh to release the Hebrews, as well as the Passover narrative and the miraculous escape led by Moses through the "sea of reeds". The historical importance of Moses is also explored describing Moses' leadership of the Israelites during their 40 years of wilderness wandering and his death before the Hebrews entered Canaan, the Promised Land. He was traditionally considered the author of the five books of the Law, the Pentateuch of the Hebrew Bible, but this is doubted by modern scholars. This, too, is examined in the documentary as differing views are looked at in hopes of shedding light on exactly what Moses had or had not written.
~ John Patrick Sheehan, All Movie Guide

From the vast beauty of the Highlands to the majestic Central Lowlands and Borders, Scotland is a land teeming with wondrous myths and captivating tales. Passed down through the generations by storytellers who hold their rich culture near and dear to their hearts, tales such as that of Rob Roy, King James IV and the ghost of the field of Flodden, and Robert the Bruce and the legend of the spider have a special place in the history of the Scottish. Now those who may wish to learn more about their cultural heritage and those who want to ensure the preservation of these tales for generations to come can find them all in one place thanks to this detailed collection of Celtic legends. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Excellent underwater photography and soothing new age music highlight this relaxation video, filmed on location at the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. ~ Heather M. Fierst, All Movie Guide

Lucy Walker directed this documentary about a little-known facet of Amish life. Although the Amish live in traditionally conservative enclaves, shunning modern conveniences and electricity while favoring a strict code of conduct and dress, they do have a moment in their lives known as "rumspringa." When an Amish child turns 16, they are allowed to interact with and take part in life away from their upbringing. This film follows a handful of teenagers as they break from their past and experiment with drinking, drugs, and driving (possibly for the only time in their lives). Devil's Playground was screened at the 2002 Sundance Film Festival. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide

This lively conversation between Deepak Chopra and Robert Thurman explores the points of contact and of conflict between Vedanta and Buddhism -- India's two great philosophic traditions. Taped in 1999 at New York's Tibet House, before an audience of religious and spiritual leaders, the dialogue encompasses everything from the Rishis' teachings about Brahman to the speakers' personal experiences of each tradition. Chopra, a physician and bestselling author, outlines the teachings upon which Vedanta rests; Thurman, Professor of Religion at Columbia University and an associate of the 14th Dalai Lama, offers the Buddhist counterpoint. A historic and enlightening event, ideal for students, educators, and devotees of Eastern philosophies. ~ Sarah Welsh, All Movie Guide