Minimalism: A Documentary about the Important Things

[Freedom Invested]

Anyone get a chance to see this movie on Netflix?

The basic premise the movie makes is that we're hard wired by evolution to crave more. This results in out of control consumerism in an abundant society such as ours. This is pretty counterproductive because happiness is never truly attained because you can always want more and are conditioned to by marketing and society. However, happiness can be attained by truly evaluating your desires and living in a smaller home and focusing more on happiness and less on getting more stuff.

Wonderful movie for us folks here. :)

If you saw it, what did you think?

[bryan995]

Thanks for the tip - will watch it tonight :)

[FireHiker]

I'm excited to see it's on netflix; I've been waiting for it to end up on netflix so I can watch it. I found the whole modern minimalism "movement" about the same time I learned about FIRE and I've read voraciously on both topics this year. I think they definitely go hand in hand.

[Freedom Invested]

Thanks for the tip - will watch it tonight :)

Sure. I hope you like it!

I'm excited to see it's on netflix; I've been waiting for it to end up on netflix so I can watch it. I found the whole modern minimalism "movement" about the same time I learned about FIRE and I've read voraciously on both topics this year. I think they definitely go hand in hand.

Yes, it's a really great movie and I think will resonate with a lot of people on this forum.

They address a ton of topics that MMM has addressed before, but in a movie format. It'd be great to share with people in a ton of debt/stuck in a consumerist lifestyle and want a message of hope and a start on getting out.

[thegradwife]

We love minimalism and everything, but both of my husband and I were bored by the documentary. I'm glad we watched it when it was on netflix instead of in theaters.

[Grogounet]

And if you don't have netflix?
Well, I'll try to see who's put it on the internet for free :-)

[scissorbill]

And if you don't have netflix?

Free trial?

[seanmerron]

Totally agree! I recently came to this realization and have been making adjustments to my life to free up time for the important things and stop buying materialistic items with short lived enjoyment. I also just recently talked about this in my latest episode of 2 Frugal Dudes http://2frugaldudes.com/ if you'd like to check it out!

[meandmyfamily]

We enjoyed it.  As a family of 6 some things look different at our house but it really encourages me to purge and not hang on to things just in case.  We are slowly going through the entire house and real thinking about purchases.

[fattest_foot]

We love minimalism and everything, but both of my husband and I were bored by the documentary. I'm glad we watched it when it was on netflix instead of in theaters.

I'd say that's the "danger" in having already bought into it. You're not really the target audience so it's not nearly as impactful.

"Oh, you're telling me I don't have to spend my entire paycheck on Christmas gifts this year?"

This comes up often for me. Even watching things that aren't quite as rudimentary as this movie was, you'll generally find that people cover the basics so they can appeal to all audiences. My eyes have to glaze over until they get to the meatier stuff.  Heck, you could even argue this about MMM. Once you have the basics down, most of the threads here are just on repeat. This whole thing is more about the passage of time working for you once you're on the right track.

[englishteacheralex]

Barf. We got about twenty minutes in and gave up. I was getting too snarky at the white-people privilege represented by all the faux spirituality of "only owning things that spark joy". Where do I begin? It's just a different type of materialism.

There's been lots of great writing on minimalism backlash. I probably don't need to try to add to it. As for the documentary--it was very repetitive, and to me, recognizing that American consumer culture is soul-deadening doesn't really constitute ground-breaking insight.

[sweet jones]

I don't think anyone has pointed out that this has been the most trending item on Netflix, which is kind of neat.

The problem I had with the documentary was that while it did cover good questions about consumerism, debt, etc the focus seemed to be more on the "Minimalists" than actual "minimalism."

I enjoyed a couple of their podcast episodes but unsubscribed around this same hubris.

[Freedom Invested]

We love minimalism and everything, but both of my husband and I were bored by the documentary. I'm glad we watched it when it was on netflix instead of in theaters.

