Watch Flight from Death

The movie Flight from Death, released in 2003, is a documentary that explores the human fear of death and the ways in which it shapes our lives. The film is directed by Patrick Shen and features interviews with several experts in psychology, religion and philosophy. The film begins by posing the question: why do we fear death? This fear is something that all humans experience, regardless of culture or religion. The movie explores the many ways that humans have tried to cope with this fear, from religious beliefs about the afterlife to the way we structure our lives around avoiding risk.

One of the key ideas explored in the film is the concept of "terror management theory." This theory suggests that humans are constantly engaged in a mental battle between their desire for self-preservation and their awareness of their own mortality. As a result, we create elaborate ways of avoiding thoughts of death, such as religion, ritual, and the pursuit of power, status, and wealth.

The movie also looks at the ways in which our fear of death can become destructive. For example, the fear of death can lead to an obsession with security and safety, to the point where we sacrifice personal freedom and human rights. We also see how the fear of death can fuel violent behavior, both in individuals and in groups.

Throughout the film, we hear from a variety of experts who explore these ideas in depth. Psychologist Sheldon Solomon discusses the role of death anxiety in shaping human behavior, while philosopher Robert Solomon reflects on the role of tragedy and loss in our lives. Other experts, such as cultural anthropologist Ernest Becker and psychologist Tom Pyszczynski, offer insights into the ways in which our fear of death affects our cultures and societies.

Perhaps most strikingly, the movie looks at the ways in which humans can transcend their fear of death. The film takes us on a journey through different cultural and spiritual traditions, from the teachings of Buddhism to the art of the Mexican Day of the Dead. These traditions offer a range of perspectives on death, from the acceptance of its inevitability to the belief that it is a natural part of the cycle of life.

Overall, Flight from Death is a fascinating exploration of one of the most fundamental aspects of the human experience. The film is beautifully shot and expertly edited, weaving together interviews with stunning footage from around the world. By the end of the movie, viewers are left with a deeper understanding of their own fears and anxieties, and a greater appreciation for the beauty and fragility of life.

Flight from Death is a 2003 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8.