Kundun (1997)

I'm a Buddhist and absolutely adore the Dalai Lama. His kindness and compassion are simply breath-taking and I felt that from this film, which is undoubtedly beautiful, but a few parts irked me. For example, the constant referral of Buddhism as "a religion" (both verbally and implied), which felt very Western - as if people wouldn't understand that Buddhism is a way of life - a desire for enlightenment and attainment of peace, so it was Westernised into it being "a religion" as an easy explanation. As the 14th said himself, "My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.". I think people get "spirituality" and "religion" mixed up way too easily - the whole Buddhist portrayal was actually rather shallow, which is deeply sad. I found the blaring music to be entirely over the top. It blares out, over and over, sounding as if it should be in a high-stakes action movie. It was loud - too loud, I thought, for a pretty gentle film.I didn't really enjoy the cinema of the film (I felt it was meant to be "art" more than anything) - I did enjoy the portrayal of the 14th, and it made me cry more than once. I read that a few people found it "passionless", which I didn't - he is a Buddhist monk - they are non-violent and seek to master their mind - of course there are going to be subdued reactions from himself and others. Another quote from the 14th, "When we meet real tragedy in life, we can react in two ways - either by losing hope and falling into self-destructive habits, or by using the challenge to find our inner strength." That said, the scenes in which he cries were incredibly powerful. So... I liked it and disliked it. It was emotionally powerful but not at all a good representation into Buddhism or even fact - there is more than one part that have been nay-said by not only the Lama himself, but also his mother, and by photographic evidence of the events in China.

I saw the movie "Kundun" recently, directed by Martin Scorsese. This movie was somewhat reminiscent to that of "The Last Emperor" (the movie depicting the life of Puyi). But rather, takes on more of a religious perspective, showing the life of the 14th Dalai Lama. The movie was set in a beautiful location, with magnificent views of the Tibetan mountainous region. The music really went well with the visuals. It didn't draw attention nor did it put me to sleep. The graphics and setting of the film was spectacular and one of the best. I especially liked the scene when Kundun was washing away the sand mandala. The costumes of the Buddhist monks were very well detailed and interesting. I enjoyed the serenity of the backdrop, which really gave a relaxing feel to the film. I felt that this movie left out a lot of significant parts of the the Dalai Lama. They left out how his life after his exile, which I think is important as to the development of him today. It should include scenes where the Dalai Lama was appealing to foreign countries for refuge and aid. The actors of the film were good portrayals, especially both of the young and middle-age Kundun. The only bad portrayal was of Mao Zedong. The actor didn't really resemble him well and his acting as Chairman Mao had gone overboard. The entire movie revolved mostly around the Chinese Communist Party claiming Tibet and forcing the Dalai Lama out, instead it should focus more on the Dalai Lama's spiritual journey at the same time. The theme of government against religion is significant in today's ever changing society and I believe it was well filmed. There should be a balance of Dalai Lama's religious influence yet at the same time showing his history. The film had it's good points especially the fascinating process of finding Kundun and how he dealt with other people. This film is more suited to those who enjoy a great historical depiction of a man who went on a religious journey influenced by politics of the Chinese Communist Party. The also had brilliant scenery. This is definitely one of Martin Scorsese's best films so far.

Probably the foremost reason why most people are disappointed with this movie is because it's a Martin Scorsese movie, without anything about it that screams out Martin Scorsese. It probably was simply a subject he had a real interest and love for, which blinded him it seems. Sure, it focuses on its main subject but everything surrounding it gets completely ignored it seemed, which made this movie mostly a disappointing watch.Don't go watch this movie expecting to learn everything about Tibet, Buddhism or the Dalai Lama. Seriously, after watching this movie I don't feel like I have learned anything. It doesn't explain anything about the religion and rituals, or tells you what the Dalai Lama is all about and what he stands for. It actually made this a very shallow movie experience, which I never could feel involved with. The only way I could see this movie being interesting, is if you are already into the subject and have some basic knowledge about it.For a movie with a subject such as this one has, it's surprisingly lacking depth. You would expect the movie to be filled with ancient wisdoms concerning spirituality, knowledge and peace. Absolutely none of that present in this movie. It simply follows its main subject around and that's it really. Evertyhing that happens around him and every story aspects that potentially could had been interesting gets handled poorly and all remains very underdeveloped.Another thing that felt wrong about this movie was its acting. The movie uses non-professionals of Tibetan descent, forced to speak English. If first of all feels wrong to hear them all speak English but next to that, the acting itself from most of the actors is far from anything too impressive.No, it's not like I hated this movie. After all, it remains perfectly watchable but it never got interesting or involving enough in any way. What saves it is that it's still a technically well made movie, that is great looking as well. Most people will praise the cinematographer or director for this but in some cases, such as this one, you should simply give most credit the natural environments. I mean, I don't think it was possible for the film-makers to let this movie look ugly, even if they tried really hard to do so.Too distant and shallow to call this a great or recommendable movie.6/10 http://bobafett1138.blogspot.com/

Yes,I am a Chinese, for now. the meaning of "for now" is that the day I woke up, my heart was not belong here anymore.I don't know what to say after I watched this movie, "I am sorry for all those f**king crazy people had done"? We are all criminals, We are all victims.I even don't care if Taiwan is a part of China,as it if Tibet is belong to China in history. The most important thing is,if they don't want to stay together with us ,why should we force them by violent just in the name of unity? people's life and will were so cheap?Why?I was born in Shanxi province of China, and still living in China. that means it's dangerous for me to talk about all of this. Yes, as you know, It's really dangerous here for speaking and thinking independent.It just can't breathe.I'm a collage student. as I know most of Chinese are still sleeping, they believe what the government want they to believe, they hate who the government want them to hate. I've tryed but I can't even change a little bit of the reality. they hate Jananese,Korean,even American...just as they educated and they got the information filtered by the government.Most of Chinese,they would agree to kill thousands of people in the name of "Nation",they think the nation's benefit is higher than anything else,so they will be agree to send the military to Tibet and even use nuclear weapon against Taiwan! Are they f**king out of their mind? No,this is called the mixture of communist and fascist.A friend of Korea said:"Peter,you are special...I mean...unique in the Chinese people I've seen."——that why I feel lonely here, nobody could understand me.I don't know How long I can live, but if there is only one thing I am sure, that will be: I don't love China anymore as they told I must do since I was a baby. The place with freedom,truth,justice, the place with the standards and values I agree from my heart, is my own "homeland" that I will love and guard it with my life.I will try but I don't know if I can get out of here and touch any civilized land of freedom before I die,disappear or assimilated.Sorry for the torture of reading this sh*t by my tough English.Go back to this movie, I am really sorry for what Chinese have done to Tibetan, seriously, I just can't do anything to change. Made the Buddha,his holiness be with you,Tibetans.In more three days will be the twentieth anniversary of the event of Tian'anmen square,we will never forget the students,I pray for them.Can God bless me when I'm not believe in him yet?watchzerg June 1st,2009