Powaqqatsi
A dialogue-free visual symphony contrasts traditional labor and natural grandeur with the destabilizing forces of global modernization.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- None
- contemplative
- austere
- dread-filled
- quiet afternoon
- immersive viewing
What critics said
Critics broadly admired the film's astonishing imagery and musical audiovisual design while finding its argument overly obvious, one-dimensional, and less compelling than its predecessor.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The film proceeds without dialogue, relying on imagery and Philip Glass's score to connect labor, modernization, and landscapes.
Its central subject is the effect of Western-style modernization on technologically developing nations.
The film's poetic documentary approach and striking sequences organize human and natural imagery into an audiovisual symphony.
Critical reception identifies the film's critique of First World domination of the Third World as a defining message.
Films like Powaqqatsi, and why
Koyaanisqatsi
experimental nonverbal documentary form, immersive visual montage, and environmental meditation
Baraka
poetic observational documentary, global human landscapes, and symphonic visual construction
Samsara
meditative nature imagery, minimal dialogue, and contemplative audiovisual essay style
Movie Details
- Director
- Godfrey Reggio
- Release Date
- 1988-04-29
- Runtime
- 100 min
- Rating
- 7.2 / 10 (191)
Cast
- Christie Brinkley
- David Brinkley
- Patrick Disanto
- Pope John Paul II
- Dan Rather
- Cheryl Tiegs
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- fuboTV, MGM+ Amazon Channel, Philo, MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel, MGM Plus
- Rent
- Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Powaqqatsi about?
- A dialogue-free visual symphony contrasts traditional labor and natural grandeur with the destabilizing forces of global modernization.
- What is Powaqqatsi like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Powaqqatsi as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Powaqqatsi violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Powaqqatsi.
- What did critics think of Powaqqatsi?
- Critics broadly admired the film's astonishing imagery and musical audiovisual design while finding its argument overly obvious, one-dimensional, and less compelling than its predecessor.
- Which films are like Powaqqatsi?
- Films with a similar feel include Koyaanisqatsi, Baraka, and Samsara.
- How long is Powaqqatsi?
- Powaqqatsi runs 100 minutes.
- Where can I watch Powaqqatsi?
- In United States, Powaqqatsi streams on fuboTV, MGM+ Amazon Channel, Philo, MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel, MGM Plus.
