Bliss

Rating:
Summary: An amazing, well-layered work of genius
Review: Joseph and Maria are about to be married. They are riding to the wedding chapel in separate limousines-black for him, white for her, of course. Joseph rides with his best friend, Tanner, confiding all those last minute wedding day jitters. Maria rides with her parents, feeling a little nauseous from her nerves. Her mother warns her not to get any vomit on her dress. They arrive at the chapel, and all that nervous tension fades when they look into each other's eyes at the altar. Everything seems just normal for this couple at the precipice of their life together.

At first.

Seven months later, Joseph and Maria are already feuding over obsessive behaviors, emotional disconnection, inadequate bedroom performance, and an unwillingness to start a family. There's trouble in paradise, and just when things couldn't get any worse, it appears as if Maria is seeing a local sex therapist by the name of Balthazar. This is what every man dreads: Not only is his wife sleeping with another man, she's paying him for it. Fantabulous.

So far, aside from the quick pace and attention to detail, "Bliss" seems geared to become a formulaic romance story about a troubled newlywed couple. But it is when Joseph and Balthazar first meet that the film shows its true colors, and becomes one of the most honest, emotionally wrenching films ever made about love, sex, and abuse. It strips us of the awareness that we are watching a movie as we become completely engrossed in these lives we care so much about.

As Joseph agrees with Balthazar that traditional therapy is not the answer to his wife's many psychological troubles, the heart of the film becomes the discussions between the two men. Brutally honest discussions about sex, love, and the secrets of all their pasts when they finally come to light in the climax of the film.

All the characters are played with award-worthy style: Craig Sheffer as Joseph is remarkably strong-willed, hinting very subliminally at the wounded man beneath. Sheryl Lee, one of the great actresses working in film, is so sympathetic as Maria, that even when we are disgusted at her choices in the marriage, we are still with her because we can sense something wrong beyond her control. The big role here, though, belongs to Terence Stamp as the sex therapist Balthazar. This is one of the great performances not nominated for an Oscar. Stamp, instead of simply making Balthazar an all-knowing caricature of a therapist, reveals himself gradually, and emerges as one of the most interesting, well-layered characters of the cinema.

"Bliss" is the only film ever made by writer-director Lance Young, but I pray to God that it is not his last. A first effort this astonishing deserves a worthy follow-up. Along with "American Beauty," this is probably neck and neck for my all-time favorite film. It's a film from the heart that goes for the throat, not for the prudish, and completely unforgettable.

Rating:
Summary: Really enjoyed this.
Review: Learned a lot from this. It has peaked my interest and educated me in the different realms of love (both physically and spiritually). The movie was beautifully done. The actors did a great job, even though some of the lines/acting were a bit cheesy (but not a lot), and I didn't let that affect my enjoying the movie. Great cinematography. This truly is one of those movies where if you watch it with an open mind, you find that less is more. There was no lengthy dialogue and I liked that. But what was said was concise and on the mark. Simple.

Thanks to the one reviewer who addressed the "Joseph/Mary/wise man" connection; this was very important to note, as in my opinion their future child would definitely be a product of a great love (hence, a savior, metaphorically speaking). Joseph began showing signs of his "saving" grace with the advice he begins to give to complete strangers/friends. This movie is about sacrifice and how beneficial it can be even when we assume we are suffering for a lost cause.

Many thanks to the "men" who posted positive remarks on the issues addressed in this movie. I thought the celibacy/"in"jaculation issue was intriguing.
Note: What you can't control, controls YOU.

If more couples were truly dedicated to their relationships and interested in seeking out the higher levels of love, like Maria and Joseph were in this movie, the world would be a much better place (bliss) and we could all begin to find a little peace (bliss) in releasing ourselves to the Highest Power. Everything is about education. No matter which path you are on, you can always learn more; there are levels of EVERYTHING, including love. If you are looking for something more, this may set you on that path; if you are not, then this won't. Anyways......., enjoy. ;-)

Rating:
Summary: It helps to understand Vedic philosophy
Review: Like other reviewers I also picked out this video because of my respect for Siskel & Ebert's good taste. It turned out to be one of the best videos I have ever watched. The acting is good and the story flows well. Most of all the movie works and is very meaningful.

Some people watch movies to be entertained. I watch movies not only to be entertained but also to connect with ideas. This movie does it for me. The therapeutic ideas discussed comes from Eastern philosophy and is pretty authentic. The title refers to spiritual bliss and not sexual bliss. The social problem that's at the heart of the theme is very meaningful. There has been and there still is a lot of sexual abuse of children in our society.