I'd say that's the "danger" in having already bought into it. You're not really the target audience so it's not nearly as impactful.

Perhaps some of us that have already bought into it don't find it as interesting. I think that's a great quality to have: a thirst for more knowledge/something new. That's much better than a thirst for more stuff! Though I did find it great and I'll find a way to inject it into conversations where someone is talking about struggling with debt/clutter. I think it'd be an eye opener for beginners.

Barf. We got about twenty minutes in and gave up. I was getting too snarky at the white-people privilege represented by all the faux spirituality of "only owning things that spark joy".

I'm not quite so sure the cynicism is deserved. As simple as it is, focusing on buying fewer things and those that create lasting happiness are good qualities.

I don't think anyone has pointed out that this has been the most trending item on Netflix, which is kind of neat.

I'm glad it's trending as well. I believe we should be happy that it seems people are buying into the ideas of consuming less and focusing on happiness.

[HAPPYINAZ]

I started watching it the other day, but fell asleep....guess I will have to try again.

[newton]

Watched it this week.  Worth it.  Good points and good reminders.  Probably not for everyone but I think almost all can draw something from it, even if it is just to think about your own life.

[$200k]

Got through half of it last night before I had to go to bed.  Some random and astray thoughts:

- We are reminded every 10 minutes or so that both of the guys really like to give hugs to strangers.  It was just a random tidbit about their habit of hugging strangers that became a running joke in my mind.

- Good on them to show that their audience for their book tour was very "minimal".  They could have left that out, but didn't.

- Both of their apartments are laughably on the extreme side of minimal.

- Weird that IKEA would let them film in their stores while the minimalists decried consumerism over narration.

- The personal stories of the bloggers were compelling.

Can't wait to finish it tonight.   

[Sailor Sam]

I watched it last night, and it managed to maintain my interest for 1.25 hours. Not many shows can do that, which is a point in their favour. But, it seemed curiously shallow. I would have enjoyed more philosophical content, and fewer shots following the cast or characters around as they set up speaking venues.

I did laugh when at the shot of the 'homeless' nomad, sitting with his stuff. As far as I could tell, he didn't have a single item designed to transport food and water into his mouth hole. Not even a metal water bottle. Can you really claim minimalism if your strategy is to make someone else own your cup, plate, utensils, and cooking devices? Maybe yes, maybe no, but I would have liked to explore the nuances.

[mm1970]

Went home sick on Tuesday.

Found it on Netflix.
Fell asleep 20 minutes into it.
Probably only saw first 10 and last 10 minutes.

Need to go back to it?

[Freedom Invested]

Got through half of it last night before I had to go to bed.  Some random and astray thoughts:

- We are reminded every 10 minutes or so that both of the guys really like to give hugs to strangers.  It was just a random tidbit about their habit of hugging strangers that became a running joke in my mind.

Haha. This stood out to me too. Joshua seemed way more into the hugs and a good part of the movie that captures this is when Joshua says, "We're really into giving hugs" and Ryan's smile slightly breaks as if saying, "Really? Again dude?" and people start shuffling out without said hug.

Another thing I recall is how the Albuquerque newscaster said something like, "Don't do anything. Don't buy anything... Good luck with that. Haha." While being all fake nice and smiley; you could just barely tell he was mocking them. Reminds of how I think a lot of people think of frugal lifestyles. You can do plenty without spending tons of cash. 8P 

[englishteacheralex]

All right, I'm in early labor (really; I'm due on Saturday) and need something to distract myself from the contractions. So I'll rant about minimalism with the same argument I've read on NYT and other sources. Ranting is always enjoyable.

