I can't really add much to the (bad) reviews above. However, I am numb from being lambasted by this film's pretension and utter lack of focus. I felt manipulated.As far as I can tell the movie's theme is: We should have a purpose in life and everybody has something good about them. I don't need to hear an endless parade of platitudes and clichés to get the point. As far as I can tell, there is nothing to learn in this film other than bad things happen to "innocent" people.I could also do without the violin music.On the other hand, I enjoyed the photography.If you are the kind of person who enjoys "inspiring" films that don't make you think, then this one is for you.

A beautifully shot movie, but i was pretty disappointed by it. it seems a lot of effort and money went into making this film. definitely scenes and images that were moving but seemed to me to play out like a MTV true life story. maybe even would of been a great series, i was expecting a lot more and at least got to play in my own imagination of where this film could of gone. a random grouping of situations that were so set up it seems hard to get a real human experience when a film crew is floating around. i'm sure it was maybe even a small crew but they could of been a little more gritty about it. specially living in the streets in NYC winter. way more artistic and poetic segments than anything with true feeling of experience. a film worth watching but not much to process with so many other docs and films really getting into the human experience.

I first saw The Human Experience in April 2009 at Penn State University. One of the things that first drew me to the film was the beautiful soundtrack by composer Thomas Bergersen, which I heard on the website. The Human Experience has a lot to offer, both in terms of aesthetics and in terms of content. The cinematography was lush and vivid, transporting the audience to the places that Jeff, Michael, and their friends visit during the film. I was particularly intrigued by the interview segments where various individuals shared their thoughts about the meaning of life. These moments of reflection provided an opportunity for viewers to ponder the question themselves. The plot is also an interesting one, where four refreshingly sincere people set off to "experience" a day in someone else's shoes, expecting no gain except a deeper understanding of human life. Documentary films can often be preachy, one-note; sacrificing the conventions of storytelling to drive a particular message. The Human Experience tells a great story AND has a great message. For someone who tends to watch fiction-narrative most of the time, I found this documentary film to be very engaging and interesting. I would definitely recommend it, both to aspiring filmmakers, humanitarians, and anyone who wants to learn more about the world, its people, and the value of life.

I had the opportunity of viewing this film at a screening at my high school last fall. I can honestly say that it is a film that every individual should watch at least once. After viewing the film, my friend and I purchased a full lunch for a homeless woman who was sitting in front of a Church. It was the best thirteen dollars that we have ever spent. "The Human Experience" gives light to the struggles of those living in the concrete jungle in a truly dignified matter. And the leper colony -- wow! I had no idea it had even existed in our day and age! This film will open your heart and change the way you think about the world.