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The Last Shaman

Play trailer Poster for The Last Shaman 2017 1h 17m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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44% Tomatometer 9 Reviews 72% Popcornmeter 100+ Ratings
James Freeman decides to take matters into his own hands when faced with incurable depression. He undergoes a life-changing journey in the Amazon jungle that brings him a deeper understanding and acceptance of self. Along the way, he experiences the healing properties of the tribal plant medicine Ayahuasca and the world around it.

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The Last Shaman

Critics Reviews

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Katie Walsh Los Angeles Times 05/22/2017
a fascinating and sometimes terrifying introduction to ayahuasca. Go to Full Review John DeFore The Hollywood Reporter 05/16/2017
Often suffers from hazy storytelling, but its real difficulty for many viewers will be its protagonist, who isn't the most sympathetic proxy for Americans curious about the plant extract's suitability to treat depression. Go to Full Review Ben Kenigsberg New York Times 05/11/2017
It's possible to have doubts about ayahuasca (which, we learn, has been increasingly commercialized) and still find Mr. Freeman's resolve uplifting. Go to Full Review Sean Mulvihill FanboyNation.com 10/31/2018
3/5
The Last Shaman is often a fascinating portrait of an afflicted soul searching for answers but sometimes loses its way with its flashy presentation and complete abdication as to issues of class. Go to Full Review Shane Slater AwardsCircuit.com 05/12/2017
2.5/4
The Last Shaman falls victim to its own ambition, providing merely a brief introduction to the complex topics ... wrapped up in its subject's intriguing quest. Go to Full Review David Noh Film Journal International 05/11/2017
Absurdly self-indulgent, sophomoric look at an American youth trying to save his tortured soul in the Third World. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Carla R Apr 24 Beautiful film, I’m surprised at the low rating and narrow view of depression, some have. Really important to step away from old ideas about success and who we should be in the world. If you’ve worked with ayahuasca in Peru you will definitely appreciate it - and likely be reflective on the dual impact of it - healing with one hand d but damaging the roots of healing on the other. See more Education C 11/17/2024 Ah, The Last Shaman! That documentary follows James Freeman, who travels to the Amazon seeking healing from depression through ayahuasca and shamanic practices. It’s often critiqued for feeling self-centered, with Freeman’s journey framed as deeply personal but sometimes perceived as indulgent or contrived. I find it incredibly hard to relate myself to this person who is depressed immediately for the sake of depression It’s essentially the same story over and over Nothing makes it particularly interesting or unique See more 08/28/2021 Honest description of the weight of depression. Earnest venture into dismantling the self - a story of surrender that reminded me that the path of spirituality is more of a demolition project (quote: Adyashanti), than one of construction. See more 04/12/2021 An overly stylized film that doesnt hit the mark See more 03/26/2021 The Last Shaman is about unlearning and reversing patriarchal falsity - and becoming who we truly are. Magnificent documentary! See more 11/13/2020 Maybe Rotten Tomatoes and other didn't really give this film a chance. I have a son who has suffered with severe depression. He is similar age to James in the film. The film captured beautifully, the journey of someone trying to find themselves in a society often built on so much illusion...what is real happiness? what is real success? What does any of it matter if you are lost and alone inside? This film gave me great hope, that you can find this again...I appreciate the effort of the film maker and of his subject. It was unforgettable and moving. I recommend it to anyone brave enough and open enough to look deeper. See more Read all reviews
The Last Shaman

My Rating

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Cast & Crew

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Raz Degan

Director

Raz Degan

Screenwriter

Danny A. Abeckaser

Producer

John Battsek

Executive Producer

Luca Argentero

Executive Producer

Raz Degan

Producer

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The Last Shaman

The Last Shaman (2017) The Last Shaman (2017) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis James Freeman decides to take matters into his own hands when faced with incurable depression. He undergoes a life-changing journey in the Amazon jungle that brings him a deeper understanding and acceptance of self. Along the way, he experiences the healing properties of the tribal plant medicine Ayahuasca and the world around it.
Director
Raz Degan
Producer
Danny A. Abeckaser, Raz Degan, Nadav Schirman, Ariel Vromen
Screenwriter
Raz Degan
Production Co
Appian Way
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Box Office (Gross USA)
$15.6K
Runtime
1h 17m
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