My favorite grandmother grew up during the Depression. Depression-era folks tend to be frugal-rockstars, for obvious reasons. They also are generally NOT minimalists. This grandmother had an impeccably organized garage that was absolutely free from clutter and capable of housing her small, sensible car at all times, but also had shelves of labeled boxes full of things that might be useful. She wasn't a hoarder, she was a landlady with five properties and she was amazing at keeping things that might come in handy. And you know what? Almost everything eventually DID come in handy. Anything I ever needed, I just called grandma and she had it to lend to me or give to me. Knew exactly where it was and could get it for me in seconds. Waste not, want not was her motto.

Minimalism tends to actually wind up being expensive. Putting an emphasis on "experiences over things" is just another form of consumerism. Being too good to wait in line on Black Friday for the latest gewgaw (and making a documentary about that fact) is just another form of snobbery.

Sure, don't fall prey to the advertising culture that dominates western civilization. Good, you have the critical thinking skills to realize that it's all a big racket that has nothing to do with real happiness. What are you going to replace it with, though? Hugging everyone on a book tour? Curating your possessions until everything you own is the best and only possible good thing (which still forces you to put an inordinate amount of time into thinking about your possessions!)?

I found Henry David Thoreau intolerable in college for the same reasons.

Ok, gotta go bounce on a yoga ball for a while. This shit is getting real. Sorry I'm so grouchy.

[geo_kale]

Minimalism tends to actually wind up being expensive. Putting an emphasis on "experiences over things" is just another form of consumerism. Being too good to wait in line on Black Friday for the latest gewgaw (and making a documentary about that fact) is just another form of snobbery.

I definitely get where you are coming from about this. I watched the Minimalism documentary and liked it for the most part, but there was an air of privileged hipster-ness to the stars that I found unattractive...and the "I'm a hugger" thing was bothersome to me as well. If you have time before baby can you post some of the sources you mentioned about "minimalism backlash", I'm curious to explore that perspective further. Also, congratulations!

[englishteacheralex]

http://www.slate.com/articles/life/culturebox/2013/03/graham_hill_essay_in_the_new_york_times_is_minimalism_really_sustainable.html

This one is my favorite...I also like the Mari Kondo backlash: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/31/style/lets-celebrate-the-art-of-clutter.html

Yes, it's the "hipper-than-thou" smugness that gets to me...the unwillingness to acknowledge that there might be valid reasons to NOT be a minimalist; the unwillingness to acknowledge that actually, such a lifestyle is really only appropriate for certain life circumstances, many of which are impossible for most people to replicate. The spirit of living mindfully and sensibly--obviously this is a philosophy to be embraced. But simply preaching a strange gospel of "you don't need STUFF, man!" is just a little facile.

[Knapptyme]

Watched it last night and enjoyed it. My favorite part was when Ryan Nicodemus says to the audience that if you like books and truly value them, then keep them. It reminded me of MMM's article ranting against people who think it's all about extreme frugality. Minimalism isn't only about having as little as possible; it's about actually having things you need and some things you want. Minimize, that's all, and anywhere along the spectrum of ridding yourself of unnecessary things is good.

After watching, my wife and I immediately found a few things to purge. There's so much more to go.

Also, there was a good little snippet about minimalism with kids. We'll be working on that, too.

[albijaji]

And if you don't have netflix?
Well, I'll try to see who's put it on the internet for free :-)

i tried finding it for a week now for free, no joy
funny thing is they want you to buy it for $20 on vimeo, or 4.99 on amazon
for trying to be minimalist they sure want to get a lot of money out of their 'lifestyle' advice (isn't that the opposite of what they are preaching?)
well, i guess those hipster vegan shoes cost a pretty penny too, and in my defense i just want to
watch  to complain about it afterwards (the preview shots i have seen/and interviews seem to be so over the top artsy/hey look at me)..so there..

[GoConfidently]

All right, I'm in early labor (really; I'm due on Saturday) and need something to distract myself from the contractions. So I'll rant about minimalism with the same argument I've read on NYT and other sources. Ranting is always enjoyable.

