Enlightenment Guaranteed

Rating:
Summary: One of the Greatest Films Ever Made !
Review: Enlightenment Guaranteed - The film that will inspire you to become a better person !

It's one of those things that is so great, it cannot be put into words.

Rating:
Summary: Zen as It Really Is, and Great Entertainment As Well
Review: I finished watching this film last night, and found it wonderful. Afraid that, since it's in German with English subtitles, and about Japan and Zen, it might not get the boost it truly deserves in English-speaking areas, I decided to write my first review of anything here ever.

I was delighted to find a bunch of great and well-written reviews already here, so I don't need to say as much as I thought I might.

I am an American with European links who has lived in Japan several times for some years. I am a professor and I teach Japanese culture, lit., film, etc. In my opinion, this film lets you know how things really are in Japan now, and how the Zen temple tradition manages very well to coexist with a pretty materialistic and Americanized culture in Japan today.
It's also an account of what it's really like to come into contact with Japanese Buddhism, and later to find oneself somewhat changed by the encounter, in unexpected but good ways.

I have also been in Germany now and then, and the German scenes in the first part of the movie seem to me to ring very true in terms of what life is actually like there--since the makers are German, that is to be expected--though sometimes both Japanese and European directors create movies that are less realistic and cater to American stereotypical impressions instead.
Buy this DVD, get your friends to watch it, and perhaps you'll be transformed in your daily life as a result of seeing it--in the sorts of small ways that last and really count, as Gustav and Uwe are in the film.
The German dialogue in the film is clear and concise, like regular educated conversation, so it's easy to follow if you know some German. The subtitles are also well written and get the humor across too.
I hope Ms. Dorrie and her colleagues will make another one like this soon. Whether it's set in Japan or not, it's sure to be good. Ms. Dorrie's comments are also a good special feature, with some interesting points about how to make a good film on a budget of just one million dollars these days.

One last thing. By accident, I watched the first part, set in Germany, about the lives Gustav and his brother led there, and then I stopped for the evening a bit after they got to Japan. I figured the film was almost over, and I'd spend maybe a half hour watching the rest the next evening.

The Japan experience turned out to be in fact the most important part of the film, and and I had a great time watching it for another hour or so, because it was so absorbing, authentic and true to real life. It was like getting two films for the price of one--both really good. I think it may be good to watch the film in two sittings this way, but that's up to you.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful film!!!
Review: I went three times to the theatres to watch it and I can't wait to have a copy myself! It is inspiring, dramatic, funny... ;) If you like to have fun while getting something from it, then this is the movie for you! Enjoy!

Rating:
Summary: For any traveler who's ever been lost
Review: If you have ever traveled, ever been out of your element, not spoken the language, not been familiar with the culture... this is the movie for you. On that level alone, this film is a gem.

In addition, there is a wonderfully gentle but transcendent Zen message lying underneath. These two hapless German brothers prove that when you've hit rock bottom, the one thing that is guaranteed to help is looking at things differently. Watching two middle-aged German men achieve a certain degree of Buddhist enlightenment is not only hilarious, it's also heartwarming.

When you first start watching the movie, you will think to yourself, "man, these are cruddy production values. It looks like it's on video tape." But by the end of the journey you will understand. And you will love it all the more for its untraditional production values. Because ultimately, the value of the film is not determined by the film's budget.

You only have to fall into one of the following categories to love this movie:
1) anyone who's traveled abroad
2) anyone who's looking for the answer to life's riddles
3) anyone who's interested in Buddhism
4) anyone who likes German movies
If you fit more than one category, you'll be in cinematic heaven.

Rating:
Summary: Meaning and enlightment where you least expect to find them
Review: On the surface, this movie appears to be about two brothers who are searching (often in very different ways) for meaning in their lives. One of them decides a trip to a Japanese monastery will further his steps toward enlightenment and peace. The other brother begs to go along because his wife has suddenly abandoned him. He is bereft and at loose ends and hysterical with grief. Against his better impulses, the other brother gives in -and the adventure begins.
Once they arrive in Tokyo, the brothers struggle to cope with the difficulties of being in a foreign country and not being able to speak the language They find even the smallest parts of everyday life difficult - getting taxis, ordering food, etc. But they think that they know how to find their way back to their hotel, using two large buildings as landmarks. Unfortunately, at night, the lights of the "landmark" buildings are turned off, which leaves the men disoriented and totally lost. Even worse, they have no money.
And that's when they are forced to fall back on their own resources, hitting rock bottom, panicking...and then finding their way up again (I won't go into detail here because the pleasure of this film comes in watching the experiences of the brothers).
By the time they get to the monastery, they have come a long way from their old life. Not that life is easy at the monastery but they are ready to change, ready to start the real struggle ahead of them.
If I've made this film sound very serious or intellectual, it isn't. There is humor, grace and plenty of surprises in this charming film as well as an exploration of what makes life meaningful - and why. One of those rare films that pushes the viewer to think... and well worth the time spent watching it.

Rating:
Summary: Enlightenment Indeed!
Review: ROXANNE CRIDER

"ENLIGHTENMENT GUARANTEED"

"Too much enlightenment dazzles me."

