The Holy Mountain
The Holy Mountain

Movie spotlight

The Holy Mountain

1973
Movie
113 min
Spanish

The Alchemist assembles together a group of people from all walks of life to represent the planets in the solar system. The occult adept's intention is to put his recruits through strange mystical rites and divest them of their worldly baggage before embarking on a trip to Lotus Island. There they ascend the Holy Mountain to displace the immortal gods who secretly rule the universe.

Insights

IMDb7.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes84%
Google Users88%
Director: Alejandro JodorowskyGenres: Fantasy, Adventure, Drama, Musical

Plot Summary

A nameless thief, an "artful dodger", is taken under the wing of a powerful, immortal alchemist. Together, they embark on a quest to climb the titular Holy Mountain to find the nine immortals who have achieved true enlightenment. Along the way, they encounter surreal landscapes, bizarre characters, and challenge societal norms and spiritual beliefs. The journey is a metaphorical exploration of ego, transformation, and the search for truth.

Critical Reception

Alejandro Jodorowsky's "The Holy Mountain" is a highly divisive cult classic, celebrated by its admirers for its audacious visual style, philosophical depth, and provocative symbolism. Critics and audiences often find it either a profound spiritual allegory or an incomprehensible, self-indulgent spectacle. Its surreal imagery and challenging narrative have cemented its status as a unique and unforgettable cinematic experience.

What Reviewers Say

  • A visually stunning and deeply symbolic journey that challenges conventional perceptions.

  • Praised for its unique blend of surrealism, spirituality, and dark humor.

  • Often described as an overwhelming, yet rewarding, cinematic experience.

Google audience: Google users generally appreciate "The Holy Mountain" for its originality, thought-provoking themes, and unique artistic vision. Many praise its spiritual and philosophical undertones, while some find the film's surreal and unconventional nature to be its most compelling aspect. A portion of viewers, however, may find its abstract narrative and graphic imagery challenging.

Fun Fact

The film famously features a cast and crew that includes many non-actors, including members of Jodorowsky's own family and individuals he met on the streets, contributing to its raw and authentic feel.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
sharkgummies

sharkgummies

This is crazy. Imagine if art, god and a fever dream made a movie together. That's this. Half time i was like: ''what is going on?... oh, i get it... i don't get it...'' and that's the point. Every frame is loaded with symbolism and cha...

Sigeki Ogino

Sigeki Ogino

This video work is visualized, "psychotherapy". It is truly in the realm of the divine. The numerous famous scenes, eccentric, unusually colorful, erotic, gross-out, and fully materialized by the alchemy of Mr. Alexandre Jodorowsky, can suf...