Review of Kundun (1997) by Mark H — 17 Apr 2010
Kundun a film directed by Martin Scorsese and written by Melissa Mathison is about the life of the Dalai Lama. In 1937 a two year old boy was recognized as the 14th Dalai Lama and is supposed to be reincarnated from the 13th Dalai Lama. This film is beautiful in scenery and traces the Dalai Lamas lifefrom a child through his adult life. The cinematography in this film is beautiful and the acting is very authentic as many of the actors were actual Buddhists.
At the age of two in Tibet he was identified as the Dalai Lama by a monk on a spiritual quest. At age four he is trained in a school to become a monk and learn the Buddhist teachings. Tibet is overtake by the Chinese when the Dalai Lama is fourteen and he must decide to stay or leave in order to fulfill his destiny. The violence of the Chinese overtaking Tibet is not demonstrated in the movie due to the stories focus more on the goals and visions of the Dalai Lama in terms of peace and harmony and to the protect the people of Tibet through nonviolence. However, the vision scenes were very moving.
When the Dalai Lama saw the Chinese invasion of Tibet.
The four actors playing the Dalai Lama were convincing but this seems to be a detractor in terms of Making an emotional connection to the Dalai Lama?s character in the film. The beginning of the film as the Dalai Lama as a boy of two and his final departure from Tibet are the scenes that are most touching.
And memorable. Although the entire movie displays the character of the Dalai Lama as that of a holy man of great wisdom, understanding, and a teacher of peace . He is a great humanitarian and from this viewpoint the film is a joy to watch.
Kundun is a great representation of Buddhism from the many standpoints to include non violence, And the Potala in Lhasa which holds thousands of Buddhist scriptures were all told with authenticity to include the acknowledgement of the Dalai Lama himself.
Kundun. Dir. Martin Scorsese. By Melissa Mathison. Touchstone / AV Channel, 1997. DVD.
This review of Kundun (1997) was written by Mark H on 17 Apr 2010.
Kundun has generally received positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
