Baraka: More Than Just Pretty Pictures?

Okay, so I just re-watched Baraka last night, and dude, it still blows my mind. I know, I know, it's like THE stereotypical film student movie, all sweeping shots and no dialogue. But hear me out, I think it's got way more going on than just being a visual feast for the eyes. Like, yeah, the cinematography is insane (that time-lapse of the Shibuya crossing? Still gives me chills!). But I think the director (whoever they were lol) was trying to say something deeper about humanity's connection to, like, everything. I have this theory that it's all about cycles, right? Birth, death, creation, destruction... They keep showing us these ancient rituals and then smash cuts to modern industry or even slums, and at first it's easy to think like 'oh society bad!' but is it more nuanced than that? Like, humanity is part of this cycle, always building and tearing down. The scenes with the monks chanting and the tribal dances mirror the rhythm of the factory machines. Maybe everything is important? I mean, the scenes with the chickens being processed are brutal, and I actually had to look away. But honestly, I think that's the point. It's not just about showing the pretty stuff. It's about showing the whole damn messy process. That shot of the burning oil fields contrasted with the calm beauty of landscapes... it feels intentional, like, 'Wake up, people!' So, yeah, Baraka is gorgeous, but I think it also wants to make you think about your place in the world, and how we're all connected, whether we like it or not. It's pretentious af, I grant you that. But it gets me EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. Anyone else feel this way, or am I just reading way too much into some pretty images? Let me know! #Baraka #Documentary #FilmTheory #DeepThoughts #Movies