Movie Review : The Secret by Rhonda Byrne

MOVIE REVIEW 

Introduction

1. Title : The Secret

2. Creator : Rhonda Byrne

3. Production  :  Prime Time Productions

4. Genre : Documentary film

5. Reason of choice : It's based on the book "The Secret", which had a deep and profound impact on my life.


I accidentally came across the movie when I was browsing the Internet for some information about the book, "The Secret". I decided to give it a try as I was  highly influenced by the book. The movie gave me a more clear and vivid understanding of the book.


Review

Best-seller  books being turned into movies is a fairly common phenomenon. But, a movie becoming such a rage that it is turned into a  book (which goes on to be a best-seller and later evolves into a book series) ; is something unheard of and also seems borderline impossible.


But that is what makes "The Secret" movie stand out!


"The Secret" is a Australian - American documentary movie created by Rhonda Byrne (an Australian who was involved in television production and later went one become a bestselling author). It was first released in March 2006.


Featuring the interviews of about 24 eminent personalities, the movie is based on the "Law of Attraction".  It's all about the fundamental principles of the above stated law and it's application in routine life. The teachers share their own understanding and experiences regarding the Law of Attraction in the movie, while also suggesting some practical techniques to harness the law to create a dreamlike life.


All the 24 teachers involved in the movie are like pieces in a puzzle, they fit together perfectly to make the complete picture. All their thoughts and teachings are in sync with each other and with the overall premises of the movie. They speak as one voice, which makes the movie run smoothly without any kind of abruption.


The entire movie consists of basically three kinds of scenes:

Type 1. Interviews of the teachers

Type 2. Re - enacted scenes of the real life
experiences of the teachers

Type 3. Random pictures and short clips to  illustrate  the concepts being explained.

All the three types of scenes blend seamlessly together, which lends a coherent flow to the movie.


The interview scenes of the teachers leave an everlasting impression, owing to the charismatic personality of all the teachers. Their explanations are all simple, clear-cut and straightforward,  and their way of addressing is filled with such warmth and friendliness that it is quite  endearing.


The scenes where the real life experiences of the teachers are re-enacted are quite an highlight of the movie. It is done in such a realistic manner that it almost feels like the viewers are witnessing the scenes live. It is bound to affect the psyche of people, as it adds credibility to the theory explored in the movie.


The pictures and short clips, which are inserted in between the movie to illustrate the concepts, are the icing on cake. They are all well-chosen and perfectly placed. They add value to the movie as they make it more easy to understand and relate to.


A special note of applause to the hypnotizing opening of the movie. The voice-over of Rhonda Byrne, along with the dramatized scenes which depict the historical importance of the Law,  suffice to arrest anyone's attention at once.


The movie has high production values. Filming, audio recording, background music, editing, graphics, voice overs, etc are all done right, and put together, they produce the desired effect. The teachers are all competent public speakers, with fluent speech and engaging body language. They excel in the re-enacted scenes as well. A word of appreciation to the actors involved in Type 2 and Type 3 scenes. They are all well picked and  pass muster. The editing is neat and the movie has a suitable length.


The most striking thing about the movie is it's close resemblance with the book. Though it can be argued that this is due to the fact that the movie preceded the book; it is still worth noting that turning visual content into a textual form is, infact, more difficult than vice-versa.



Criticism


Despite all its positives and popularity, the movie is mired in controversies and criticism. Sceptics and rationalists have judged, criticized, refuted and even mocked the movie, for its seemingly "pseudo scientific theories" an fanciful ideas. The movie has not been too successful in convincing the minds of intellects, thought it has successfully strung the heart strings of the masses. A large number of people find hope and optimism from the movie, while a few others find it to be ridiculous and mere whistling in the wind.



Conclusion


Highly recommendable for people who are in search of hope, meaning and optimism in life; the movie needs to be taken with a grain of salt as it's easy to get too carried away with all the viewpoints and possibilities spoken of in the movie. A word of caution to such people : please remain grounded and develop a subtle and deeper understanding of the subject. But it's only meant for audience with an emotional, philosophical and spiritual outlook. Cynics, pessimists, analysts and the rest of the kind are advised to give it pass.