How to Cook Your Life (Wie man sein Leben kocht) Reviews

It gives one a good sense of the Zen experience in cooking.

Full Review | Original Score: B

...a charming but somewhat superficial portrait of Edward Espe Brown, Zen priest and cookbook author.

Full Review | Original Score: 6/10

What makes her film fascinating is the idea that this calm, centered man may be about to lose his grip.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/4

Diffuse and leisurely as a yoga breathing exercise, the film suffers from dangling digressions, but overall it's fine food for thought.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/4

In How to Cook Your Life, Edward Espe Brown endearingly embodies one of Buddhism's guiding principles: a sense of humor about our arrogances and illusions.

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How To Cook Your Life is slow and gentle, and it sneaks up on you. It ain't War & Peace, but it is the sort of film you'll think about long after you leave the theatre.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5

... more of a snack than a meal: Zen and the art of culinary simplicity as a temporary spiritual retreat.

Full Review | Original Score: B-

A tasty dish; but you'll be hungry again in an hour

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4

A playful and enlightening documentary featuring Zen master and accomplished cook Edward Espe Brown with nourishing tips on food and paying attention.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5

An unexpectedly charming and enlightening film.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5

If you enjoy time spent in the kitchen, you may find some surprising enlightenment in Brown's observations.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/4

Doris Dorrie's loving portrait of Buddhist priest and chef Edward Espe Brown showcases his message that paying attention to the mundane processes of food production, preparation and consumption can be a gateway to larger spiritual revelations.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/4

Well-intentioned but lethargic.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/4

A jaunty mix of chanting, baking and spiritual uplift, How to Cook Your Life introduces us to the cooking classes of Edward Espe Brown, a twinkling Zen priest.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5

A low-key but pleasant and thoughtful examination ... The film could use a lot more time in the kitchen.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5

Cook and Zen priest Edward Brown is profiled in this documentary by German filmmaker Doris Dörrie (Men), who follows the witty, pleasant Brown as he offers cooking and life lessons in Buddhist retreats in Austria and California.

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Brown as a subject does sometimes intrigue and he even grows emotional, but this does not necessarily make him more endearing.

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The Zen priest who dominates the film as its talking head is laid-back to the point of being soporific and engages in speech mannerisms that could make even an adolescent hit the ceiling.

Full Review | Original Score: C

The film is directed with humor and a sense of openness that is quite Zen-like.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4

The documentary plays like a long, dull parody of pure living.

Full Review | Original Score: D+