Rotten
A voice-over narrator supplies some of Yogananda's more inspired passages, but the affected tone makes it all sound rather silly.
Drew Hunt, Chicago Reader
Awake: The Life of Yogananda
Reveal your Self
2014 · 1h 27m · PG
Documentary
Directed by
Paola di Florio
,
Lisa Leeman
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Awake: The Life of Yogananda
Overview
An unconventional biography by Oscar nominee Paola di Florio and Sundance winner Lisa Leeman about Hindu mystic Paramahansa Yogananda who brought yoga and meditation to the West in 1920 and authored the spiritual classic "Autobiography of a Yogi," which became the go-to book for seekers from George Harrison to Steve Jobs.
Director and cast
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
Top critics, in their words
64%
Tomatometer
Fresh
If you want to understand yoga as something beyond a workout exercise, this spiritual documentary could be a fine start.
Colin Covert, Minneapolis Star Tribune
Rotten
Those looking for further enlightenment might want to pass on the feel-good cinematic hagiography known as "Awake: The Life of Yogananda."
Peter Keough, Boston Globe
Rotten
Unfortunately, while the swami taught his disciples to explore the depths of their very souls, the film barely scratches the surface of his life and teachings.
Kerry Lengel, Arizona Republic
Fresh
Yogananda's story is a fascinating one. And although the documentary will likely attract a discrete group, it has the potential for broader appeal.
Stephanie Merry, Washington Post
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