Ottawa

We are within a time when media can either choose to be truthful or to support and heighten the ignorance by which so many of us live. This film allows us to see a simple and authentic solution to counter global events and circumstances that are so beyond the realm of the individual. Perhaps it is through this reconnectedness and return to base human values that will allow the peoples of the world to unify and stand in testimony of why this world needs to be healed. And through this healing, perhaps it might be saved. High praise for this film.

10/10
ktrevorrow@ - first review
19.7.2010 - age: 50+

Powerful. Moving. Beautiful. Inspirational. You will feel your soul soaring for hours after seeing this film.

9/10
bigkittytalks@ - first review
29.6.2009 - age: 36-49

Absolutely velcow's best work, an incredible document.

10/10
david@ - first review
23.6.2009 - age: 36-49

Powerful, Beautiful, Emotive. Such an important spiritual work and how wonderful to see film rise to it's potential as art. I could not speak for some time after the film because of the intensity of the experience.

10/10
inhaleexhale@ - first review
14.6.2009 - age: 50+

I went to see this movie three times with three different groups of friends. Each time offered a different perspective. The film re-iterated much of what I have been feeling and thinking about various social movements in Toronto. The emotions evoked in the film ranged from grief, empathy, rage, triumph, and motivation to action! Would definitely recommend it as a starting point for further exploration.

10/10
cuteandsophisticated@ - first review
5.6.2009 - age: 26-35

I saw this movie three times with three different groups of friends I loved the way it captured alot of what I have been feeling about different movements and drew them together. The emotions it evoked ranged from grief, empathy, solidarity, anger, triumph and motivation to action with out losing touch with the human element of our lived experience.

10/10
cuteandsophiticated@ - first review
5.6.2009 - age: 26-35

This movie reminded me how important and powerful it is to come from a place of love, in all our actions, big and small. I especially valued the sound scape that accompanied the cinematography.

8/10
mjh@ - first review
4.6.2009 - age: 50+

Should be required viewing for Federal and Provincial legislatures!

10/10
lasjohnson@ - first review
4.6.2009 - age: 50+

Fierce Light makes a promise few movies seldom dare approach: to bring the viewer into contact with the beauty and power of being a human being. It delivers on this promise by bringing us into intimate contact -- through some of the most astonishing cinematography out there -- with people who confront the machine mind of the dominant culture with a depth of dignity and hope. This movie can help you be your own Obama.

10/10
mrm@ - first review
3.6.2009

Seriously... can someone please explain to me what exactly was so inspirational, fantastic and invirogating in THIS movie?

1/10
notkis@ - first review
31.5.2009 - 3 replies

This is a moving and invigorating film. This is what documentary film-making SHOULD be about. From the heart, ripping straight through the mind and back into your heart.

10/10
waterbabyonisland@ - first review
28.5.2009 - age: 36-49

This was a fantastic, inspirational film, that I would highly recommend to anyone!

10/10
boyborrego@ - first review
28.5.2009 - age: 26-35

Inspiration from and for the Heart. Thank you for showing up, so often.

9/10
orbitalarts@ - first review
28.5.2009

True, it is not life-changing. It is modest in what it tries to communicate. I do not consider myself as spiritual, but honestly, I liked all aspects of spirituality depicted in this film. Why not use all the means we can possibly think of, to live and love in collective happiness? Maybe this film touches activists the most anyway; at least for me, it was like a warm embrace, a breeze of compassion and of hope; that even if this world IS as crazy as it is, there are many beautiful people standing, and that is divine.

10/10
sea_1982@ - first review
28.5.2009 - age: 26-35

Dull, obvious, one-sided propaganda to extol the virtues of nutbar activists.

1/10
franklin_booth@ - first review
28.5.2009 - age: 26-35

This is an amazing film and exploration into spirituality and activism. How do these forces play out in you life?