Combine a German movie with English subtitles about Zen meditation in a Japanese culture and you have all the basic ingredients necessary for a very entertaining and 'enlightening' movie. At the onset, chaos and mayhem ensues as a typical couple with four small children face yet another hectic start of their day. The husband and father, Uwe, is seemingly unconcerned and uninvolved in the children's needs as the morning ritual turns into a crying and screaming match where everyone is miserable. Switching scenes to his brother Gustav's home, there is peace and tranquility, with an underlying, hard to detect tone of the same nature. The movie flashes back to Uwe's home, as Petra, disgusted with her husband's belittling attitude and lack of assistance, packs the children and moves out of their home. Discovering their absence upon his return home from work, Uwe panics and grieves, then visits his brother who is packing for a vacation to a monastery to study Zen meditation. Begging to go along and promising not to be of any trouble, Gustav agrees to allow Uwe to come with him. The distain Uwe initially feels toward his brother's beliefs quickly turns to compete acceptance of the strict discipline enforced upon them during their stay. Not until the loss of their possessions as well as the directions of the hotel where they stay in Tokyo, Japan do they realize the inner peace that can be obtained by peace and understanding of the beliefs of the monks. The trip causes both brothers to reevaluate their lifestyles and attitudes, promising to make their lives better upon their return to Germany. It was so appropriate that, as the brothers have always had their differences, they share a common thread. It was a clever move by director Doris Dörrie to have the brother's trades reflect an uncanny tie-in with the Zen meditation beliefs before their journey even began. Uwe is employed as a kitchen countertop salesman with an aesthetic eye for form and balance and is as polished as the products he sells. This constrasted and blended perfectly with Gustav's job as a neurotic, compass-dependent feng shui consultant. I enjoyed the movie very much, and would honestly have a difficult time choosing my favorite scene. Their unforgettable rendition of "I Will Survive" stands out as one of my favorite scenes, and is a turning point in the film as a kind, young German woman recognizes the language and helps them on their way. The comments filmed with Uwe's home video camera were hilarious, revealing, tragic and entertaining all at the same time. I thoroughly recommend this film to anyone who would open their minds up to a foreign film and open their hearts as well to these two very fine actors and the amazing director who put the entire endeavor together with style, respect for differing cultures, and 'enlightenment'.

Rating:
Summary: Enlightenment Indeed!
Review: ROXANNE CRIDER

"ENLIGHTENMENT GUARANTEED"

"Too much enlightenment dazzles me."

Combine a German movie with English subtitles about Zen meditation in a Japanese culture and you have all the basic ingredients necessary for a very entertaining and 'enlightening' movie. At the onset, chaos and mayhem ensues as a typical couple with four small children face yet another hectic start of their day. The husband and father, Uwe, is seemingly unconcerned and uninvolved in the children's needs as the morning ritual turns into a crying and screaming match where everyone is miserable. Switching scenes to his brother Gustav's home, there is peace and tranquility, with an underlying, hard to detect tone of the same nature. The movie flashes back to Uwe's home, as Petra, disgusted with her husband's belittling attitude and lack of assistance, packs the children and moves out of their home. Discovering their absence upon his return home from work, Uwe panics and grieves, then visits his brother who is packing for a vacation to a monastery to study Zen meditation. Begging to go along and promising not to be of any trouble, Gustav agrees to allow Uwe to come with him. The distain Uwe initially feels toward his brother's beliefs quickly turns to compete acceptance of the strict discipline enforced upon them during their stay. Not until the loss of their possessions as well as the directions of the hotel where they stay in Tokyo, Japan do they realize the inner peace that can be obtained by peace and understanding of the beliefs of the monks. The trip causes both brothers to reevaluate their lifestyles and attitudes, promising to make their lives better upon their return to Germany. It was so appropriate that, as the brothers have always had their differences, they share a common thread. It was a clever move by director Doris Dörrie to have the brother's trades reflect an uncanny tie-in with the Zen meditation beliefs before their journey even began. Uwe is employed as a kitchen countertop salesman with an aesthetic eye for form and balance and is as polished as the products he sells. This constrasted and blended perfectly with Gustav's job as a neurotic, compass-dependent feng shui consultant. I enjoyed the movie very much, and would honestly have a difficult time choosing my favorite scene. Their unforgettable rendition of "I Will Survive" stands out as one of my favorite scenes, and is a turning point in the film as a kind, young German woman recognizes the language and helps them on their way. The comments filmed with Uwe's home video camera were hilarious, revealing, tragic and entertaining all at the same time. I thoroughly recommend this film to anyone who would open their minds up to a foreign film and open their hearts as well to these two very fine actors and the amazing director who put the entire endeavor together with style, respect for differing cultures, and 'enlightenment'.

Rating:
Summary: This video will not enlighten you.
Review: Shot on video. In German with English subtitles.
All of the main actors first names is also the first name of the character they play.
Both Uwe Ochsenknecht and Gustav Peter Wohler were in "Am I Beautiful? (Binich schon? [1988]). Uwe Ochsenknecht was also in Das Boot (1980) English title: The Boat (1980).
Uwe plays a father. Currently all of his kids seem to be crying all the time. It is driving him nuts. He is a real estate agent. Gustav is a married man too, but his wife is a nag. he is a feng shui consultant. Uwe and Gustav are brothers. Uwe's wife has left him (well he finally has peace) and he begs Gustav to take him to the Sojij Monastery. Gustav wants to go alone because he reserved it a year ago, but relents and decides to take his brother too. Their vacation takes a turn for the worst when a taxi cab driver gets them lost.
Don't pick this film because of what you see on the cover, it has nothing to do with a bath house and really isn't about feng shui. But if you like films about travelers getting lost, may I recommend the "Out-of-Towners (1970) starring Jack Lemmon and Sandy Dennis.

Rating:
Summary: Hilarious look into suffering and enlightenment
Review: This is the story of two brothers who start the movie on opposite ends of the "got it together" spectrum and through a mass of crazy events wind up in a monestary in Japan diving into the magic of zen. Very touching, funny and dare I say. . .enlightening.

Great for those who know any German too.