The Holy Mountain [Blu-ray]

This film is dense with symbolism. It contains symbols from Qabbalah, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity, Paganism, Buddhism, Taoism, and even Astrology (oddly enough). It's clear that Alejandro Jodorowsky did a lot of spiritual homework, so to speak, when he chose the symbols used, and in the way he used them. I've seen this film around six or seven times, and it never ceases to be a source of entertainment. It's both bizarre and wise in many respects, but the viewer has to be able to discern what is simply shock value, and what is pertinent to the plot. In a way, the film is very existential. Each character being a uniquely designed product of their own niche desires. And it's Probably the first film to really break the fourth wall and have it be a part of the plot (a very important part). If you're the kind of person who enjoys theology, philosophy, or the bizarre then this film is for you. If you like nudity then this film is probably also for you. I wouldn't recommend this as a family film. I also wouldn't recommend this to the religiously uninformed or people who are looking for a down-to-earth film.

The Holy Mountain is the most well-known film by Alejandro Jodorowsky, however, I don't think that this means that you should start here if you have any interest in his art. His style can be quite off-putting and extremely pretentious, and I would say that this movie, almost more than any of his others, typifies this idea. The imagery is strange, sometimes unintelligible, and often graphic. A real assault on the senses in some cases. This is a defining characteristic of his works. Much of the time the audience is meant to feel uncomfortable and confused. A lot of this has to do with Jodorowsky's world views. The man grew up in Chile during a time when regulations and human rights were of minimum concern. Having to withstand the harsh realities of life in such a place thus greatly influenced the man that he would later become. Just as every artist before, Jodorowsky tries to communicate what he has seen through his art, in order to show the audience his personal experiences. He just happened to have a graphic upbringing and a platform to portray it from. So why should you watch this? Because it has been an EXTREMELY influential piece of media for a large number of artists (in film, music, and beyond) since it was first put out into the world. I would recommend starting off with El Topo before grabbing The Holy Mountain. I would also recommend his novel "Where the Bird Sings Best", but read at your own discretion. This book is graphic and unlike anything that I have ever (and probably will ever) read before.

Watched the Blu-Ray restoration of this surreal 1973 film directed by Alejandro Jodorowsky last week. It's the first film of his I've seen and all I can say is... Wow. Definitely one of the most daring, visually provocative pieces of cinema I have ever seen. I have now ordered Jodorowsky's other films! It's worth watching the "Extras" to see the difference between the aged print and the restoration. Hard to believe they could salvage that much crispness, depth and color compared to the aged film master they started with. I've seen reviews calling it an "extraordinary visual concoction" and "a wickedly outrageous masterpiece." The film is both of those things. The movie goes from bizarre scene to bizarre scene with an imagination and energy that never lets up. I can't imagine anyone trying to make a movie like this today... which is really... kinda sad. THE HOLY MOUNTAIN is brave, beautiful, crazy and sacrilegious in equal amounts... Check it out if you are into truly transgressive film...

Bizzare,brilliant and unlike anything you've probably seen. Definitely not a movie for everyone but certainly one worth viewing at least once if you're really into art films. A real treasure from one of the masters of surreal cinema, Alejandro Jodorowsky.

This is one of the most deeply layered artistic films I've ever seen. I'm sure I could watch this 15 times and still discover something new (a wonderful feat for an art film). The quality of the blu ray is great, the transer is wonderful and the sounds is lovely. Give it a watch, but remember; Ask questions, Don't demand Answers.

This was a good movie, if you enjoy Jodorowsky. Full of interesting sets and situations, directed with style. If you enjoy his movies this one is a must.

....to The Holy Mountain. I love many of Jodorowsky's comic works. He seemed to become a better storyteller later in life (or he is just stronger in the comic medium). This film is creative and has some good parts about it, but it suffers from some of the same weaknesses as El Topo (but I think there are better characters in El Topo). It might be trying to take on too much and doesn't have much focus until some of the second half. It's like it is trying to say too much which causes all of the different themes suffer. It's hard to take much from this film, but I did like the message at the end. I wouldn't really recommend this film, but don't let me stop you because you might enjoy it more/get more out of it.

Jodorowsky's Holy Mountain is an excellent resource for all Film and TV academics looking at semiotics, semiological analysis as well as fitting within the Kristevan frameworks of borders and intersections. Visually a spectacle with a narrative addressing culture, politics and religion. Like Jodorowsky himself, The Holy Mountain is LSD/Ketamine trip peppered with subverted multi religious symbology and questions as well as to make aware the draw of the allegory of the Holy Mountain; a symbol found in all major religions being practiced in the world today.

Great

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This movie is amazing. The visuals are incredible. I watched it with my friend who wants to be a Catholic Priest and he insisted I stop it after less than 3 minutes then got up like he was going to vomit and said he was worried it would lead to demonic possession. Then he went to Wikipedia to research the Director which confirmed his fears. I showed him Pink Flamingos and didn't get near the shock value out of it.

Not a great bluray transfer unfortunately, the audio also suffers but it is watchable. A bit 'emperor's new clothes ' for me but certainly worth a visit or two.

Very enjoyable movie, a must-see if you like really weird movies. The metaphors are clear enough, so it's not exactly just random stuff that needs to be explained. The imagery is unique and mesmerizing. And not said enough: it's very funny I laughed loud many times... But it's not a comedy.