(Snip)

Sure, don't fall prey to the advertising culture that dominates western civilization. Good, you have the critical thinking skills to realize that it's all a big racket that has nothing to do with real happiness. What are you going to replace it with, though? Hugging everyone on a book tour? Curating your possessions until everything you own is the best and only possible good thing (which still forces you to put an inordinate amount of time into thinking about your possessions!)?

I haven't seen the film yet, but I listen to their podcast and they address this point a lot. Minimalism is not the end goal; it's a tool to finding out what is more important and being able to dedicate your time to that thing. Two things I appreciate about them on their podcast - (1) they say over and over that their path is not the same path for everyone, and (2) they're honest about the ways in which they struggle to find the sweet spot when it comes to stuff. I like the podcast.

[englishteacheralex]

All right, I'm in early labor (really; I'm due on Saturday) and need something to distract myself from the contractions. So I'll rant about minimalism with the same argument I've read on NYT and other sources. Ranting is always enjoyable.

(Snip)

Sure, don't fall prey to the advertising culture that dominates western civilization. Good, you have the critical thinking skills to realize that it's all a big racket that has nothing to do with real happiness. What are you going to replace it with, though? Hugging everyone on a book tour? Curating your possessions until everything you own is the best and only possible good thing (which still forces you to put an inordinate amount of time into thinking about your possessions!)?

I haven't seen the film yet, but I listen to their podcast and they address this point a lot. Minimalism is not the end goal; it's a tool to finding out what is more important and being able to dedicate your time to that thing. Two things I appreciate about them on their podcast - (1) they say over and over that their path is not the same path for everyone, and (2) they're honest about the ways in which they struggle to find the sweet spot when it comes to stuff. I like the podcast.

Well, that's good, then. Part of why I had to turn it off is that I was getting pretty smug in response to them. And am continuing to be smug right here in this thread. So it clearly isn't bringing out the best in me.

[GoConfidently]

All right, I'm in early labor (really; I'm due on Saturday) and need something to distract myself from the contractions. So I'll rant about minimalism with the same argument I've read on NYT and other sources. Ranting is always enjoyable.

(Snip)

Sure, don't fall prey to the advertising culture that dominates western civilization. Good, you have the critical thinking skills to realize that it's all a big racket that has nothing to do with real happiness. What are you going to replace it with, though? Hugging everyone on a book tour? Curating your possessions until everything you own is the best and only possible good thing (which still forces you to put an inordinate amount of time into thinking about your possessions!)?

I haven't seen the film yet, but I listen to their podcast and they address this point a lot. Minimalism is not the end goal; it's a tool to finding out what is more important and being able to dedicate your time to that thing. Two things I appreciate about them on their podcast - (1) they say over and over that their path is not the same path for everyone, and (2) they're honest about the ways in which they struggle to find the sweet spot when it comes to stuff. I like the podcast.

Well, that's good, then. Part of why I had to turn it off is that I was getting pretty smug in response to them. And am continuing to be smug right here in this thread. So it clearly isn't bringing out the best in me.

We can blame it on the labor :) Congrats and best of luck!!

[big_slacker]

I don't get the cynical backlash either. The message is supposed to be keep what is useful or that brings you joy (arguably useful). There can be a whole spectrum of lifestyles contained within that, only one of which is the tiny apartment with 5 pairs of clothes and a laptop. The depression grandparents are a great example. Maybe the old miter saw only gets used once a year when a piece of trim needs replacing. That's an example of a little used but useful thing, not clutter.

FWIW I saw the doc and it would be more interesting for someone who just heard about this movement. If you already know about it, have read a few books, seen some websites and talks it's nothing you need to see.

[CU Tiger]

Funnily enough, I just watched this on Saturday! I liked it. Yes, there were some eye rolling moments, but I liked that they talked to scientists, academics, and people who have decided to step back from a consumerist lifestyle. I do find Joshua F.M. to be heavy going sometimes, reading his book on the beach...but found the story of how both he and Ryan had lousy childhoods fascinating. They were poor and had parents with addiction issues, and as young adults, they defined happiness and success as making lots of money and having many things.
Then they realized that the things didn't satisfy, and they were unhappy, in debt, and wondering what would make them less miserable. Their message works right along with the idea of FIRE.

