Expected more

Dreadfully Boring

Watch something else. There are very few redeeming qualities to this film.

It isn't all that great, actually. Really cheesy and very predicable of how certain scenes are gonna turn play out. However, I guess that's the charm of it all, because I would consider this one of my guilty pleasures.

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.