The Nature of Existence

2010
6.5| 1h34m| NR| en| More Info
Released: 01 January 2010
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Synopsis

After exploring the phenomenon of TREKKIES, filmmaker Roger Nygard takes on The Nature of Existence. As he roams the globe to the source of each of the world's philosophies, religions, and belief systems, Nygard interviews spiritual leaders, scholars, scientists, artists, pizza chefs, and others who have influenced, inspired, or freaked out humanity.

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Reviews

InformationRap This is one of the few movies I've ever seen where the whole audience broke into spontaneous, loud applause a third of the way in.
Roman Sampson One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.
Mandeep Tyson The acting in this movie is really good.
Gary The movie's not perfect, but it sticks the landing of its message. It was engaging - thrilling at times - and I personally thought it was a great time.
curttothepoint This was an eye-opening, uplifting film. And despite the polarizing and controversial topic, it was surprisingly lighthearted and dare I say fun. I think this is because the director made it personal. You feel like you're on a road trip with him, just sitting down and chatting with a bunch of people that are really interesting (and some quite bizarre). Frankly, I'm amazed at the openness and honesty of the interviewees. Nygard must have a real knack for making people feel comfortable and unthreatened. Also, I was impressed by the balanced portrayal of all religions, with no trace of agenda or mockery. This is a film that can build bridges and open dialogue between people of varying viewpoints.
megdendler Is there some grand, eloquent meaning and purpose to life? Or is it all just about sex and chocolate? This new documentary certainly does not provide any unswerving answers...except for the realization that, no matter how strongly one person may believe in their own solutions to these questions, there is someone else out there who will just as confidently and definitely contradict him.Director Roger Nygard spent many years traveling the US and "hot spots" around the world interviewing experts and, well, not experts, to see what they had to say about the most unanswerable challenges of human existence. Is there a God? What happens when you die? What is morality? Why does any of it matter? From the little girl who lives next door to a conservative Jewish Rabi in Israel to a Druid priest and many physicists and "God experts", the answers are sometimes funny, sometimes provocative, and sometimes a little scary. And which ones you think fall into which categories will probably depend on what you already think the correct answers are. Especially on the whole "God" question level.What I really loved about this DVD is that Nygard never tries to wrap things up in a nutshell. Hundreds of hours of interviews are simply edited together so that there is a back-and-forth and a flow to the conversation, tied together with his own quirky narration of how confusing it all is or where he's going to try for answers next.As a woman in the middle of my own existential crisis, I thought the whole conversation was thrilling. Most of us grow up learning one set of ideals. Usually the ones held by our parents and the community we live in. Some of those teachings can be invasive and touch on every fiber of every decision we make. Others are pretty vague, as Carrie Bradshaw says, "I went to the church of be nice to others and chew with your mouth closed." But to be able to stand aside from what we feel is "right" and "true"--especially the TRUE part--and ponder another perspective, is absolutely vital. A few good solid "what ifs" never hurt anyone. If you find everything you cherish totally upended, well, maybe you were not on such solid footing to begin with.I'm not promising that this DVD will rock your world, but I hope it will make you think. No matter what side of things you stand on, you are going to hear from those who take exactly the opposite view. Listen to them. Take a minute to hear things from the other side. Open your thought. Open your heart. There's a big world out there and millions of people churn around in it. Taking 90 minutes to hear what some of them have to say about the biggest questions of life may just be some good, rich chocolate for your soul.According to one of the men interviewed, chocolate is the purpose of life. Sounds like a good first step to me!!(from my blog "Chocolate Media")
Teresa Loe I loved this documentary. I saw it at a film festival last year and am so excited to get all my friends and family to attend. The documentary is a humorous but not mocking, earnest attempt to answer unanswerable questions.The questions are simple, but have profound implications on both ancient and modern belief systems, morality, laws, politics and religion. There are as many answers to these questions as there are respondents. Some are quite interesting or sincere while others are just nuts!!Overall, its a must see movie to start our own discussions about what IS the Nature of Existence! What is our purpose and all those other intriguing questions that sometimes get lost in the everyday motions of life.
Frank Zepancic First, my apologies, English is my second language. I just moved to Los Angeles to live with my cousin. He's taking me to see this movie for special showing,so spectacular!! In my country, never I have seen a movie can ask such difficult questions and get honest and real answer from everybody. This filmmaker is very brave, and he's even asking tough questions from man on FBI terrorist most watched list!! How can someone be so smart to making this kind of film? The film let me see all of the different kinds of culture and beliefs of USA and other countries also. I'm seeing for the first time, Christian Wrestling and also for the first time, I see the women who say they are having THREE EYES in their head!! So funny. Also, they show man who worships the Devil. In my country, this man would be going to stoning in the village. I liking what I seeing in this movie!! It was making me laugh and also making me think hard about why I am here in this country, for making my life mean something and I will give it meaning!