is24 Simply mesmerizing images and music. The closest to floating in a dream.Ashes and Snow is like the moment Universe came into being. As if attempting to fathom the cosmos. It is my go to movie for meditation on being. Inspires the life within and ultimate freedom. For any human that needs to be reminded of how precious the moments we have on earth are, this is a must see. The way of coexisting portrayed, encourages the forward motion.Be it in work or life, I see this as a hymn to uncomplicated. At least the way I like to see life unfolding on this planet.

NYCman75 I wasn't sure what to expect, but was so very pleased with the film and the message. I just recently saw Ashes and Snow, even though Colbert's work is popular and well known in Manhattan (where I live). The images of animals and humans was both startling and soothing. I was moved by the message of equality and hope that Colbert's meaning isn't lost on others, especially now in this time of Hope and Change. It's an interesting movie and one that will inspire western civilizations to look within them to try and make a more positive impact and connection with the natural world. Take a chance and check out this film: I hope that it'll have the same positive, reflective effect on your life as it did on my own.

ed2oh9 I went to the opening of the Ashes & Snow exhibit when it arrived in Santa Monica, Ca. As the Nomadic Museum was being assembled (basically large cargo containers stacked upon one another), my friends and I thought it was going to be some sort of Cirgue De Soleil spin off, since that's what had been set up in the same spot the years before. We couldn't have been more wrong.Just before the show opened, someone told me about the website (ashesandsnow.com). I was amazed by what I saw and couldn't wait for the show's opening. When the day finally came, I was mesmerized by each image as it hung in the immense gallery, which I think was designed to give you the sense of walking among elephants. Some of the images are so bold though, with the interaction between man and animal, that you start to believe that they were digitally manipulated. Then I walked into the center section of the gallery and saw the film. It was just as awe inspiring as the images and left no doubt that each image was captured as it the scenes were choreographed.Being a photographer myself, I can say that the exposures, the compositions, the cinematography, the moods created, the toning, etc, were all absolutely perfect. I've been shooting for years and know how difficult it is to get EVERYTHING to work in coordination to create a memorable image. It's hard enough to get it all to work together in a controlled environment, but Gregory Colbert shot the majority of the images with animals. On top of that, he shot underwater, with whales, elephants and manatees, creating some of the most unique images I've ever seen.Beyond the technical aspect of the film though is the incredible harmony that you see between man and animal. For one reader to suggest that the animals were "in distress" is absolutely ludicrous. You don't see that here. You also don't see animals that resemble circus creatures that have been beaten into submission. Instead, what you see is humans that live in peace with the animals from their native land. You see an incredible respect for the animals and a gentleness that put the animals at ease. It's a thing of beauty.Deeper still is the message behind the film and the images. Both Laurence Fishburne and Ken Wantanabbe have the perfect voice to narrate Colbert's story of a man who left all that he knew, in order to find himself in distant lands. The revelations that he discovers along the way are what we get to see in the images that were produced. Watch the film, listen to the words, and then watch the film again, and again, and again. In it, you'll see a man's dreams, visions, heart break and redemption. You'll see the journey he took and the worlds that he saw, not only on the outside, but inwardly as well. You'll hear his message of love and see that ultimately, the film is not about animals at all...but instead about us.It is a masterpiece, and it is an experience.

spanky-70 I watched the movie. I saw the show (the "nomadic" museum). I can see how this might appeal to some people but to me it seemed that the animals were unwilling or unwitting participants and the spirituality aspect was contrived. The human models or dancers always had their eyes closed, as though in prayer or meditation, while putting themselves in ridiculous, often uncomfortable, sometimes dangerous situations. The music and the sepia tones created the mood but were this in color with live sounds it would be a mockery of art. Of course, one might argue that this *is* art and belief should be suspended, but some of these animals seem so distressed that it proved impossible for me to get into.I know many find this film moving and beautiful. I just found it disturbing.