The Nature of Existence

"To be, or not to be: that is the question: Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, Or to take arms against a sea of troubles, And by opposing end them? To die: to sleep; No more;" - William Shakespeare

Well, "The Nature of Existence (2010 documentary)" is quite befuddling and that it is not a dissertation on existence as much is a survey on obscure and flamboyant religions. Two-thirds of this presentation could probably have been cut out unless of course those just having to be the two thirds that you were looking for. I suspect that the presenter Roger Nygard was using this documentary as a way to pay for his vacation.

The drawback in this presentation like many today is that it is a sound bite snippet format as we bounce back and forth between different people in various locations with different agendas as they get to speak one sentence at a time versus one person in one location with one agenda completing one thought.

I was particularly interested in the interview with the Paiute Tribe. As a kid, I was always fascinated by Native American creation stories.

I do not mean to make this presentation appear flippant; if you pay attention to some of the questions and answers you may find some insights into "the nature of existence."

"The Nature of Existence" is more than the title of this film, it is a question which we should all ponder with sincerity at some point in our lives.

Having myself spent quite a bit of time pondering such existential questions, I found it very rewarding to see these highlights presented on film by a man on a similar quest, who unlike me, had the resources and willingness to travel all over the world in search of answers.

There are many things in this film, including irony and humor yet throughout, it remains clear that the director's quest is sincere. He really is looking for answers to these burning philosophical questions. This sincerity, I think, is contagious.

I was impressed by how many insights there were, from in some cases surprising sources.

Personally I found the most memorable quote from the entire movie to have been from a Yogi in India who stated: "By accepting our suffering, we defeat it!" That quote just really sticks with me. I think is a diamond, and I will never forget it.

If you watch this film and are able to take away from it even just one thing which can help your life, as I did, then it will not have been time wasted; it will have been some of the best 90 minutes you could ever have spent.

It was hard to take this documentary series as an exploration of a question. The film maker biases himself from the outset. Christianity (his native religion) is represented only by wrestlers, back-woods ministers, a crazed lunatic, and very only crusty men. Other religions are represented by sincere but folksy types who boarder on primitive. Atheism is represented by extremely friendly and socially well-adjusted supra-geniuses.

Were no authors from the Christian best seller's list available? Are no Buddhists or Muslims teaching in universities? And most noticeably missing, the Atheists I grew up with Texas trailer parks ranting, "There ain't no God, that's why I steal and kill." I do not think this was intentional on the filmmakers part. I think he subconsciously sought the answer he was already desiring...."Whatever the nature of existence is, it is certainly not offered by the church, it is doubtfully possible that some other religion offers it, but science gives us the best hope."

I studied comparative religion in college. I can honestly say this is the most thought-provoking and entertaining film on religion and existence that I have ever watched. A film with this level of intelligence and insight does not come around very often, so I would certainly suggest making time to see it during its limited run in the theaters - if it's playing anywhere near you. I got lucky , since the director was doing a screening at my school. I just saw the website and it's actually interactive! I loved that the director included many different religions such as Islam,Christianity, Satanists, Buddhists- everyone. He also included Richard Dawkins and some Pagan-types as well. I think this film will inspire more filmmakers to go out and create important and thoughtful films.

I loved this film. I took my mother , who is a staunch Catholic and it was a good way to introduce her to the fact that there are many paths to Spirituality. Why are we Here? Why do we exist? How were we created? This movie tackles the array of possibilities that attempt to give answers to those questions. I personally feel that it's all answered in the end of the film. However, I saw it with my mom & she came up with a totally different answer - that she adamantly feels that the movie totally supports! There are not many documentaries that can do this - that can really appeal to people with totally opposing viewpoints. I guess this is one of them. So, I highly recommend it to everyone and then have dinner afterward & hash it all out!!