75
Filmmakers Stephanie Spray and Pacho Velez insist that altered spectatorship, particularly patience and duration, is the foundation of cinematic edification.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
75
Really, though, the film’s focus is on neither the destination nor the journey, but on the individuals planting themselves in front of the lens.
80
New York Magazine (Vulture) by Bilge Ebiri
It’s the closest I’ve seen a film come to an act of genuine hypnosis.
80
The Hollywood Reporter by Boyd van Hoeij
Patterns emerge by virtue of repetition.
81
It is amazing, given the modesty of its scope and means, how much Manakamana is able to achieve.
100
On the whole, Manakamana succeeds by creating the ongoing anticipation of something, anything to happen next, a wholly unique sensation specific to its inventive design.
100
You could hardly ask for a more beautiful vision of souls in transit.
70
Manakamana is both calming and imagination-sparking, forcing viewers to look at human faces for 10-minute stretches, whether those faces are talking excitedly or quietly looking around.
80
For all its manipulations and self-imposed restrictions, Manakamana is expansive, intricate and surprisingly playful.