Wheel of Time

The interview with the Dalai Lama is the least interesting aspect of this documentary.

The film drags at times with the lengthy scenes of masses of Buddhist monks going about their rituals in total silence or in a different language. That being said, there are some remarkable parts to this film. I don't think I'll *ever* forget the section with the Mandala (sand art). I sat there unable to believe my eyes as the Dalai Lama destroyed it. Herzog said that it was to show us a non-attachment to the material world, and the fleeting nature of existence. It had a profound effect on me.

Falls into the lower tier of Herzog's "stories" - he doesn't spin a yarn about the inherent madness of the world in this one - but the footage and subject matter alone is outstanding.

Most of the behaviour that's presented here is pretty stupid, and I'm not a fan of Tibetan Buddhism (which takes a non-religious philosophy and turns it into a ritual-heavy quasi-religion), but Herzog makes a beautiful film out of it.

The Buddhist rituals, in particular the creation of the mandala, is perfectly suited to Herzog's almost Buddhist-like approach to film making (at least as reflected in the film as product). The result is suitably interesting and meditative.

Herzog rightly keeps it simple in his glimpse at Buddhist rituals.

Enlightening and inspiring, it felt like the start of something.

Not his best, but the material at least keeps it somewhat interesting

The footage and sounds used in the pilgrimage sequence were entrancing. Herzog's voice would sometimes snap me out of my own form of meditation. The contrast with the Western version is stark, yet, featuring the same kind of lone lingering monks, the enlightenment remained the same.

Intriguing documentary about a big Buddhist event in Asia. An intimate look at a culture very different from American culture that's well worth the time

A fascinating event filmed well. Herzog's preoccupation with mountain mythology overrepresents Mount Kailash in the narrative

Lots of great footage to be seen here, but I was disappointed in Herzog's narration, which is generally a mere recital of facts as opposed to his usually more poetic and interpretive style.

Slightly let down after how long it took me to find this one. Someone else referred to Herzog's narration as unfortunately insipid and uninspired and that's exactly what it is. Unfortunately.

"Herzog recognizes the gravity of his material here, and as such conducts a considerably lighter trek." - Ed Gonzalez

Good footage, poor narrating. Classic Herzog.

For me this was 'lesser' Herzog, but there's still enough magic (one shot here, a sequence over there) to make it a satisfying experience. Buddhism is a strange and interesting religion. Interesting in the way one would look at madmen rambling on a street corner.

Herzog, as usual, is fascinated by the strange and amazing rituals that people commit themselves to in the name of their religion. The film is focused and confident, letting the images do most of the explaining. As the camera pans over a sea of people, you can sense the calm. And when we see closer shots of individuals, the typical countenance is one of peace and serenity. It's fascinating. Of Herzog's religious-based documentaries, this is definitely my favorite.

An interesting film even if it lacks a lot of the Herzog touches one is accustomed to, although the scene with the mountain pilgrimage and Popol Vuh music is magic.