NEW YORK, NEW YORK, July 26, 2006: (HPI note: This is a somewhat mixed review by the New York Times of a film Hindus are sure to love. The very fact the Times reviewed it at all means they consider it significant. The reviewer’s comments about finances are rather typical of their need to make some negative criticism.)
Director Jan Kounen’s awestruck film is a glowing introduction to the life and work of Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, India’s “hugging saint.” Recognized worldwide for her spiritual and humanitarian work, Amma ministers to the poor of India with food and medicines and to the world with open arms. Jan Kounen’s film follows Amma from one jam-packed event to another as Amma offers advice on everything from caring for a skin condition to the correct way to feed an elephant. (The elephant, unbelievably, looks ecstatic.) Mr. Kounen wants everyone to share his captivation – showing us the faithful lined up by the thousands for a smile and a hug – although his camera seems to linger on the faces of the beautiful. A far cry from the images of India’s deprivation we often see on Western news casts are the abundant shots of the lush Kerala foliage, pastel-toned rooftops and sizzling sunsets. Long on adulation and short on specifics, this sincere and tranquil film reveals little about the woman and her organization. Who, for instance, finances her extensive charity work, including millions of dollars to the victims of the 2004 tsunami? To Western audiences, “Darshan: The Embrace” is likely to leave them enchanted but unenlightened.
HPI adds: We’re not sure how one can acquire this film. There is a website for it, apparently by the producers, here (in French).