Spiritual Warriors (2007) Reviews

• Utterly incoherent

  capnhairdo2007-05-05

  I think I've walked out of maybe two films in my life. This was the second one. Though I am very interested in new age spirituality, I'm not sure how so many people found this film to be enlightening...I have to think they're the new age equivalent of those wide-eyed faithful Christians who claim to see the Virgin Mary when the light bounces off of a stained glass window just the right way. Enthralled by bright shiny objects with even the slightest whiff of spirituality, in other words. There were probably some philosophical gems in here somewhere, but they were completely obliterated by incoherent, tortured plot, schizophrenic jump cuts (sometimes a dozen in a single monologue) and constant, gratuitous special effects, which were a mash-up of scenes from The Mummy and Lord of the Rings mixed with every clichéd new age symbolism you can think of, without any explanation of relevance. Within the first five minutes, the main character has met his spiritual master/father from another life and started having unexplained flashbacks on heroic previous lives in Atlantis, medieval castles, Petra, etc. The next hour adds little to that but changes of geographical location. Robert Easton plays the all-knowing Don Juan-esquire spiritual teacher, but with little originality or endearing qualities, and most of his attempts at cheekiness fall flat (especially his impersonation of John Wayne). Jsu Garcia, our hero, contributes the only decent acting, but the film offers little opportunity for him to develop his character or for us to sympathize with him. Perhaps this isn't the movie-maker's fault...perhaps new age spirituality just doesn't translate well to the screen. At least I have yet to see it done. In this case, the spiritual journey seems modeled on an Indiana Jones film, complete with exotic locales and similar maps denoting air travel, but lacking any intrigue, suspense, intelligible plot, intelligent historical background or charismatic heroes. I volunteer to show documentary and spiritual films in my community, and I think I have quite a bit of patience and sympathy towards independent, low-budget, artistic and alternative films. This was all of those except artistic, but the result was painful to watch. The director, actors and John-Roger, the guru who wrote this film, were all present at this premiere and scheduled to speak afterwards. But after an hour of enduring their film, I decided I had little interest in sticking around to hear what they had to say.

• An abomination of what you would call "a film".

  jamesmsandin2010-04-23

  To begin with, this film was shot with a less than capable eye for film-making. It felt like it was made by a ten year old with a flip camera. The plot, if you can call it that, is loaded with holes and what most would call an unwatchable film. Spiritual Warriors is a spiritual mess. The only saving grace of the film was when it finished. It's one of those films that you don't even want to watch the credits role. You really just want to role the DVD down the street. I am truly amazed and dumbfounded at all of the positive comments posted on this film. It leads me to believe that they were written by the same persons, perhaps the same crack smoking clowns involved in making this "film". It's an offense to other movies to call it a film. For this review's sake we'll call it "the mess" To break it down, one review was accurate when it said it jumped from one monologue to another within one scene while causing the watcher utter confusion and discomfort with its bad special effects and even worse writing. Just because a filmmaker(s) is spiritual, and wants to deal with the beliefs of certain individuals, it doesn't mean that they should go out and attempt to make a movie out of it. I'm spiritual but I'm not going to crucify a bunch of people by making them sit through a terrible mess of this "mess". In short this mess/film doesn't even deserve a shelf life at your local video store. A message to all wanting to watch Spiritual Warriors: Don't! Go out and help out at your local shelter or perhaps an older retirement community. Trust me. You'll get more out of it. And a message to the "filmmaker(s)": This film should serve as a reminder and a firm example. Just because you want to do something doesn't mean you should attempt to do it. Fimmaking is an art. It takes an artist. Sprituality is beautiful. It takes beauty. But Spiritual Warriors manages to strip both of these timeless things down in only 100 minutes. PS - to the filmmaker(s) of Spiritual Warriors. You're not a warrior. You're a little toy soldier who should put down the flip camera and pick up The Godfather.

• True-to-life experiences of Soul Transcendence.

  carol-3002006-10-03

  This movie depicts a true to Life experience of Soul Transcendence. If you are seeking a spiritual path that considers your highest good at this time in your evolution as a soul, this movie is for you. The spiritual teacher in this movie speaks from the heart. The teachings are universal and available to anyone looking for them. The movie portrays the inner life accurately from my experience, and gives us a glimpse of the infinite love, guidance, wisdom, and compassion of Spirit. Through this movie, we have the opportunity to look at our own inner life and approach the world and ourselves with acceptance, unconditional loving, cooperation with what is, and understanding. It's a must-see.

• Entertaining Fun and Full of Spirit

  europam2006-09-23

  To all thanks & to Jsu Garcia and John-Roger for bringing us this enjoyable film. I had the opportunity to bring both family and friends to a viewing and they all enjoyed it. The common theme/comment everyone had was that they could feel the heart of the movie and that their hearts felt warmed by the story. We all loved the pace and action and those newer to spiritual themes enjoyed seeing that explored. All loved the little boy in the film, and were touched by his part. It was great to experience Jsu Garcia after the viewing, its not often you get a meet greet and hug from a star! We all noticed that after the film people spoke more openly to each other and wanted to share what their experience was. The children in the audience loved the movie also, it really holds something for everyone. Thanks to Robert Easton his performance touched and warmed my heart. Good luck to all in bringing this movie to wider venue showing!.

• Spiritually Moving!

  EspritBD2006-10-05

  Very few movies have the ability to move you in a deep way. This is one of those movies. Its not another Hollywood throw away movie, this one is unique and you never know where its taking you next. Its a movie you'll think about long after you've left the theater. Its full of a lot of hidden meanings and symbolism that touches into deep mysteries. Filmed on location in Egypt,Syria,Jordan and many ancient sites, the present and the past are woven into a story line that has more then one meaning. Past lifetimes that are impacting the present also get woven into the storyline. Its the type of movie that is even better on the second or third showing, as you "catch" more of the hidden meanings. If you're like me and you're tired of the same old movies and story lines of most movies today, then you might find this a refreshing change. If you go, do yourself a favor and see it more then once.