Lets start by saying I AM A FAN of the techniques that Tony Robbins offers those willing to have a go at improving some aspect of their lives. For me these techniques work, I apply them everyday and they have kept me above water and focused on some of the more important things i wish to achieve in life. So am i biased when it comes to recommending this movie? Probably.
What intrigues me is the resistance and cynicism with which some approach this man. We all have some areas in our lives where we know we are falling short. But how many of us ever actually spend the money, get on an airplane and go and try and figure these things out? Very few is my best guess. It is however, easier for those who choose to avoid such personal issues to dismiss or be critical of the approach.
I don't love everything at a Tony Robbins event. In fact there are things that can sometimes be annoying (such as groupie fans that hog the microphone just to hear the sound of their own voice and perhaps feel relevant, or "Significant" as Tony might say).
Why I recommend this movie is because of the 'taste' it provides of a man who is genuinely motivated by the desire to help others improve their lot in life whilst actually offering a few tools that work in the real world. Whether he makes money out of the process is irrelevant to me. In fact, he should charge for what he does as the audience member then has 'skin in the game' and might actually be more motivated to make the changes which ultimately will enhance their own lives....which is the whole point. Is $5000 really too much money? Is it? What if it rekindles your relationship with a cousin or a sibling who you haven't spoken to in several years? Is it to much money to help a couple who live together but have basically stopped communicating properly? Is that $5000 better spent on a holiday where you can continue the lack of communication but only this time with a cocktail in hand and a palm tree in the background?
I know a fair few people who proudly assert their religious, spiritual or atheistic nobility who unfortunately have deeply fractured relationships with loved ones, are difficult to sit next to at work or who just don't seem to be very happy in life (sorry for judging). Personally, i challenge any of these people to attend one of Tony Robbin's seminars and not come away with just one life changing adjustment which in turn has an amplified effect on one's sense of well being or fulfillment.
The emotions we see in the film are real. What the film unfortunately fails to convey is the length of time, the effort, energy with which one man on the stage manages to speak about how we can improve aspects of our lives for 12-14 hours straight (with only momentary breaks). What the film also fails to convey is how during this time - however cynical you may have been going into one of these events - that you too are still sitting there 10 hours in, with more energy and hope for the future than you had before you came in. Donna Karan said it best when she said that even though there are 3000 people in the room, for some reason it feels like he is just talking to you. The dialogue that he expertly encourages, is the one you ultimately end up having with yourself. Going to an immersive event is what forces this inner conversation...otherwise it's all too easy to just sit back and watch the next episode of Game of Thrones.
If the film leaves you with a curiosity to see what the event is like in person, then it has served its purpose. The real value is in attending and participating, not sitting back in an arm chair and criticizing. I have read that some say it's just a glorified commercial for an event. This - in an of itself - doesn't meant that you wont derive something of immense value by actually attending.
We all have areas in our lives where we can do better. I appreciate the way this man has chosen to make his money....it's certainly more admirable than the way I have chosen to make mine (or lack thereof!)
