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Awake: The Life of Yogananda

Name: Awake: The Life of Yogananda
Director: Paola di Florio, Lisa Leeman
Released: 2014
Duration: 87 min

Representation Score

4.0/10

Fair

2014

Director

Paola di Florio, Lisa Leeman

Runtime

87 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film stands out as a powerful example of cross-cultural storytelling. It successfully disrupts traditional Western-centric biographical clichés by centering an Eastern spiritual tradition. While it excels in depicting racial and ethnic ability to act, it does not engage with LGBTQ+ or disability narratives. The film respects the post-colonial cultural exchange, balancing the central male figure's journey with a broader perspective on global spiritual integration.

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Category Breakdown

Does Awake: The Life of Yogananda have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

There are no LGBTQ+ characters or narratives in the film. The focus is solely on the spiritual journey of Paramahansa Yogananda.

How does Awake: The Life of Yogananda portray gender?

Fair

The film centers on Yogananda's personal journey, giving him a prominent role. Female disciples also play a part, showing their involvement in the spiritual process.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Awake: The Life of Yogananda?

Excellent

The documentary highlights cross-cultural exchange by focusing on an Indian mystic. It challenges Eurocentric biographies by emphasizing the influence of a non-Western figure.

How does Awake: The Life of Yogananda represent religion and culture?

Good

Eastern spirituality is presented as a sophisticated addition to Western life. The film showcases a blend of cultures that questions Western cultural dominance.

Does Awake: The Life of Yogananda include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not feature any characters with disabilities. Disability is not used as a plot device.

Present on Screen

Highlights cross-cultural exchange and racial diversity.
Challenges Eurocentric biographical clichés.
Offers a nuanced view of spiritual ability to act through female disciples.

Limited or Absent

Lacks LGBTQ+ characters or narratives.
Focuses heavily on a single male figure.
Does not address disability or its role within the spiritual community.

Official Synopsis

An unconventional biography by Oscar nominee Paola di Florio and Sundance winner Lisa Leeman about Hindu mystic Paramahansa Yogananda who brought yoga and meditation to the West in 1920 and authored the spiritual classic "Autobiography of a Yogi," which became the go-to book for seekers from George Harrison to Steve Jobs.

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