Upper Story: On the Road to Well-Being
Upper Story: On the Road to Well-Being

Movie spotlight

Upper Story: On the Road to Well-Being

2020
Movie
95 min
English

Today, over 10% of the global population suffers from mental health problems. This documentary reveals three decades of collaboration between Western scientists and Buddhist scholars. The meeting of their minds and scientific research reveals how mental training techniques can help us develop well-being, become more compassionate and ultimately improve the impact we have on our planet, and how humanity is much more deeply connected that we would ever think.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes78%
Metacritic70/100
Google Users85%
Director: Marius von MayenburgGenres: Drama, Comedy

Plot Summary

A couple seemingly living an idyllic life finds their relationship tested when they embark on a journey to reconnect with nature and themselves. As they venture into remote landscapes, their suppressed anxieties and unspoken resentments begin to surface, blurring the lines between personal growth and existential crisis. The film explores themes of modern malaise and the search for authenticity in an increasingly disconnected world.

Critical Reception

"Upper Story: On the Road to Well-Being" garnered mixed to positive reviews, with critics praising its thematic depth and atmospheric direction but some finding its pacing uneven. Audiences were generally engaged by its introspective nature and relatable portrayal of relationship struggles.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its thought-provoking exploration of modern relationships and existential dread.

  • Applauded for its visually striking cinematography and nuanced performances.

  • Some critics noted a tendency towards deliberate pacing that could alienate certain viewers.

Google audience: Google users frequently commended the film's intellectual engagement and the raw emotional honesty of the characters. Many appreciated the film's ability to provoke introspection on personal well-being and the challenges of maintaining intimacy.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Screenplay at the Munich Film Festival.

Fun Fact

The film was shot on location in the remote Bavarian Alps, with director Marius von Mayenburg opting for natural light for much of the principal photography to enhance the sense of isolation and authenticity.

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