[RedwoodDreams]

Thanks for this timely tip. I'll see if my family wants to watch this together.

Timely for us because today I was talking to a friend on the phone, and she asked what we got our son (15 yrs old) for Christmas. I told her that he told us repeatedly that he doesn't want anything this year. I told her maybe we'd give him some cash so if he decides he wants something later, he can buy it, or he can save it.

She was simply aghast! But he'll have nothing to open! (Well, I did get him a water bottle for his bike, and some socks...) And that her kids had given her their Amazon wish lists. And she tried and tried to "help" me find something to buy him.

Until this conversation today, I'd felt rather proud that our fine young man realizes he wants for nothing-- he has a bike, games, a nice phone, a computer, clothes--Should I be out there finding things to buy for him? What a great gift to have a simple Christmas with the tree, the fireplace going, family visiting, and some good meals together. What a great gift to realize you already have more than you need.

[albijaji]

you can watch it for 99 cent on amazon video
with code MOVIE99
go to the movie
click other purchasing options , put the code in
and its 99 cents in the end
its on slickdeals, you can actually rent a lot of movies for 99 cent with that code
https://slickdeals.net/f/9577512-amazon-video-any-one-digital-movie-rental-1?v=1

[alleykat]

I also found it quite boring.  It was mostly about their speaking engagements and venues and following them around to them. They have a great message and I think they missed the mark a bit here,  I fast forwarded through some parts.  I liked the stories though and wish there were more of them. Especially the one about the Wall Street guy, to up and leave a lucrative position was inspiring.   They have a good message and hopefully folks find some value.

[SachaFiscal]

Although a bit cheesy and overdone at times, I enjoyed hearing their story and the most of their message. I just like hearing about people living a lifestyle alternative to the standard work at a soul sucking corporate job till you're too old to do anything else or you die at your desk.

I started listening to some of the podcasts. The one on Money and the one on Career had some good parts.  I'm trying to summon up the courage to free myself from corporate wage slavery and begin living a more fulfilling life and things like this are helping to inspire me.

[big_slacker]

Saw this a little while back. As someone who has read the more popular minimalist books out right now (Joy of less, Zero waste lifestyle, etc.) I didn't feel it was all that great for me. But for someone that has no exposure to the idea it's a good thing.

I wanted to touch on some of the poo poo statements in this thread though.

The message of minimalism is sometimes lost on examples of the extreme end of the spectrum. The single white hipsters with a laptop and 5 t-shirts. But it *IS* a spectrum that might include things like a poor urban family that has kids who DON'T and CAN'T have brand new toys or clothes and live in a small house. They focus on quality things they can afford and use long term, making the most of what they have and putting family before stuff.  I grew up in exactly this type of situation and while it doesn't mean a stark house with no possessions we definitely didn't have amazon dropping new stuff at our door every other day. :)

And yes that might mean there is a toolbox and some auto parts or lumber in the basement which doesn't fit with the idea of an empty 300 sq ft apartment, but again that isn't really what it's about.

On experiences over stuff and that being expensive as well. That only happens if you spend on experiences the way you spent on stuff before. While I can see someone making that mistake it doesn't mean you *HAVE* to make that mistake. As most on this site know there are lots of ways to have great experiences while living a frugal lifestyle. Any good skowboard bum, dirtbag climber, roadie or hippie backpacker can help out, much has been written.

[fallstoclimb]

I embraced minimalism a couple of years ago, and these guys are what started me on that path, so I can't hate on them too much.  But ugh did I find the documentary sanctimonious.  I'll be happy if I go the rest of my life without seeing a montage of Black Friday shoppers. 

