The use of Philip Glass's music, which incorporates various world music genres (so it's not typical minimalist Glass), along with the pictures of various "Global South" locations, provides a window into a world that not many of us in the "Global North" encounter. The first time I saw this movie was when it was accompanied live by Philip Glass and his ensemble, and I have to say that's the best way to see it.
Whereas Koyaanisqatsi (the first film in the trilogy) focused primarily on the ramifications of industrialization and on the priority of speed in modern life, Powaqqatsi moves at a leisurely, stately pace, indicative of the pace of life in non-industrialized and non-urbanized (or partially industrialized or urbanized) societies.
This film will not be to everybody's taste, as there is no dialogue, no plot, and no resolution at the end in a "happily ever after". But for what it is (Ebert called it a sort of music video), it's excellent.
Whereas Koyaanisqatsi (the first film in the trilogy) focused primarily on the ramifications of industrialization and on the priority of speed in modern life, Powaqqatsi moves at a leisurely, stately pace, indicative of the pace of life in non-industrialized and non-urbanized (or partially industrialized or urbanized) societies.
This film will not be to everybody's taste, as there is no dialogue, no plot, and no resolution at the end in a "happily ever after". But for what it is (Ebert called it a sort of music video), it's excellent.