tedg Social trends are often shaped by strange overlaps in market forces. You have to have a steady stream of "artists" who are compelled to do their thing, driven primarily by an urge to express. We have that in this music, because the barriers to entry are exceedingly low, so any untrained fellow with an ear can start and perhaps adapt to be successful in his or her own mind.You need a steady stream of consumers, in this case young people needy of the rage, of the hypnosis of shared energy. We are told that it is a "safe" place to do drugs, or alternatively that it is a worthy substitute for drugs. We are told that it is a place to go to be alone, and alternatively to be one with the crowd. On screen speakers tell us that the art is special while others tell us that the magic comes from being merely primitive and artless. Clearly, there is a match here between creators and consumers that works; anything that cannot be well characterized and is has power.Those two elements are well enough represented here. The structure of the film is a mess, but that is well enough given the fact that we don't want to know what is going on, and none of the people we see are sufficiently articulated to reach us as artists of insight.But there is a third element that this film misses, though its existence relies on it. There is a commerce; there is money that changes hands. There are guys that are not artists that somehow act as brokers to connect communities. They make all the money. Judge for yourself whether such a thing as a selforganizing underground can fit this mold. Regardless, that is the myth that is sold, and the business of this phenomenon is every bit as interesting as the phenomenon itself. And probably would tell us more about what it is.This film does not see itself.Ted's Evaluation -- 2 of 3: Has some interesting elements.

degnencomps I really enjoyed this documentary. The tribal roots of dance and the community spirit of "the rave" were, at times, eloquently explained, leaving the viewer feeling that perhaps this manifestation of the music scene is where we should all be. The passion of the DJs and musicians shines through, and especially touching is the young blonde female who has obviously enjoyed her first rave, and who is amazed at all the strangers who wanted to hug her and say hello! Enjoy the spectacle, crank up the music, wonder at the weirdos dressed in baggy pants and funny hats, but most of all, just wish that you were there. If you liked this, you might also like to watch: It's All Gone A Bit Pete Tong; Human Traffic; Go (although this is a bit trite, and not nearly as positive)

adidasraver Finally I was able to watch a documentary that expressed exactly what I felt about the scene. This little number is a must see if you are or are not a raver. I agree with the earlier poster who says that "Better Living.." shows these parties and music professionals in a positive light. That's something that has been virtually ignored in todays "news" reporting of rave parties.

levl289 This movie along with "Modulations" is a very educated, and insightful look into Rave culture across the globe. Interviews with influential DJ's from all over the world, and thoughts from actual ravers, the movie covers all the bases on just what Rave Culture is all about.If you're a raver, and want to know the roots, check it out.