Regular or Super: Views on Mies van der Rohe is a compelling 2004 documentary that provides a wholesome and enlightening analysis of the renowned German-American architect – Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, celebrated widely for his pioneering spirit and influential designs that championed minimalism, clean lines, and the use of modern materials.

Framed in the context of Mies's outstanding gas station design in Montreal, 'Regular or Super' is more than a simple narrative of the architect's life. The film weaves together Mies's principles of architecture and perspectives, exploring his overarching philosophy 'Less is More' in relation to the broader cultural and social context.

The film starts off with the exposition of the unique gas station installed on l'Île-des-Sœurs, Montreal, designed during the later years of Mies's career. This in itself is a paradoxical marvel – a remarkable piece of high concept that stands out in its sparse elegance, amidst the relatively mundane landscape of suburban Montreal. The station, originally designed as part of a broader urban development plan, now serves as a local community center which in itself lends to further underline the inherent adaptability of Mies’s design principles in creating functional and enduring spaces.

As the film unfurls, viewers are guided through a series of insights into Mies's design philosophy, particularly his advocacy for simplicity, harmony, and rational use of space and materials. His 'Regular or Super' design ethos, suggesting the choice between unadorned simplicity and luxurious exuberance, is nicely illuminated. Through this narrative, the viewer is invited to consider how this philosophy is reflected in the 21st-century built environment, with its often-overwhelming complexity, inconsistency, and waste.

Interwoven with these themes are comprehensive interviews with architects, scholars, and critics who offer their views on Mies's legacy, including Phyllis Lambert, founder of the Canadian Centre for Architecture and longtime collaborator of Mies, who shares particularly insightful anecdotes and reflections on his work. These conversations lend the documentary a depth of thought beyond basic historical retelling, painting a more intricate picture of Mies as a harbinger of modernity who continually pushed the boundaries throughout his career.

Mies's minimalist approach to design is further illuminated by exploring his building designs such as the German Pavilion for the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition and the Seagram Building in New York City. The film shows how these creations were permeated with a clarity of design, proportionate scale, and use of contemporary materials, which reflected Mies’s values of honesty, integrity, and functionality, thereby making architecture accessible and comprehensible to its users.

The film's title, Regular or Super, serves as a clever metaphor for Mies's design dichotomy: the 'regular' symbolizing his commitment to function, economy, and humility in design, and the 'super' referring to his capability to create a sense of luxury, grandeur and transcendence through minimalist restraint. In order to illustrate this balance, the documentary incorporates beautifully shot high-definition photography, where the visual language aptly complements Mies's aesthetic of understated elegance.

However, the documentary not only delivers accolades to Mies but also engages with his critics, giving a balanced view on the arguments regarding his legacy. Some viewers may also delight in its subtle commentary on globalization, consumerism, and architecture's role in society.

Regular or Super: Views on Mies van der Rohe is not just a biographical account of a brilliant architect but also a philosophical exploration of the ideas of simplicity, function, and beauty in design. For architecture enthusiasts or students, this film will provide much to ponder. However, its approachable insights and stunning visuals make it equally engaging for general audiences. It's a contemplative architectural journey that encourages viewers to see and appreciate their built environment in a new light.