Enlightenment Guaranteed
Enlightenment Guaranteed

Movie spotlight

Enlightenment Guaranteed

2000
Movie
109 min
German

Two middle aged German brothers - one New Age and recently divorced, the other uptight and sceptical - travel to a Zen monastery in Japan in search of enlightenment, or perhaps just in search of themselves.

Insights

IMDb7.0/10
Director: Tatsuya MoriGenres: Documentary

Plot Summary

This documentary delves into the cult Aum Shinrikyo, exploring its rise, its apocalyptic beliefs, and its connection to the Tokyo subway sarin gas attack. It features interviews with former members and examines the leader Shoko Asahara's influence. The film provides a chilling look at the psychological and social factors that contribute to radicalization.

Critical Reception

Enlightenment Guaranteed received critical acclaim for its in-depth and unsettling portrayal of a dangerous cult. Reviewers praised its journalistic integrity and its ability to capture the chilling reality of Aum Shinrikyo's influence, though some found the subject matter deeply disturbing.

What Reviewers Say

  • A disturbing yet essential examination of a modern cult.

  • Effectively captures the chilling influence of Shoko Asahara.

  • Provides a stark look at the human cost of radical ideology.

Google audience: Information regarding specific Google user reviews for this documentary is not readily available, but critical consensus suggests it is a powerful and disturbing film.

Fun Fact

The documentary incorporates footage shot by the cult itself, offering a unique and often disturbing first-hand perspective.

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