Review of Darshan: The Embrace

This visually spectacular but shallow documentation of revered saint Amritananda Mayi, or Amma as she is known to millions in her native India, will probably end up as an important piece of film for her devotees, but really does not cater to those who are not already steeped in her spiritual beliefs. Detailing a brief, rare glimpse into the "hugging saint's" travels across the country, interviews and explanations take a back seat to being in the moment as Amma leads packed temples through prayer. While the strict observational tone works wonders for the atmosphere of the film and does compliment the inherent non-physical tone, the makers of this film sacrifice much with their mere visual representation. People who have not been immersed into the Amma lore, nor have a budding passion for enlightenment will only be able to take in this work as a glorified, alternative concert video of sorts, as we are basically led through a tour of temples the smiling one passes by to pray and hug with the tens of thousands of people who daily seek her unique embrace. These devotees will literally wait twenty hours to simply be hugged by this woman for a few seconds, seemingly receiving an elevated form of love, compassion, and acceptance that cannot be found in everyday life. It is this essence of embracing that is at the heart of the visual powerhouse that is this documentary. While touching and profound, the true hero of this film is undoubtedly Jan Kounen's incredible direction. What could have been a tiny niche film that does not even explore the intellectual ramifications of it's subject becomes instead one of the most visually splendid and immersed exports to come from India that I have ever seen. Making up for some of the repetitious ceremonial footage, Kounen's alternating city footage is both intimate and far reaching, giving viewers the beautifully dirty access to one of the worlds largest populations that has become glazed over in most Bollywood fare. The final result, though nothing of a conversion for the uninitiated, is still an appropriate tribute to one of the worlds most exalted spiritual leaders, and even more importantly a tribute to one of the worlds most exotic countries.