I think about minimalism a lot, and why this movement is so popular.  I find it incredibly satisfying to declutter, especially in the winter when I'm stuck inside with too much energy.  I wouldn't say this outloud to anyone I actually knew, but this is the internet and I'm anonymous:  I honestly think possessions have some sort of psychic drain. Every time I get rid of something I feel a small bit of relief.  Sometimes its because every time I saw that sweater I was reminded of how it itches when I wear it, sometimes it's because I'm just sick of choosing between two different serving platters, on the rare occasion when I use a serving platter.

You could argue its silly and pointless for me to spend energy decluttering.  My husband and I have a whole house to ourselves - a reasonably small house, but there's plenty of room for more stuff.  But I like light and airy rooms, and I like having a good sense of my possessions.  I don't want to become people who rule out living in an apartment in the future because where would we put our stuff?  I actually own fewer things than I did back when we were apartment-dwellers.  That's a large part of the appeal for me, because even as its unlikely that we'll leave this house, I like thinking that I could.  I like pretending I haven't said goodbye to all the other possible lives out there for me.

What works the most for me, what I like most about minimalism, is actually putting MORE value on stuff.  When I find that sweater in the back of my closet, I ask myself, could someone else appreciate this more than I do?  It's almost about honoring the possession.  If its something I don't care about, it deserves a better home. 

[Eedad]

Saw this a little while back. As someone who has read the more popular minimalist books out right now (Joy of less, Zero waste lifestyle, etc.) I didn't feel it was all that great for me. But for someone that has no exposure to the idea it's a good thing.

I wanted to touch on some of the poo poo statements in this thread though.

And yes that might mean there is a toolbox and some auto parts or lumber in the basement which doesn't fit with the idea of an empty 300 sq ft apartment, but again that isn't really what it's about.

(Snip)

On experiences over stuff and that being expensive as well. That only happens if you spend on experiences the way you spent on stuff before. While I can see someone making that mistake it doesn't mean you *HAVE* to make that mistake. As most on this site know there are lots of ways to have great experiences while living a frugal lifestyle. Any good skowboard bum, dirtbag climber, roadie or hippie backpacker can help out, much has been written.

I have to agree, while we tend to focus on "experiences over stuff" you will find plenty of tools in the garage and basement.  Why because their useful and I truly enjoy building "things" even if I give most of it away.  I just recently installed hardwood floors in a spare room trying to get the house ready for market.  My helper (my oldest 8 year old son) passed on going to a party to stay and help.  He also loves to build/work on "things".  It was a good time, and we got to spend some time together with him asking lots of questions and learning a new skill.

I also agree on the experience not needing to be expensive.  We do plenty of hiking/backpacking/climbing in the warmer months.  The winter months we make a lot of gear for those trips.  We also make our flies for fishing, not because we can't afford to buy them, but because it's fun and the whole family gets involved. 

I guess that whole rant to say, yes we still have "stuff", but it's useful "stuff" that also eventually provides us with experiences together.  I tend to think that the best times are when the four of us are enjoying each other's company, sometimes that requires just a frisbee, sometimes a backpack, sometimes and good book, so we can't do the "5 shirts and a laptop", but we're different.  We also tend to be very organized so that helps keep things uncluttered as well.

[Kimbl]

I just finished watching the film and enjoyed it.  I have been on the path of minimalism for a number of years so there was nothing new for me but I thought it was a nice summary for folks who haven't spent much time questioning their personal level of consumption.  My intro to minimalism was through Leo Babauta (zenhabits.net).  I have been slowing letting go of all negative stuff in my life and it's liberating. Most of my family (typical American consumers) have had a very hard time adjusting to my change in attitude but some are actually becoming curious as to why I'm a lot more relaxed about everything than I used to be.   I really connected with the 10% Happier person when he said he's still 90% an idiot but that's better than before!

