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Koyaanisqatsi

Released Nov 11, 2004 1h 27m Documentary List
91% Tomatometer 23 Reviews 91% Audience Score 10,000+ Ratings
Drawing its title from the Hopi word meaning "life out of balance," this renowned documentary reveals how humanity has grown apart from nature. Featuring extensive footage of natural landscapes and elemental forces, the film gives way to many scenes of modern civilization and technology. Given its lack of narration and dialogue, the production makes its points solely through imagery and music, with many scenes either slowed down or sped up for dramatic effect. Read More Read Less
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Koyaanisqatsi

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Koyaanisqatsi

What to Know

Critics Consensus

Koyaanisqatsi combines striking visuals and a brilliant score to produce a viewing experience that manages to be formally daring as well as purely entertaining.

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Critics Reviews

View All (23) Critics Reviews
Roger Ebert Chicago Sun-Times Koyaanisqatsi is an impressive visual and listening experience. Rated: 3/4 Oct 23, 2004 Full Review Tim Brayton Alternate Ending Crafting a way of seeing the world that is fresh and new. Rated: 5/5 Oct 27, 2023 Full Review Wael Khairy The Cinephile Fix “Koyaanisqatsi” is one of the most eye-opening works of art created in the late 20th century. Mar 31, 2023 Full Review Lisa Nesselson France24 Seeing it again actually brought tears to my eyes. Sep 26, 2018 Full Review David N. Butterworth La Movie Boeuf "Well now, that music was *very* foreboding; it made a shiver go right down my spine." Rated: 3.5/4 Aug 22, 2017 Full Review Michael Dequina TheMovieReport.com Rated: 4/5 Jan 11, 2007 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (1000+) audience reviews
Frank M "I don't like what's on the television. It's making me sick" Rated 1 out of 5 stars 03/24/24 Full Review Leo E 0:00 - 0:05 - "wow this is a beautiful commentary on the futility of longing for the past and how tragic and melancholy it would be if you ever got there" 0:05 - 1:21 - "living in the city sucks" Rated 2 out of 5 stars 02/27/24 Full Review Mikhail B A slow meditation on man's place in this world. Great music, thoughtful shots. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/04/23 Full Review Charlie G This "film" is garbage. There's nothing impressive about renting a helicopter for 48 hours, shooting a bunch of B-roll, and putting music over it. When I was first shown this I thought it was just an opening for the real movie, but 90 minutes and two bathroom breaks later, I realized that the opening *was* the movie. I'm not a regretful person and I don't believe looking back and regretting your decisions is very productive, but when I'm on my death bed, my one regret will be watching this garbage. They say Koyaanisqatsi means "life out of balance", but to me it means "pretentious scam." I never leave reviews but I know if I can stop one person from watching this trite, my sacrifice won't be in vain. If I could rate 0 stars I would. Rated 1 out of 5 stars 07/19/23 Full Review David W It is important to know two things going into this film: 1) It is an art film and 2) It is one of the best pieces of cinematic art from the late twentieth century. Oh, and there is no dialogue; that should also be mentioned before you press play. It's art, if you treat it as such, you will have a very enjoyable time, as I did! I will watch this one again. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/21/23 Full Review dave s Contrasting the natural world with urban sprawl and industrial wastelands, Godfrey Reggio's Koyaanisqatsi is a visually stunning documentary about ‘life out of balance' (as explained in the epilogue) on Earth. Devoid of dialogue, it is simply a series of images, mostly shot in either slow-motion or time-lapse, that never lose sight of its none too subtle message. For the most part, the imagery is brilliant, but there are times when things drag to a halt - the space craft explosion and its fall to Earth, for example. While the whole thing is wildly ambitious and thought-provoking, it is probably best watched with a fast-forward feature at the fingertips. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review Read all reviews
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Koyaanisqatsi

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Movie Info

Synopsis Drawing its title from the Hopi word meaning "life out of balance," this renowned documentary reveals how humanity has grown apart from nature. Featuring extensive footage of natural landscapes and elemental forces, the film gives way to many scenes of modern civilization and technology. Given its lack of narration and dialogue, the production makes its points solely through imagery and music, with many scenes either slowed down or sped up for dramatic effect.
Director
Godfrey Reggio
Producer
Godfrey Reggio
Screenwriter
Ron Fricke, Michael Hoenig
Distributor
Island Alive
Production Co
IRE Productions
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Nov 11, 2004, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Oct 17, 2016
Runtime
1h 27m
Sound Mix
Surround
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