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American Mystic is a 2010 documentary film directed by Alex Mar. The movie tells the story of three different people who lead unique and unconventional spiritual lives in the United States. These are people who believe in things that are usually shrouded in mystery or not talked about openly, and Mar takes the opportunity to explore and uncover the secrets of their spirituality.

The movie is divided into three sections, each focusing on one of the three protagonists. The first section follows a Native American man named William Hawk, who is a member of the Lakota tribe. He is a spiritual leader, and the movie takes us through his daily life and his rich culture. Hawk is a medicine man, and his rituals and beliefs are deeply rooted in his heritage. We see him prepare for and perform ceremonies, as well as talk about his philosophy on life, the universe, and spirituality.

The second section of the movie introduces us to Morpheus, a Wiccan witch from California. Morpheus's beliefs are based on the ancient religion of Wicca, which can be traced back to pre-Christian Europe. She lives in a community of fellow Wiccans and shows us different aspects of their practices, rituals, and customs. Morpheus is a compelling and charismatic figure, and the movie delves into the role of ritual and magic in Wicca as well as exploring the stereotypes and prejudices Wiccans often face.

The third section of the movie features Kublai, who is a young man living in New York City and practicing "Ifa," a traditional West African religion. Kublai is a practitioner of divination, and the movie shows us his rituals and ceremonies. The movie also explores Kublai's relationship with his family, who largely rejects his religious beliefs because they are considered out of the norm.

Throughout the movie, Mar uses a curious and sensitive approach to explore subjects that could be easily misunderstood, dismissed or stigmatized. Through the stories of William Hawk, Morpheus and Kublai, she brings to light something often overlooked - the power of religion and spirituality in people's lives. It is fascinating to see how each of these individuals has found meaning, solace, and purpose through their beliefs and practices, despite the challenges they face in modern-day America.

The cinematography and production value of the movie are also noteworthy. The filmmakers utilize a variety of techniques to tell the story and bring the viewers into each of the characters' worlds. There are interviews, voice-overs, and beautifully shot, almost meditative sequences depicting each of the rituals and ceremonies. The music and sound design are also excellent and add to the overall atmospheric feel of the movie.

One of the most significant takeaways from the movie is the idea that spirituality can take many forms, and it is highly personal to the person practicing it. At the same time, American Mystic does not sugarcoat the difficulties these practitioners face. In fact, the movie confronts head-on the issues of prejudice, discrimination, and misunderstanding that often accompany unconventional spiritual traditions. Through these conversations and interviews, the movie becomes a poignant commentary on the state of religion in modern-day America.

Overall, American Mystic is an engaging and thought-provoking documentary that explores the different ways people practice their spirituality in contemporary America. It introduces us to three characters who challenge our preconceptions and assumptions, and in doing so, it reminds us of the vastness of human experiences.

American Mystic is a 2011 faith & spirituality movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.