[Gunny]

All right, I'm in early labor (really; I'm due on Saturday) and need something to distract myself from the contractions. So I'll rant about minimalism with the same argument I've read on NYT and other sources. Ranting is always enjoyable.

My favorite grandmother grew up during the Depression. Depression-era folks tend to be frugal-rockstars, for obvious reasons. They also are generally NOT minimalists. This grandmother had an impeccably organized garage that was absolutely free from clutter and capable of housing her small, sensible car at all times, but also had shelves of labeled boxes full of things that might be useful. She wasn't a hoarder, she was a landlady with five properties and she was amazing at keeping things that might come in handy. And you know what? Almost everything eventually DID come in handy. Anything I ever needed, I just called grandma and she had it to lend to me or give to me. Knew exactly where it was and could get it for me in seconds. Waste not, want not was her motto.

Minimalism tends to actually wind up being expensive. Putting an emphasis on "experiences over things" is just another form of consumerism. Being too good to wait in line on Black Friday for the latest gewgaw (and making a documentary about that fact) is just another form of snobbery.

Sure, don't fall prey to the advertising culture that dominates western civilization. Good, you have the critical thinking skills to realize that it's all a big racket that has nothing to do with real happiness. What are you going to replace it with, though? Hugging everyone on a book tour? Curating your possessions until everything you own is the best and only possible good thing (which still forces you to put an inordinate amount of time into thinking about your possessions!)?

I found Henry David Thoreau intolerable in college for the same reasons.

Ok, gotta go bounce on a yoga ball for a while. This shit is getting real. Sorry I'm so grouchy.

Plus 1.  Totally agree.  Life is a balance.  Get as close to that balance as possible in all things to be happiest.  Whether that balance is having the right amount of possessions or on a yoga ball.  Good luck with the baby. 

[CloserToFree]

I don't think anyone has pointed out that this has been the most trending item on Netflix, which is kind of neat.

The problem I had with the documentary was that while it did cover good questions about consumerism, debt, etc the focus seemed to be more on the "Minimalists" than actual "minimalism."

I enjoyed a couple of their podcast episodes but unsubscribed around this same hubris.

I had the same reaction- loved the NPR interview with them, but couldn't stand listening to their own podcasts for those reasons.  Will check out the documentary though because I do love the underlying concept and maybe I'll be able to stomach it- will report back.

[mozar]

I'm not going to watch the movie but I'm enjoying the discussion. I 100% agree with the people who are poo pooing the movie, but I will also say that a movie about a very organized grandma isn't going to be made.

[Retire-Canada]

Watched the movie. It was fairly mediocre as a movie. I'm pro-minimalism so it's not the topic it's the movie itself. That said for free on Netflix it's not a bad way to spend an hour, but it's not a great movie on the topic.

[KBecks]

I watched this maybe a week ago and thought it was OK.  It does seem a little bit fake for the traveler types -- how are they eating?  Are they going out for every meal, and how is that minimalist, exactly?  It sounds expensive to me.  Are they guests for free meals among friends? 
I personally like a sense of building a little something -- a little home.
The people I liked the most was the family with absolutely nothing on their kitchen countertops, but still it seemed a little bit surreal.  I did not personally love the all white empty house look, I mean, I'd at least like a little color in my life.  I did not like the sameness of some of the styles shown.

But I came here to mention another Netflix documentary I'm enjoying in the middle of the night.  Cooked.  The first episode is all fire and meat, so vegetarians may not like it, but I loved it and loved the cultural connections and storytelling. 

Slight apologies for the hijack, but i just finished watching the series of Cooked and it's easily 10x better than the Minimalists.

[LiveLean]

Um, isn't part of the point of Minimalism not to spend time and money on Netflix?

[Jakejake]

Um, isn't part of the point of Minimalism not to spend time and money on Netflix?

I don't think so. I think it's more about evaluating the things in your life and making sure they add meaningful value. And then ditching the stuff that really doesn't add value.