This movie is not a flick and has nothing to do with gratuitous sex. It is about the love that one person can have for another and how partners can heal one another. It you initially laugh at this concept I suggest you do a bit of research into Jungian psychology and Vedic philosophy. Popular tastes in movies can be very superficial - this movie is not superficial. While it is not an epic it is a very well-executed treatise on an important topic that needs to be brought to light. I give it all 5 stars.

Rating:
Summary: It helps to understand Vedic philosophy
Review: Like other reviewers I also picked out this video because of my respect for Siskel & Ebert's good taste. It turned out to be one of the best videos I have ever watched. The acting is good and the story flows well. Most of all the movie works and is very meaningful.

Some people watch movies to be entertained. I watch movies not only to be entertained but also to connect with ideas. This movie does it for me. The therapeutic ideas discussed comes from Eastern philosophy and is pretty authentic. The title refers to spiritual bliss and not sexual bliss. The social problem that's at the heart of the theme is very meaningful. There has been and there still is a lot of sexual abuse of children in our society.

This movie is not a flick and has nothing to do with gratuitous sex. It is about the love that one person can have for another and how partners can heal one another. It you initially laugh at this concept I suggest you do a bit of research into Jungian psychology and Vedic philosophy. Popular tastes in movies can be very superficial - this movie is not superficial. While it is not an epic it is a very well-executed treatise on an important topic that needs to be brought to light. I give it all 5 stars.

Rating:
Summary: The Spiritual/Religious Side of the Movie
Review: Many of the reviews posted here and elsewhere on the 'net talk about the wonderful cinematography and the open way in which sex and abuse are explored in "Bliss". There are some interesting coincidences that have been completely missed simply because the movie deals so openly with sex - which covers all the religious implications. First, our main characters are Joseph and "Maria" - isn't there another famous couple named Joseph and Mary? Our hero Joseph is a construction manager...a modern day carpenter. Both Joseph and Maria go to see a man named Balthazar...who, together with Melchior and Casper in the bible, make up the three wise men.
It's a fascinating juxtaposition - the wise man, Balthazar, teaches Joseph, presumably christian, tantric sex, which comes from the Hindu/Indian religious traditions.
I suspect that Young intended for his audience to see the sexual healing process that a young married couple has to go through. Indeed, that's what most people *will* see. Fewer people will think about the comments he makes on the relationship between Joseph and Mary/Maria. How would a couple like Joseph and Mary be treated in today's society?
Perhaps another message in this film is that bliss is difficult to achieve within the confines of christianity. Young handles this issue so well that you won't even realize that it's happened until it's all over.

Rating:
Summary: a paradox- blissfully disturbing
Review: my ex-boyfriend saw this movie on cable and was so enthralled by it and its similarity to our relationship that he sent me a copy. sitting on my bed, surrounded by darkness, i was wholly absorbed into young's plot and felt a part of my psyche awaken from a deep slumber. i suffered alongside the main characters, yet found psychological bliss in the realization that my ex-boyfriend was joseph and our reciprocal healing was imminent. this movie has deeply changed me and the way i see love.

Rating:
Summary: Thought-provoking
Review: No, this isn't for the faint of heart. It does touch nerves, and it gets close to the bone for those of us who survive. Take seriously what is said; my husband acted very similar in seeking help on his own in addition to our therapy together. I had a friend introduce the subject to her boyfriend via watching this movie. (She thought of no other way that was more appropriate.) It started an open dicussion of what happened. While it doesn't heal, it can be used for a tool to communicate if you can't find anything else, including your therapist.

Rating:
Summary: BlissFull
Review: One of the best movies about love and marriage I've ever seen. The raw sexual energy jumped off the screen. Just when you think you know what the movie is about and where it's going, it takes you into a more intimate place, the minds of the two married people. Craig Sheffer is excellent and plays his part like a fine instrument. He has unbelievable potential as an actor. Sheryl Lee lays herself bare as she allows us to really know her character. Terrance Stamp was so convincing I thought he was a therapist through the entire film. Lance Young did a phenomenal job directing and he should have won some kind of an award. This is a movie that married people should watch together, without any distractions. It's a must-see.

Rating:
Summary: Intellectual Movie Making
Review: Rented by chance, discovered a very well written, acted, and photographed film. A rare intellectual movie for a change. The music was also nice.

Rating:
Summary: Brilliant work of art
Review: This film is truly brilliant. I never understood why it didn`t attract viewers some more -- maybe because they expected to see hot scenes and instead they got a serios film that deals with the effects of incest and love. "Bliss" was cut before release to get a miserable "R" rating.
But the film's impact stays the same, I hope. I recommend this film to everyone mature enough to appreciate a work of art.