Review of Kundun (1997) by Rachel C — 22 Jun 2013

Kundun is based on the life of the 14th and current Dalai Lama. The film covers his life chronologically beginning with his discovery, progressing through the Chinese invasion, and ending with his exile to India.

The movie is cinematically stunning. Though it was not filmed in Tibet, the sweeping shots of beautiful countryside and sky capture the grandeur of Tibet. The sheer attention to detail in this movie is also breathtaking. Every tassel on every costume looks authentic. Every idol in every monastery is accurate. The scale of the production is also impressive. The masses of worshipping people, the great temples, the storming Chinese army all looks real and immediate. This combined with an eerie and ethereal score by Phillip Glass give the movie an epic edge.

A sore spot of the movie was the portrayal of Chairman Mao. The actor looked and behaved in such a caricature-like manner that I was momentarily confused about whether I was watching a satirical comedy or historic biopic. There is also a lack of plot - I felt like I was jumping around from place to place - yet this is understandable due to the biographical nature of the story.

The movie successfully conveyed the plight of the Tibetan people and the Dalai Lama's struggle between peaceful cooperation in line with his faith, and resistance for the good of his people. I am glad that the film put emphasis on the struggle between the Buddhist call to compassion and the secular call for independence through armed resistance. This was heightened through the eyes of the young and somewhat naïve Dalai Lama.

Despite its shortcomings, Kundun fulfills its intended purpose. I was taken on a journey with the Dalai Lama. I felt the weight on his shoulders as a child confused by the authority placed upon him. I felt him struggle with his anger when the Chinese invaded. And I felt his poignant pain as he left his homeland forever. As a whole, I give Kundun four stars.