Watch The Last Shaman

The Last Shaman is a compelling and thought-provoking documentary from 2016 that tells the story of James Freeman, a seeker on a quest to find healing and enlightenment in the Amazon jungle. Directed by Raz Degan, the film follows Freeman as he embarks on an adventure to discover the traditional healing practices of the Shipibo-Conibo people, guided by their shaman, Guillermo Arevalo.

At the start of the film, we see Freeman is struggling with depression and addiction after the tragic loss of his best friend. Despite his therapy and medication, he feels empty and disconnected from the world around him. Desperate for a change, he decides to try a more unconventional approach to his mental health and heads to Peru to seek the help of an Ayahuasca shaman. His goal is to find a way to heal his mind and reconnect with the world in a meaningful way.

Through a chance encounter, Freeman meets Arevalo, a renowned shaman who has dedicated his life to preserving the Shipibo-Conibo traditional medicine practices. Over the course of the film, Freeman follows Arevalo deep into the jungle, learning about the healing powers of plants and the ancient ceremonies used to connect with them. Arevalo is an incredibly wise and charismatic figure who quickly becomes a mentor and guide to Freeman on his journey.

The Last Shaman is a beautifully shot film that captures the stunning natural beauty of the Amazon jungle. The stunning landscapes and close-up shots of plants and animals create a sense of intimacy with the environment that draws the audience into the experience. The film also incorporates stunning animation sequences that illustrate the ancient Shipibo-Conibo spiritual beliefs and add another layer of depth to the story.

The film raises important questions about mental health and the use of traditional medicine practices. Freeman's journey is a fascinating exploration of the way that western medicine often fails to treat the root cause of our problems. By contrast, the ancient practices of the Amazonian tribes focus on healing the mind, body, and spirit in a holistic way. As Freeman begins to feel better, his relationships with the world and the people around him begin to change in profound ways.

The Last Shaman is also a moving portrait of Arevalo, who serves as the film's spiritual guide. Arevalo is a remarkable figure who has dedicated his life to preserving the traditional knowledge and practices of the Shipibo-Conibo people. His passion for his work and his deep connection to the natural world are inspiring, and he serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving traditional wisdom in a rapidly changing world.

Overall, The Last Shaman is a powerful and thought-provoking film that offers a new perspective on mental health and the healing power of traditional medicine practices. The film both educates and entertains, leaving the audience with a deeper understanding of the world around us and our place in it. Highly recommended for anyone interested in exploring the intersection of western and traditional medicine practices, or for anyone looking for an inspiring story of personal transformation.

The Last Shaman is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 17 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6 and a MetaScore of 49.