Free the Mind

2012 • 79 minutes
4.1
62 reviews
75%
Tomatometer
Eligible
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About this movie

Free the Mind follows neuroscientist Dr. Richard Davidson as he conducts an unusual experiment. Following the practices of Buddhist monks and the advice of the Dalai Lama, Dr. Davidson utilizes meditation and yoga in an attempt to physically alter the brains of veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To see how early in life these practices can take effect Dr. Davidson broadens the study to include children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Focusing on participants such as Steve, an ex-interrogator, and Rich, who led battalions in Iraq and Afghanistan, the film documents the promising effects of Dr. Davidson’s non- medicinal methods of treating pain and anxiety, leading to relaxation and happiness. Free the Mind asks the question: Can you rewire the brain just by taking a breath?

Ratings and reviews

4.1
62 reviews
Sickliq
September 26, 2014
With a half hour to go, I found myself wondering how they were going to link this whole thing together and avoid an ending where everyone was miraculously "better" at the end. Unfortunately it was exactly that. Full of platitudes and empty on the actual science behind these supposed transformations, I found this film disjointed. Are Davidson's methods so highly guarded that I'm supposed to accept a breathing regimen overcame these men's trauma and un-spazzed this little kid (who was rarely participating in my estimation)? There were genuine people in this movie who genuinely were trying to help, but that does not a documentary make. If you are considering this movie, looking to free your own mind, you will learn next to nothing. Save yourself 4.99 and open Google in a new tab and research meditation. This film is more like an infomercial for 6 DVD's and a book composing the Doctor's self help seminar: The Buddhist Way to a Healthy Mind! I guess the people in it were technically paid for their testimony. You'll simply have to order the kit to see how it was done!
9 people found this review helpful
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Brad Estes
September 27, 2014
Its cool but it my not be for you, if you long for info and studies on the human mind you will love it.
1 person found this review helpful
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Marlene Provenzano
November 10, 2014
I realy enjoyed this movie... why cant I download?. This is a great idea, and the more someone likes the movie the more u can charge
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