What a bunch of malarkey. Welcome to the world of Demian Lichtenstein and Discover the Gift, a self-indulgent movie where a guy (who could be the least qualified person ever) tells you the secret to life. The movie uses interviews to give people advice on their life, focusing primarily on Lichtenstein. He claims to have a rough life, and discusses his anger with his sister. Text book definition of "first world problems". It's literally a movie about his temper. Now I've never really liked any of this spiritual mumbo-jumbo, and some of these interviews are preposterous and pointless. Many are equally self-indulgent. But the biggest flaw of the movie is that it is a collection of interviews where people act like car salesmen- they speak a lot, without saying much.My issue is not so much with the movie, but with the main character of the film itself. Demian Lichtenstein is known for his violent and sexist movies (3000 Miles To Graceland, Venus and Vegas). The movies he's made are the complete opposite to this movie. He's also infamously discredited his co-author and replaced her with his sister, another self-indulgent schoolteacher. The uncredited co-author ended up suing him.My main point? Why the hell would I believe this guy has the answer to life's questions? Watch the movie with a critical eye. Movies are fake, and this one's no different.

I can't say that I've seen too many inspirational movies like Discover the Gift, at least not in their entirety. Like most movies that have a corresponding book, I usually prefer the book more than the movie and the same is true here. However the movie does a really good job of expressing the book in the time allotted, It's almost as if the book is being narrated by the family remembering the incidents that brought this book into print. All of this is set to rather soothing, almost hypnotic soundtrack that plays through the majority of the movie.As for the content, I don't really want to spoil anything for you. There's a bit of a build up to finding out what the Gift is, and all the other original ideas Discover the Gift presents. In all honesty It's the wrapping the Gift comes in that impresses me the most. The Ideas are presented through the family experiences of Shajen Joy Aziz and her brother. These family experiences are really what makes this movie stand out from anything like it I've seen.

This is one of those rare films that makes you think about its theme days after watching it. I probably will be thinking about this one for a while. This movie states that we all have a gift then it proceeds to instruct the audience on how to reach their full potential. However, that description of the film does not due it justice. Discover the Gift is so much deeper. During and after this film I felt inspired to do something and to make changes in my life. I haven't felt the rushing energy coursing through my body, since I was a young boy in church hearing the inspirational words of my favorite pastor. This movie brought me back to that feeling, the tingling in my arms, the feeling that I can do anything, and that it's only a question as to whether I will. Overall, this is a film everyone should see. If you are looking to watch something to motivate you, I strongly recommend Discover the Gift.

On my free time, I like investing in my personal growth. Sometimes I get this done by watching documentaries such as What the BLEEP, The Secret, and read books such as Eckhart Tolle's the Power of Now and New Earth, but nothing has struck such a chord with me like Discover The Gift did. It sheds light on our connection with each other, and even stars the Dalai Lama sharing his thoughts on the power of compassion and love. What I love most about this documentary is the several different approaches, ideas, and speakers that are featured providing a way in for not just me but others who have different views and ideas about their experiences. I usually stick to either the documentary, or the book – not both. But there were lots of advantages to having the book format, most notably the exercises in the book, the mandalas, and of course its portability. The "re-watchability" value of Discover The Gift is high – it's extremely informative and covers a wide-range of topics that are engaging still, even as stand-alone pieces.