Is How It All Began: Origins of the Healing Tao System Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2013)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2013, How It All Began: Origins of the Healing Tao System represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Documentary category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into At a time in history when Yoga was practiced in basements and martial arts were found mainly in the movies, Taoist Internal Alchemy was not accessible to the western world. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Documentary are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "At a time in history when Yoga was practiced in basements and martial arts were found mainly in the movies, Taoist Internal Alchemy was not accessible to the western world. This was the time Master Mantak Chia came to America with a dream to share Taoist wisdom. Early seekers of the Tao found him in a small office in New York City's Chinatown and the Healing Tao system was born and another bridge was formed between east and west."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The presence of Mantak Chia provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.

The direction by the visionary director is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 93 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is How It All Began: Origins of the Healing Tao System truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Documentary, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, How It All Began: Origins of the Healing Tao System explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2013 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and the visionary director respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, How It All Began: Origins of the Healing Tao System is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Mantak Chia or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, How It All Began: Origins of the Healing Tao System is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.