Kundun (1997)

I cannot think of one single thing that I would change about this film. The acting is incomparable, the directing deft, and the writing poignantly brilliant.

The film makes a home in your brain and the only cure is to see it again.

The first must-see film of the year.

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

"There is a saying in Tibetan, 'Tragedy should be utilized as a source of strength.' No matter what sort of difficulties, how painful experience is, if we lose our hope, that's our real disaster."I think that Kundun, shot by a successful director, does not see the value he deserved. Focusing on the life of the Dalai Lama, the film shows up closely in the Chinese government, which unfairly occupies Tibet. In addition to the lie that the Chinese government will bring innovation to Tibet, in fact a Buddhist philosophy and a religious leader are targeted.I admired the images and music in the movie. People who love biography should watch.

This is quite a long movie, as most historical type movies tend to be. Kundun clearly has meaning for the Darli Lama and I have watched this movie for first time thirteen years after its original release, a filler in summer 2010 when there are no more good movies to watch at the moment. Watched it with my 12 year old son who turned to the net afterwards to check information about the Dar ly Lama and Tibet and also the Chinese invasion of Tibet. It is a beautiful film and the story is well told, if a little slow and tedious at times. this is in a different category of film making for Martin Scorsese and this will for me stay in the memory. A film for all ages, nothing graphically or verbally uncomfortable about this movie, it does the job of entertaining me one Sunday afternoon!

The story is of how His Holiness Dalai Lama was found as a child until teenage years as he he faces exile escaping Mao's invading People's Liberation Army. The pace may be slow but the views stunning and the moral dilemma compelling. Scorsese poses the question: faced with violence, how does a leader fight for survival with Buddhist compassion? With the growing violence we see on the international headlines, this film is highly relevant both spiritually and ethically for all countries and peoples.Seen on a large screen, with a brush of the sands and my tears, this film changed my life. I support many first nations that have suffered killings and wish we can redress the wrongs. Seven Years in Tibet was also good but this movie changed my life and made me study the different branches of Buddhism and found much peace in meditation. Not bad for a few hours by an under-rated master, Scorsese.

In this day and age of strife and conflict, terrorism and unrest, a story like this of a man who stands before the world as a true pacifist and an idealist is refreshing. Martin Scorsese deserves compliments for taking the time to portray the true story of the life of the fourteenth Dali Lama, a life that began in the turmoil of twentieth century conflict and continues today to appeal to the world to right the wrongs imposed upon his native land and people. He serves as a beacon for those of us who wish for a time when all the people of the world will accept and respect each other regardless of custom, religion or national identity. This often overlooked religion could serve as a light for those who use their religion for hate and imposition upon others. I enjoyed the cinematography and music. This film shows how wrong the Oscars can be when they overlook a work as well presented as this.