There is a popular Bengali singer named Nachiketa Chakroborty who once wrote in one of his songs, “Bhalobasa asholete pitutaryir khela, amra bokara boli prem.” In English, this translates to “Love is actually a game of pituitary hormones, but we fools call it love.” Understanding what love truly is can be challenging, but one thing is certain: love is boundless and can often be explosive. People tend to do unthinkable things when they fall in love. Conversely, when someone is in love, their behavior becomes more predictable, and they often grow softer. Regardless of time or place, when a person proposes to another, the tone and message remain the same. Love acts as an invisible force that unites two individuals. Over the years, philosophers, writers, and psychologists have sought to decode the nature of love. Troubled by this question, two individuals, Martina Herzog and Reinhard J. Steiner, created an entire film on love titled “What is Love.”

‘What is Love’ is a touching and captivating road trip documentary in which the film crew interviews people about their views on love. They travel to various locations to speak with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures. These participants candidly share their personal experiences, beliefs, and thoughts about love. From street musicians to shop owners and married couples, everyone offers their perspective on the extraordinary power and mystery of love. The film explores love as a universal emotion that may evolve with time, place, and people, but fundamentally remains the same for everyone. One of the best aspects of this documentary is its ability to engage viewers, inviting them on an introspective and unfiltered journey that ultimately challenges their own ideas about love.

The director duo, Martina Herzog and Reinhard J. Steiner, have done an admirable job with this film. They focus on the most fundamental human emotion: love, and they engage with ordinary people in their exploration. Since everyone around the world is constantly seeking love, this film can serve as a guide on how to find it. However, it’s important to clarify that this is not a dating app like Tinder. Instead, it acts as a spiritual guide, crafted by two kind-hearted individuals who share their vision through the people they interview.

Although it is a documentary, the story captivates the audience’s attention. The storytelling is fluid and straightforward, drawing the viewer in from the very beginning. However, the film follows a linear narrative, which leads to some repetition in certain sections. Nonetheless, the story lingers in the viewer’s mind for a long time. The way the director duo crafted the narrative makes it an enthralling experience. Another aspect that stood out to me was their choice of words during interviews; they used simple and clear language that is easily understood by everyone.

When discussing the technical aspects of the film, it’s clear that the filmmakers used top-quality cameras. The visuals are stunning, which helps establish an immediate connection with the audience. Similarly, the film’s music is refreshing and creates a lasting impression in viewers’ minds due to its calm and soothing sound. Additionally, the soundtrack blends seamlessly with the story.

Love has always been a subject of interest for philosophers throughout history. The 19th-century German philosopher held the belief that romantic love is the most powerful force in human life. In the 1600s, the French philosopher René Descartes explored the concept of love and relationships in his work “Passions of the Soul.” In contrast, another French philosopher, Jean-Paul Sartre, argued that love is a conflict. Love is also a potent theme in literature. James Joyce famously stated, “Love loves to love love,” while Shakespeare wrote numerous stories centered around love. Psychologists have also contributed to the understanding of love. American psychologist Robert Sternberg proposed the triangular theory of love, suggesting that love is based on three components: intimacy, passion, and commitment. Moreover, love plays a significant role in economics, particularly evident during Valentine’s Day when companies spend millions promoting romantic gestures. Popular culture frequently gets bombarded with themes of love, highlighting its pervasive influence in various aspects of life.

After watching ‘What is Love’, I am certain that it is a comprehensive documentary. It touches on every aspect of our lives mentioned above. Therefore, I would like to give it 4.5 out of 5 stars.