It's not about forcing yourself to get rid of the things you actually use and appreciate.

For example, one minimalist might use a large yard because they grow their own vegetables, while another might be better suited to living in a small apartment.

[Retire-Canada]

Um, isn't part of the point of Minimalism not to spend time and money on Netflix?

No. That would be zero-ism. ;)

Enjoying a movie or documentary or TV show at a very low cost, on a multi-use deceive like a laptop without having to own, store and maintain the movie is right along minimalism's alley.

One of the points they make in the movie to bridge the gap between folks with 3 car garages packed to the rafters without a single car inside and the guy who owns 2 pairs of pants and 3 shirts is the idea that you can have stuff. If you love the stuff and it adds value to your life. That lets the typical consumer see a path forward without selling everything and living in a cave meditating for the rest of their lives.



You also have to appreciate that minimalism is a journey not a specific end state.

[markbike528CBX]

My wife, who's just starting mustachian / minimalist found and watched the video without me.

Plus-- great, simple message.

....
Another thing I recall is how the Albuquerque newscaster said something like, "Don't do anything. Don't buy anything... Good luck with that. Haha." While being all fake nice and smiley; you could just barely tell he was mocking them. Reminds of how I think a lot of people think of frugal lifestyles. You can do plenty without spending tons of cash. 8P

minus---  DW ---"Long repetitive book commercial, now we don't need the book"
     me- has anyone counted the on-screen hugs? 

[ImCheap]

Watched it a week or so ago, it was OK. I had a tough time not fast forwarding it, I wanted more substance. Could have presented  what they did in a half hour.

[joonifloofeefloo]

I prefer focusing on what I like...

So, as an already-minimalist living easily in a tiny home with a kid, yadda yadda, what I liked about the doc was their process of publicizing an idea. As a person learning how to publicize an idea, I found that aspect delightful! As $200k mentioned above, I loved that they showed only a handful of people at their earliest events. I was taken with what people can pull off when free of specific types of responsibilities, or endowed with certain qualities (e.g., extroversion, endurance). I was taken with their specific form of friendship: the eternal buddy system, the mutual support day in day out for ten months, that there are two of them to work off each other and to absorb the questions and attention.

So, I doubt this was what they were aiming to support me around, lol, but that's the part I loved. I think this aspect of the documentary can be very helpful to those of us struggling to get our own word out or who feel "like a failure" for not succeeding in doing so (i.e., doing so takes some specific resources, which some have and some don't; that's not personal failure).

I also really enjoyed the sweetie-pie in the tiny house—really enjoyed her story and manner. I loved that they showed the Project333 lady, then clipped straight over to the abovementioned sweetie-pie referencing it in her life! So, the connections within the global community. That was cool.

Finally, while watching yesterday, I was struck that they felt no need to be fancy for their speaking engagements. When I was at a fancy ceremony today, I felt momentarily self-conscious about being under-dressed, even as a mere guest. Then I remembered these guys, laughed, and relaxed into my minimalism :)

Funnily, the doc had the unanticipated effect of making me yearn for...a larger (or more expensive) house! D'oh! Will have to shake that outta me again.

[Al1961]

I have been unable to watch it - I keep falling asleep. My wife really enjoyed it, you might say it resonated with her. This is a good thing.

We need to do a serious declutter as we get ready to move in the new year. It's going to take some time, but I think we won't be holding on to a bunch of stuff we don't need.

[shanghaiMMM]

Funnily, the doc had the unanticipated effect of making me yearn for...a larger (or more expensive) house! D'oh! Will have to shake that outta me again.

I think that's one of the valid criticisms of these guys. They have a lot of white privilege going for them, it is very easy for them to downsize and minimize their belongings, and now only own 'things of beauty' etc. I recently went on their blog and they both put pictures up of their minimalist houses and I can't help but feel they espouse a different kind of consumerism; buy less but buy bloody expensive stuff when you do buy.