Karl Self The filmmaker of this documentary (Will Allen) used to be the official filmmaker of the cult for more than twenty years, so he had a lot of video material to work with, which provided a uniquely in-depth and colourful insight into the strange workings and trappings of this group. This movie can serve up a lot more than just the usual newspaper clippings and filmed retrospective interviews.The guru of this cult is an incredibly odd and camp former / failed bit part actor and dancer (nothing wrong with that, by the way, there's a lot of those around) who apparently had a unique talent for conducting meditation session. And for recruiting some of the best looking acolytes ever. Even his disgruntled former members looked back upon those initial "shaktis" fondly, and the way they described those sessions made me wonder whether those sessions had not been spiked with psychedelic drugs.Some members then became totally devoted to Michel, one member describes how his life centered around creating incredibly elaborate fruit salads for his master. To me, that was already the point when the sexual abuse that followed became almost inevitable. Those people have to face up to the fact that they pulled out the stops themselves.Michel must have been very patient and sly to wait until his followers had severed all ties with the real world before he started to profit from them sexually. Unsurprisingly, and despite his public denigrations of sexuality which he used to isolate his followers from each other, he eventually started to sexually abuse his attractive male disciples.

hddu10 Since this was picked-up and broadcast on CNN, I figured it would have something earth-shattering or at the very least "new" to say...but nope. This is essentially the same cult story we've seen and heard over the last 30-odd years retold; eccentric, dynamic, charismatic yet narcissistic leader gains a following of feeble-minded "searching" (see: self-absorbed) adults who then feel betrayed after they find out he is a fraud. Yes, the specific details of this particular case get very lurid (instead of the female followers being targeted, this time it is the males) and we do get a glimpse at the subject from an insider's point of view. While the documentary tries its utmost to show all the participants/cult-followers as "just regular people" as if to say, "this could have happened to you!" the reality is no one in their right mind would or could be naive enough to think following such a ridiculous individual would NOT lead to sexual impropriety. Notice, I specifically omit the word "abuse" since looking at these individuals, it becomes very clear that any unwilling heterosexual, able-bodied man would at the very least use his facial muscles to mouth the words "no thanks" when faced with eminent anal rape. This looks more like a bad-date/bad-sex after the fact regrets from possibly being emotionally coerced/tricked into it. But to put this into perspective, no one was killed, no one died from malnutrition/poisoning/fatigue, no one even made it into the internet news until this came out...so as far as cults go this one is pretty boring. All this film seems to do is come off as some reminiscing homage to the lost youth of the cult's followers who are now just trying to move on to the next phase of their lives. Take away the cult part and this is just another day in the life of anyone else on the planet. NOTE: I am NOT a cult member, nor have I ever even heard of this guy or this cult before watching the movie...I'm just saying this really isn't that great or saying anything new about cults. Frankly, it just seems more self-indulgent than insightful.

maryhbutler Holy Hell is a documentary made and produced by Will Allen, focusing on the "Buddhafield" cult in Hollywood, and his experiences of being a member of the Buddhafield for 22 years. The film school graduate compiles a plethora of funny, serious, and chilling shots from his time in the cult. It follows the members of the cult, and their leader, who was called "Michel" for most of the film. The film uncovers the secrets and stories of the members, horrified from their past in the cult and its leader.The film opens up with Mr. Allen speaking about his childhood, and his mother not accepting his homosexuality. It then jumps to footage he took from the beginning of the cult, with members dancing and floating in a river. I was confused on this quick transition, because it clashed with the topic of his homosexuality or his mother. The clips of the dancing post-hippies in the beginning of the film was very intriguing, and was the reason I continued with this documentary. He shows more images and videos of Michel, the leader of this group, and the clips immediately grab my attention. The narration and images of the exotic and eclectic leader in the beginning of the film quickly foreshadowed the secrets uncovered later in the film. His persona was god-like, prancing in his speedo and polarized sunglasses, with his followers kissing his ankles, literally. The personal shots given by Allen, from his small 80's camera, are invigorating and interesting. The footage invites viewers to picture themselves inside the cult, and what it was like through their daily routines. The film cultivates a hippy-ish vibe and creates a feeling of freedom As Will shows past members, and their recorded interviews, the pain in their eyes stands out. They become scared and upset when they begin to reminisce and talk about their past in the Buddhafield. The members share similar stories throughout the documentary, insuring the validity of the information given by the members. Topics such as sex, abortion, drugs, and abuse begin to stir, and we see the true colors of Michel. Other 'serene groups' begin to be shut down around California, so Michel decides it's time to pack up and move to Texas. His devoted followers, of course, follow him. We see how the group gets accustomed to their new house and environment. We also see how Michel, who is now Andreas, moves from a spiritual leader to a controlling narcissist. This film jerks emotions, and could dig deeply into viewers' similar past experiences. We can feel Allen's pain listening and watching the footage from the last few years of the Buddhafield. This film was enjoyable and informative. It showed emotions and memories that are rarely touched, and made me, as a viewer, feel emotional along with the interviewees. I recommend this film for an audience who enjoys learning about cults and their practices, or just simply because it's an aesthetically pleasing, emotional film.

mmarianne This movie of the beginning of something beautiful that turns in to something ugly, personifies so many cults, how they come to be, and how hard it is to try to free yourself from all that you've been taught. I want to say thank you, so much thank you, to Will Allen, and all the wonderful people who are in this film, for showing your hearts and souls and what you've been through. I cried throughout the film, and in the end I was bawling my heart out. Having been interested in cults and also having a short (a year only) stint in one myself, I've read so many books, and watched so many documentaries and movies and clips of ex-cult-members, this one was truly the best. To all of you, thank you from the depths of my heart. Marianne