This documentary does not try to scientifically explore volcanoes, it's about the emotional impact volcanoes have on human beings.

On a subjective level, looking into the red bubbling abyss was pleasant and terrifying at the same time.

Most of the movie is about the people and the cultures around the volcano sites. There is some great footage of volcanoes and of rivers of molten rock, but not a lot. I didn't really learn anything about volcanoes.

Most of it is quite interesting, a view into some lifestyles that I'm not likely to see anywhere else. I think the movie was worth watching just for the fifty seconds of song that the villagers sing towards the end of the film.

Is it possible for Werner Herzog to shoot a documentary that ISN'T interesting? So far my answer would be no; INTO THE INFERNO is every bit as thoughtful, idea-provoking, and thoroughly engaging as the rest of the director's output that I've had the pleasure to watch. This one's all about volcanoes and is a follow-up of sorts to ENCOUNTERS AT THE END OF THE WORLD.

Herzog once again craftily mixes a variety of elements to keep this documentary fast-paced and eventful. There are the usual oddball characters acting in eccentric ways while others tell tragic stories and various slice-of-life stories. There's a travelogue aspect with globe-trotting in the Caribbean, Pacific, Japan, North Korea, and Antarctica. Herzog's voice may be softer now that the years advance, but he remains insightful and a pleasure to listen to. The footage of magma lava flows is incredibly beautiful and certainly the best you'll ever watch. As ever, this Herzog is a pleasure to watch.