A Voice from Heaven (2001)
Filmed in Pakistan, India, Canada and United States, A Voice From Heaven is a tribute to one of the most beautiful voices in the century: Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, the king of Qawwali. The story interweaves excellent Nusrat performance footage and a rare behind the scene glimpse into Nusrat's life. Interviews conducted with the many friends, artists and producers with whom Nusrat has collaborated with, including Rick Rubin, Michael Brook, Bally Sagoo and the Asian Dub Foundation, tell the story of a man and his music of peace and spiritual love.
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Such a frustrating disappointment
Sorry, this movie sucks
Blistering performances.
The movie turns out to be a little better than the average. Starting from a romantic formula often seen in the cinema, it ends in the most predictable (and somewhat bland) way.
The story interweaves excellent Nusrat performance footage and a rare behind the scene glimpse into Nusrat's life. Interviews conducted with the many friends, artists and producers with whom Nusrat has collaborated with, including Rick Rubin, Michael Brook, Bally Sagoo and the Asian Dub Foundation, tell the story of a man and his music of peace and spiritual love. "It just seemed like, the music would start and something would open in him and this beautiful sound would come out its just fantastic." – Rick Rubin, President of American Recordings. "There is an element in Qawwali, I think part of the goal is to induce ecstasy in people, as it is in Gospel Music. I think they are very similar actually. And I think in order to do that there needs a high degree of passion." – Michael Brook I, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan,I am a sinner, man of heart impure and dark, it is like a mantle that is dotted with spots of stain and dirt. The recital of Allah's Name purifies the heart, thats what I do all the time, recite the words. This is my job, my task, my favorite hobby. I am a fakir, a beggar for Allah and wander the streets shouting His Name. Remember God in pain, in pleasure; He will wash away the pain. People remember God only when they are in adversity, if they remember Him in good times, they will never have pain and will never experience adversity." – Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, 'A Voice from Heaven'.
This documentary is a good introduction to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. However, it is obvious it was made for the western audiences and sometimes it just isn't credible. I mean, if you have someone like the members of Asian Dub Foundation comment Nusrat's work, does that add something to the film? I don't think so. It also lacks some structure, it's actually just a bunch of stuff thrown together. Still, it's the only available film about NFAK for now and we should be happy for having it. I would recommend seeing some other concert footage in addition to this film, I think seeing the whole concert really provides the full NFAK experience. And forget the appearances at Peter Gabriel's concerts, that's just not what it's about.