9/10
kerr_sarah@ - first review
28.5.2009 - age: 26-35

Simply amazing; stunning and totally inspiring. Highly highly recommend you see this film. It is itself a potent visual emotional transmission of the 'fierce light' it portrays. A must see.

10/10
inanna766@ - first review
25.5.2009 - age: 36-49

What is useful is a documentary that brings together many examples of diverse people showing up to stand in truth for themselves and each other to make the world a more humane place, examples of powerful positive responses to creating community out of adversity. The concepts of inter-being, the interrelation of parts that create a whole, nonviolent resistance, love, are as old as Buddhism, systems theory, Ghandi, the civil rights movement and Christianity, as Ripper shows. But the meaning is made new within current examples of the need for core values/spirit to meet with action in the contemporary world in which we live, and inspiration and hope are always to be found in the human heart that stands in truth against all odds. Ripper has the ability to be a visual poet in his editing and choice of shots, but sometimes pulls back from this to step back into documentary format more traditionally where he has the tendency, in this movie and in previous ones, to oversell the point a bit at times. Regardless, it's a powerful, inspirational, educational film that's well worth seeing.

9/10
eyeofwisdom@ - first review
24.5.2009 - age: 36-49

This movie will open your eyes to the struggles going on around the world that the news does not broadcast. It is inspiring and points out that great change (no matter how big or small) does not come without a struggle, and that what matters really is worth standing for, that persistence pays off. We are often too comfortable in our own little worlds and this film will challenge you.

9/10
can_i_buy_a_vowel16@ - first review
23.5.2009 - age: 18-25

Excellent film, with scenes from Quebec! It leaves you thinking and is a fascinating look into change coming from the people. A must see!

10/10
alison.health2@ - first review
22.5.2009 - age: 50+

There are so many films that document the sickness in the world and FIERCE LIGHT is the antidote. Tears streamed from my face almost the entire time; I hear my calling and I know what I need to do. It's not 'just a movie' - it's a testament against cynicism and a bold calling to all of us to rise up and sing! I've seen it twice already and I hope to see it many more times. I've told almost 50 people about it!

10/10
lissabliss@ - first review
22.5.2009 - age: 26-35

Saw this at the Zietgeist Theater in New Orleans. Fantastic and absorbing.

10/10
salobona@ - first review
22.5.2009 - age: 18-25

This film kept my attention the whole time. Reminded me that there is good out there in the world. Thank you for making this film. I hope that lots of people see it... I will see it again I know that :)

9/10
saharaloveslimes@ - 2 reviews
22.5.2009 - age: 26-35

What an excellent movie... definitely worth going to see.

10/10
hlmacdon@ - first review
22.5.2009 - age: 26-35

It was uplifting to see people from around the world moving forward with the same gentle, unstoppable force, towards a more just world. The filmmaker managed to bring lightness and even humor to what could have been simply gut wrenching content. I highly recommend this film!!!

9/10
lwhelton@ - 3 reviews
21.5.2009 - age: 36-49

A wonderful, inspiring, heart-opening film. Velcrow, congratulations on a successful endeavour and thank you for sharing your very own fierce light with us.

9/10
acarpenter@ - first review
21.5.2009

I think the reviews here are slightly exaggerated. The doc was OK but not amazingly inspirational or life-changing. I think it could have been much better.

6/10
ezbiochem@ - first review
21.5.2009 - age: 18-25

Excellent movie that really makes you reflect on what's happening around the world and our place within the grand scheme of things. It offers a glimpse into what individuals are doing within their communities and some of the far and wide reaching consequences such actions are having throughout the planet. Somehow, this documentary leaves you with the feeling that you can and should do more.

10/10
michelle_sickini@ - 6 reviews
20.5.2009 - age: 18-25

This is a great movie with a message everyone in the world needs to hear - love + action = power/more love/change.

