Just perfect...

How sad is this?

Excellent, Without a doubt!!

An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

Will Allen courageously confronts the demons of his past experiences, bolstered by the testimonies and anecdotes of his fellow brothers and sisters within the cult, in order to broadcast to an audience the horrors of misguided idolatry and to, hopefully, teach others to look optimistically at one's tribulations as a step towards achieving fulfillment in the post-trauma phase of life. "Holy Hell" is a hellish and nightmarish documentary focusing on the cult known as the Buddhafield, initially a blissful and energetic community of people gathering together to learn and receive the wisdom of their master. This man had many names; and yet, no one seems to have known anything about him for the vast duration of their time spent under his instruction. As his demeanor and temper become increasingly dramatic and feverish; his appearance slowly shifting and morphing into something hideous; the enlightenment that was promised from the beginning seems to be gradually fading from the grasp of the enslaved acolytes. I felt an overwhelming empathy for these people. They were lost. They were burdened by various desires and yearnings. They wanted profound answers to their far-reaching questions; unfortunately for these beautiful people, what they were given instead was a journey across immense stretches of land for nothing more than the satiation the narcissistic fancies and pipe dreams of a vile human being. Thankfully those featured in this documentary appear to be in a better place. I commend them, because I would never have survived what they had to endure for so many years. I wish you all the best.

"Holy Hell," a documentary written and filmed by Will Allen, gives an unsettling and eerie insight into the actions and nature of an American religious cult that began in the 1980s. This documentary narrates the story of the Buddhafield cult through old video footage filmed by Allen, as well as indirect interviews with former members of the cult. The Buddhafield society, as stated by one of the former members, was never originally labeled as a cult but rather a religious, self-prospering group that promised happiness and self- discovery. This promise can be seen as somewhat believable throughout the beginning of the documentary; however, from an outsider perspective to both hardcore religion and group "family", "Holy Hell" can come off as very strange, and quite frankly, uncomfortable. The Buddhafield religion was formed through a manipulative, former aspiring actor, named Michel, who at first glance seems to be an awkwardly happy, smooth talking man that could possibly fit the role of a leader that he so desperately tries to fill; however, as time progresses one begins to truly see the maniacal nature of his "leadership." It begins simply as a supposed man of God sent to instill ideas of faith and self-acceptance through those who follow. He teaches those around him to accept themselves for who they are and to abstain from any type of self enhancement (i.e. make up, cosmetic surgery, etc.) as well as romantic relations, not only within the group but with anyone outside the group as well. He preached about the importance of community and of serving for God, however Michel is hardly ever seen serving. The actions of serving God begin to shift towards serving Michel, and it gets to the point where the members of his group, for lack of better words, became obsessive over Michel. It honestly made me feel uncomfortable viewing such a thing. It only continued to get worse as the documentary progressed. You soon discover that he sexually exploited the members of his group only to tell them that they were "special" and not to tell anyone of the events that happened. His denial of any such wrong doing and the demonization of anyone who did not agree with his ideals truly made me sick to my stomach and wonder if I should even continue the rest of the documentary. So, I think it goes without saying, but I didn't particularly love this film; however, I will admit that it was interesting.This documentary is not one for the average movie goer, due to its continuously unsettling nature. In, the documentary Allen chose to shine light on the members in a way that presented them to be no different than any other deeply devoted religious group even though their actions alone give off an uneasy feeling within oneself. "Holy Hell" can be understood best with hardened film fanatics given its highly analytical structure. The way in how this documentary was filmed lacks the sort of narrative backbone that allows a story to appeal to a much broader audience. It instead forms a sort of "glimpses-in-time" manner of delivery that gives more of an objective standpoint on the story. However, the interviews with former members, along with the narration of the film, contrastingly provide a subjective undertone, persuading the audience to see Michel in a sinister light. Due to its highly paradoxical manner of storytelling, it can be quite confusing for viewers comfortable with the classic style of narrative film. So, all in all this documentary is one for those interested in the topic and the style in which it is directed. It is definitely not for everyone, and should be watched with that in mind.

I am giving this "documentary" 5 out of 10 because I was entertained. For the last 30 minutes I really started having a hard time believing that this was a real story. If it is these people have got to be complete idiots. Why would a straight man have gay sex with a guy once a week for 5 years and pay him 50 bucks a pop for it? It started looking way too produced towards the end feeling unauthentic. Having this much footage to piece this whole thing together doesn't seem possible.I am thinking this has got to be fake. No one is this stupid / gullible to waste 22 years on this.

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