Hare Krishna! The Mantra, the Movement and the Swami Who Started It All

In the turbulent and heady times of mid-sixties America, arrives a lone Holy man from India. Having suffered two major heart attacks during a grueling 35 day journey via a cargo ship, no money to his name, no institutional support, and no contacts, A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami came with a revolutionary message of finding inner peace through Bhakti, devotion to God through the chanting of the Hare Krishna Mantra, and simple living and high thinking. In this film, through his own words and those who knew him, students, well-wishers, academics, and even luminaries such as Allen Ginsberg and George Harrison, as well as archival footage and photographs, many taken by the directors themselves, the struggles and triumph of Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada is told. Weaving a narrative of a life dedicated to service to God and love and compassion for humanity. His is a compelling story, and the film makers did a remarkable job depicting it. This is an inspiring movie, and I feel that any and all would enjoy and benefit from seeing this.

As a journalist, I have had a long relationship with the Krishna movement and give it a lot of respect, even though I have another path. I learned a lot about the founder of the movement and was impressed by how articulate everyone was, whether part of ISKCON, religion scholars, or celebrities. It shows the little-known beginnings, the challenges, and how the movement counter intuitively became embedded into America's diverse culture. I think anyone would benefit from meditation and chanting from time to time and the movement's festivals are joyous.

A must watch movie if you want to change for the best!

An eye opener movie that reveals the inner journey of the soul.

The founder Acharya of Iskcon Srila Prabhupada did a huge favor to the world by introducing us with Hare Krishna movement.

One religion. One mantra. One god.

Loved it. Thanks. Hare Krishna!

This is a very authentic documentary on ISKCON movement and success of Prabhupad in bringing Vaishnava philosophy to the west. The movie depicts how a pure devotee of the lord can transform lives through love and compassion. Mahatma Gandhi's achievements at social- political level are well documented and known, but the spiritual revolution which Prabhupad started in not yet fully appreciated. For Mahatma Gandhi it is said that 'Greatness of this man was his simplicity', but for Prabhupad, we can say that 'Greatness of this devotee is his purity'. The movie depicts how Krishna Consciousness movement is for anybody, who considers himself a spiritual seeker irrespective of his current material situation and conditioning. Its a must watch for anyone who wants to understand the tradition of Bhakti Yoga in the most simplest and complete form. The producers of the movie are successful in presenting a concise but moving narrative of the challenges (including health) faced by Prabhupad and how he was able to overcome all of them by his devotion towards his spiritual master and Krishna.

This is the most impressive and influential documentaries I have ever watched! It is powerful, emotional, and thought provoking. It brings to light the importance and the universal truth that every human being should try to figure out in his/her current life. Very much enjoyed watching the actual story behind Hare Krishnas. Swamiji was indeed trying to make this world a better place to live for all!