10/10
powerexperience@ - first review
20.5.2009 - age: 36-49

Thank you for the effort, insight, chutpah and grace it took to make this film sing the way it does. The content and characters were compelling. I felt fortified afterwards. Thank you for that. One of the messages sticking with me was John Lewis and his stand for love - in the face of it all. The set up for his scene with the shots of the memorial sculptures in the South with the dogs was a powerfully imaginative way to let those sculptures come alive. The artist/s would have to be thrilled to see their work re-viewed like that. This kind of film assists one/me in falling in love more deeply with people. I like and need to be reminded about the deep goodness that abides. I especially appreciated the long close-ups that felt like still lives till the person looked up, down or smiled. That was living portraiture. What would it have taken for the developer to be touched? How do we/us affect change in the hearts that hold so much of a certain kind of power? How does one move them towards the common good? That's a skill set we need to master now.

9/10
v.a.richards@ - first review
19.5.2009

I recommend this film, and have shared this recommendation far and wide.

10/10
vertumnus99@ - first review
19.5.2009 - age: 36-49

Unmoved. Human, yes."Spiritual"? P-lease! Isn't human/earthly wonders enough without having to attach some dreadful, laden, MEANING to it? The movie is more earnest than inspired, the end result, BORING. (Or, is that a "spiritual" aim? )

5/10
kibblesnbits@ - 13 reviews
19.5.2009 - age: 36-49

Gives hope and direction to all of those who feel they are alone in this world wanting things to change for the better. After finishing the film I felt like maybe there's a chance that humanity will make it through the current world crises and that is no small accomplishment! Fierce Light has taken social action and activism going on all over the world and through history and connected it all into a web of inspired action that transcends politics and religion. After seeing this film I feel less alone and more hopeful, like the world has many genuinely spiritual people trying to make the world a better place whether they label themselves that way or not. A truly powerful documentary and work of art with masterful direction and sound design.

10/10
justinewart@ - first review
18.5.2009 - age: 26-35

An amazing collaboration of spiritual, creative, and politically active environmentally aware people in one stunning display of raw documentary. It is the favorite film of my lifetime and very much support the cause. Every time I watch it I cry because it is so meaningfully relevant and emotionally rivetting. Go and see this film this weekend.

10/10
angeldrago@ - first review
16.5.2009 - age: 26-35

Velcro is a master film maker... an earlier film 'Bones of the forest' (with Heather Frisee) still is one of my all time faves.'Fierce Light' is right up there too!!!

10/10
gookmirth60@ - first review
15.5.2009 - age: 36-49

The documentary has a good message but it wasn't really worth watching. A few people actually walked out during the movie and I can't blame them.

3/10
oonando@ - 4 reviews
15.5.2009 - age: 26-35

An interesting range of 'spiritual activists' is presented: from tree-hugging nut-bars to the sublime humility, joy and wisdom of Desmond Tutu. Buddhist celebrity-monk Thich Nhat Hanh hit the nail with the head-on (as my old Hungarian economics professor used to say) by emphasizing that those who act for social justice must not lose touch with their spiritual practices. The goal is to fight with grace, not with anger. The greatest shame for the Samurai was to strike in anger, having lost the meditative state.

7/10
iispiral@ - 161 reviews
15.5.2009 - age: 50+

Wonderful film... enjoy! This film will really inspire you to be involved in the world and to make positive change happen.

10/10
karenharrison12@ - first review
15.5.2009

Fierce light is a most powerful film showing all that is wrong in the world but at the same time giving you hope and the power to change it!!! Not only must you see it but tell everyone about it!

10/10
elinasamara@ - first review
15.5.2009 - age: 26-35

This movie changed me. It speaks to the urgency that spirit meet action NOW. It is peopled with ordinary bodhisattvas, and a few extra ordinary ones too. Bodhisattvas who role up their sleeves and work for what they believe in, for justice, Peace, healing, community. I received so much from this movie. I must shine my own fierce light and I cannot do it alone. Besides all that it is fine cinema: dramatic, beautiful, heart-warming, tragic, compelling, inspiring, funny, and entertaining. Go See It.

