Baraka, Samsara and Koyaanisqatsi are the most well known movies of a movie genre generally described as non-narrative films. None of the films contain any actors, have no plot or script and contains images from the world.

All of the movies contain images showing locations of the world, whether natural or man made. The scenes are edited together to provide maximum impact for the viewer. Each of the films has a musical score that provides additional impact for the images.

Koyaanisqatsi was the first of these movies. Completed in 1982 Koyaanisqatsi was directed by Godfrey Reggio. Koyaanisqatsi shows images from North America, which include: landscapes, deserts, military vehicles, the sea, industry, explosions, housing projects and people. Koyaanisqatsi has many scenes that make excellent use of time-lapse photography, which where filmed by Ron Fricke, the primary cinematographer. Philip Glass composed the musical score for Koyaanisqatsi.

Baraka is the most famous of these movies. Completed in 1996 by Ron Fricke. Baraka is a more spiritual movie than Koyaanisqatsi, but also uses many of the same techniques that Fricke used in Koyaanisqatsi. Baraka shows the people and places of the world in a more personal light. Baraka's scenes include images of: landscapes, animals, temples, Asia, India, religion, tribes, waterfalls, cities, war. Baraka was shot using 70mm film, which is of a higher quality than most films. Michael Sterns provided the musical score to Baraka.

Samsara is Ron Fricke's sequel to Baraka. Samsara will contain images in a style similar to Baraka. Ron Fricke's passion for the film will drive him to achieve the highest possible standards, as already shown in his work.

There are several animal related movies in this genre. Microcosmos shows the animals and insects that are found in a regular meadow in France. The team use Macrovision technology to capture images that have to be seen to be believed. This is a great film for kids.

Winged Migration is a film concentrating on the migration of birds, made by the Microcosmos team. The film follows many different groups of birds. Watching the DVD extras provides a great insight into the techniques used to capture the scenes.

Dogora is a French movie that shows the daily lives of the people of Cambodia. The film is made by Patrice Leconte, using modern technology, rather than the older techniques used in the other movies.

I highly recommend that everyone watches Baraka. If you enjoy it then try some of the other movies.