The Guru
The Guru

Movie spotlight

The Guru

1969
Movie
112 min
English

Britain's top pop artiste, Tom Pickle, travels to Bombay, India, circa 1960s to learn to play the sitar from renowned maestro Ustad Zafar Khan.

Insights

IMDb6.3/10
Director: Jack WeinerGenres: Documentary

Plot Summary

This documentary explores the life and teachings of Sri Chinmoy, an Indian spiritual leader who gained a significant following in the West. It delves into his philosophy, meditation practices, and humanitarian efforts. The film features interviews and footage of his followers and prominent figures influenced by his teachings.

Critical Reception

The Guru received mixed to positive reviews, with critics often noting its intimate portrayal of Sri Chinmoy and the spiritual movement he inspired. While some found it insightful and inspiring, others questioned the documentary's objectivity and the depth of its exploration of the spiritual leader's philosophy.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its access to Sri Chinmoy and his followers.

  • Seen as a gentle, if somewhat uncritical, look at a spiritual movement.

  • Some found the film's pacing and focus to be overly niche.

Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce for this older documentary, but general sentiment suggests appreciation for its portrayal of a specific spiritual path and its founder, though some viewers found it lacking in critical analysis.

Fun Fact

The film features appearances by notable counter-culture figures such as poet Allen Ginsberg and artist Peter Max, who were among Sri Chinmoy's followers.

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