staylor1244
I know the saying . . . "the grass is always greener on the other side," but wow! Peter and his family are the luckiest people on the planet as far as I'm concerned. Sure, there is a price to pay for living free as we were meant to live. It's not what they have in life that is important, it's what they don't have -- the entrapments that go with living conventionally. They enjoy life by the minute, they deal with their problems as a family, they expect nothing, and the love that they have for each other is immense. I envy them. Their children are wonderful, and I'm sure that part of what makes them that way is not having a television, not having a Nintendo or whatever game apparatus to waste their lives on. They work, they play, they ride horses, they learn how to live with nature, but above all they respect each other, the animals, and nature's offerings. At least they are working hard for themselves, and not working hard for "the man." In the end we all end up with nothing. But being free is preferable to being a slave to the system. I loved it when someone asked Peter what he does for a living and his answer was "I live for a living." Less IS more.
Rozana Helmbright
Thoroughly enjoyed the rawness of this film. Brilliant scenery, brilliant characters, brilliant direction and the most brilliant example of honorable parents in todays less than brilliant world. What more can we hope for than to have our children; the future of this world, be reared with such integrity, fierce strength of willpower, humility and kind love. If we all could instill in our children, but a portion of likewise admirable qualities then the future generations will no doubt be equipped to survive, thrive and conquer whatever the future of this globe has to throw at them. Reverting back to the way of our forefathers is indeed improbable to most, yet done so graciously and humbly by the Karena family. Emotionally moving. A true installation of hope and courage. Blessed be those who strive for that which is right and true. The reward may be long awaited, but will be GREAT - as is this must see film doc. The world is a better place for the creation of 'This Way of Life.' One can't help but leave the film hoping that one day Peter's father will watch this film and realise the error of his ways...
murphhe
How life can be led if you don't conform to todays norms, and instead embrace a way of life far closer to the real world.Peter and Colleens loving and wise relationship with their children (and many horses), is counterpoised with the very difficult relationship Peter has with his father. They survive distressing trials and tribulations, stay true to their philosophy and raise an amazingly confident, fluent and self reliant tribe of children.Its a visually beautiful and thought provoking film on a number of levels - could I be brave enough to live like that, and when the real world inevitably catches up with the Karena children what will happen then?
mike-5614
This is a film which bursts the boundaries of documentary through its superb storytelling and engagement. It is a journey into beauty and magic, yet suffused with a bass note of tragedy. For anyone living in the West, the fundamental values on which we base our lives are challenged. I have watched this film over and over, and never cease to moved by it. There is a deceptive simplicity to its subject matter - a mother, a father, their beautiful children, and the vortex of extended family just out of frame. But the camera work and the entire philosophy of filmmaking employed here is compelling. We are drawn into the world of the Karenas, and it makes us realize that there are many more ways of tackling life than the conventional. We are drawn into the beauty of the landscape, only to be surprised by the beauty of the souls being revealed. If ever there was a film that deserved to win an Oscar, this is it. It has come to the world's attention at exactly the right time. Do not miss seeing it.
AD