10/10
carla@ - first review
15.5.2009 - age: 50+

I saw this at Hot Docs last week, and it was in my mind for days and days. It's an important film, beautifully shot, the message authentic without earnestness or sentimentality. Make sure you see it.

10/10
selecky@ - first review
14.5.2009 - age: 26-35

Fierce Light is raw, honest and inspiring. I was compelled and felt an inner heat that no other film has made me feel before. This emotionally and spiritually charged Canadian Documentary features a vast compendium of up close and personal conversations with inspiring intellectuals, politicians, activists, visionaries and spiritual leaders. The testimonials and stories throughout this film break barriers cross-culturally and bring our attention to the marginalization and challenges of people internationally, and how they resist power to stand up for their rights and the rights of others. While some moments are heartbreaking this film inspires both hope and the course of action to make change, with a holistic approach to compassionate spiritual activism that is derived from love.

10/10
alishaedgelow@ - first review
13.5.2009 - age: 26-35

Tell all your friends to see this Movie! It is stunning. A real positive, inspiration, with heart and action.

10/10
shelley@ - first review
13.5.2009 - age: 26-35

This is very important film for the times we are living in. It doesn't shy away from the difficult and overhwelming issues of the day but instead of leaving audiences overwhelmed it inspires and incites people to connect their inner and outer worlds and spring to action.

10/10
claudiaminerva@ - first review
13.5.2009 - age: 36-49

I saw Fierce Light in a sold out theatre at the Hot Docs Festival. I feel compelled to write a review about this film because it’s one of the best documentaries I’ve seen in a long time. It’s definitely worth seeing in the theatres if you can because the imagery is so beautiful and powerful on the big screen. This film walks the line between compassion and suffering with grace, defying the cynics in the world with its earthy hope. There are so many beautiful people in this film –some are big names like bell hooks, Desmond Tutu, Alice Walker and Thich Nhat Hahn, while others are just regular people sharing a glimpse of their own beautiful and fierce light. The filmmaker is also the narrator and it really adds something personal to the arc of the stories. This movie makes me happy to be alive at such an exciting time, when people around the world are finding common ground and planting seeds of possibility. That being said, I didn’t skip out of the theatre in a blissful daze. I found myself quite thoughtful and quiet at first as the film sank in and I noticed it’s effect on me. It was like a visual mediation. It’s not often that I am able to feel present to the injustices in the world and yet feel so much love and connection to humanity at the same time. It felt like a unique collective experience because I could tell that everyone in the cinema was effected too. This is a movie I’ll try to see again while it’s still in the cinemas, and this time I’ll be bringing a handful of friends who haven’t seen it yet so I can share the experience with them too. This film is not to be missed, it is definitely something special.

10/10
carlystasko@ - first review
13.5.2009 - age: 26-35

An amazing collection of wisdom from some of the most inspiring people of our time. A refreshing vision of how we can effect change in the world.

10/10
lisa@ - first review
13.5.2009

Highly inspiring, beautiful, deeply moving, I left enthralled!

10/10
wagwit@ - first review
12.5.2009 - age: 50+

Breathe: check how you feel before walking in to see it. Breathe: check how you feel once you walk out. This movie is abundant with love, hope and inspiration. You will laugh a little, cry a little, and shine alot. You will feel empowered, to smile at the next person that passes you by, and simply, 'love the hell out of them'.

10/10
alia_alwaid@ - first review
12.5.2009 - age: 36-49

Amazingly moving. Inspiring - very much in alignment with hope and the kind of evolution humanity is moving towards.

9/10
kerrsun@ - first review
12.5.2009 - age: 50+

A powerful, beautiful and poetic film, really quite stunning with great characters, gorgeous cinematography, and sound. Moving, surprising and inspiring. It stays with you for days after you see it! Don't miss it!

10/10
transparentfilm@ - 3 reviews
12.5.2009 - age: 36-49

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