Kundun

Rating:
Summary: an underrated GEM
Review: This is one of my top five favorite films of all time. Scorsese is so versatile. He can go from the brilliance of Raging Bull to the brilliance of Goodfellas to the understated brilliance of Kundun and not miss a beat.

Not many people saw this movie because of its spiritual subject matter and its lack of big name stars. THIS IS WHAT MAKES THE MOVIE SO GREAT. Scorsese used actual Tibetans for the role. They exuded so much reverence for the subject matter and made the movie seem so real. The movie teaches an incredible about Tibetan Buddhism and Asian politics as well.

The Cinematography is the finest of any film ever. Period. When they show the chopping of the dead body or the mandala of dead monks it is awe inspiring. The Tibetan landscapes are unbelievably incandescent as well. Seeing the monks sweep the sand of the mandalas away after intricately constructing them is amazing.

You must see this movie. It is somewhat slow, but it is enlightening. Scorsese treats this subject matter exactly how it was meant to be treated. If you haven't seen this, you are cheating yourself.

MiloTheMayor

Rating:
Summary: A technical Marvel, but not as profound as it thinks it is
Review: Watching this again on DVD, I've grown to like it a bit more since seeing it in the theatre and being almost bored to death by it (especially in the second half which just drags on and on). It's certainly a technical achievement of the highest order with endless dazzling shots, but artistically it's still flat: it could've, and should've been much more than it is. I still like every other Scorsese film, including "Cape Fear," "New York, New York," and "Boxcar Bertha" better than this and don't think it has anything profound to say that wasn't also said, much more economically in the less pretentious Hollywood entertainment of "7 Years in Tibet." And "7 Years" managed to also incorporate some of the differences between East-and-West and how the two regions see each other and learn from each other and a mountain-climbing adventure into its confines while "Kundun" just investigates in poetic detail the viewpoint of one man (Kundun himself) filtered through a certain all-encompassing 'hip' viewpoint of Americans about him as represented by Scorsese, Glass, and Mathison. I don't exactly share that viewpoint and maybe that's why I can't really enjoy this film to the hilt; it offers me no choice for my own interpretation that comes directly from the substance of the film itself and not from what I think about how it was made.

The main aesthetic problem I have with enjoying "Kundun" is with Philip Glass's music: it's not bad for some ambience in small doses and used in the right places but in large doses it becomes unbearably repititious and just plain weak. I couldn't stand "Koyanoquatsi: Life out of Balance" for the same reason, though I loved the beautiful images. And why Scorsese, who's ten times the director that Glass is a composer, would want to fit his whole film ONLY into a Glassian 'New Age' perspective by using so much of his Jive music, I don't know. On most of his other films he uses all kinds of music for different scenes, not here: it's all Philip Glassed into your head from beginning to end. A little eastern-sounding-classical, some Vangelis or Peter Gabriel could've helped, mixed in with the beautiful traditional music of the land itself like the brilliant new Siamese-Fusion soundtrack of the silent classic "Chang," (available on the DVD) maybe some Brian Eno, who knows, the possibilities were endless, but Scorsese only went with whatever variety Glass could come up with; I guess he wanted a hypnotic score: well, he got it! It hypnotizes me right into total annoyance. That particular Western idea or perspective of Tibet and China and the East, that sensibility represented by the Philip Glasses of the world is too shallow to warrant an entire film cut to it. Scorsese directs a filmed ballet of Philip Glass's "Kundun" would've been a more accurate title for this film, because that's how you're forced to see it unless you turn the volume off. There's no 'mysterious neutrality" there where the music doesn't direct your interpretation: it totally does, and in a not too deep a way, just enough to get a couple of brain cells tickled comfortably and no more (although Scorsese probably thought it was 'neutral,' and conducive to audience involvement with the film when he used it).

Also, Scorsese's film concentrates too much on the clash of the 'non-violent' pacifist philosophy of the Buddhist Monks and the violent nature of the entire living world when it's obvious it's a no-win situation. You either exercise your right to defend yourself againt people who choose to act like animals and coerce and oppress you or you disappear into a void. The problem of 'physical violence' is very simple: the right of self-defence against anyone who initiates violence against you; it's the problem of 'spiritual violence' that's the profound one and at which "Kundun" merely hints at. The million and one ways that you can do violence to your spirit by following irrational philosohies, religions, and superstitions. Scorsese, while he hints at this in earlier scenes, makes pretty much clear toward the end of the film that his attitude is one of reverence towards the irrational thinking of these monks simply because they refuse to defend themselves. Jean-Jacques Annaud, on the other hand, with just one scene of Kundun's followers saving all the worms before they can build a movie theatre with Brad Pitt/Heinrich Harrar in "7 Years," dismisses the harmful aspects of the whole religion as such utter absurdity, that only a lunatic would decide to follow its tenets to the letter.

Rating:
Summary: beautiful and meditative
Review: This is an extraordinary film that pays tribute to the culture and people of Tibet and the 14th Dalai Lama. It's not one of those movies you watch casually, it's more of a meditation-on-film. Brilliantly filmed and executed. For me, films are primarily a form of Art and Entertainment and this film is definitely both. Having said that... As with "Seven Years in Tibet", it's hard not to be heartbroken by the plight of the Tibetan people and hard not to be embarrassed by a culture whose priorities are so strikingly different from our own. But I'm concerned by how so many people in the Western world have been taken in by "Lama" worship. It almost seems disrespectful to Tibetan Buddhism, (at least to me), and also strikes me as dangerous. As spiritually starved as so many in the West are, we tend to take a "cafeteria" approach to spirituality and dine on whatever the religion-du-jour is. Once upon a time it was Hare Krishna, then NeoPaganism/Wicca, now some of the 'Sixties crowd are moving either to Esoteric Christian sects such as Eastern Orthodoxy or Tibetan Buddhism. What it will be five years from now, who knows...It makes you wonder what is the greatest danger to Tibetan Culture, Communist China or disengenuous westerners who put on/cast off religious idealogies like condoms... Also, as fascinating and beautiful as Tibetan Culture is, I wouldn't wish theocracy on anybody, however "compassionate" it may seem. I honor and deeply respect the 14th Dalai Lama for his courage and sense of humor, but I really get the willies when I see human beings "bowing" to other human beings..."religion is poison", is a quote put in the mouth of an eerie looking Mao Tse Tung in this film. While condemning Communist China for its intolerance and brutality, you have to wonder if maybe, just maybe, there may be something to that "poison" quote...

Rating:
Summary: inspiring, beautiful, meaningful
Review: This is a beautiful film. The cinematography and narrative device of having specific moments of being that are significant, the incredible use of language to convey spiritual and emotional truths, and a director that can weave actors w/ monks untrained in this craft all combine to create a brillant piece about an often referenced but misunderstood man, the Dalai Lama, in which he is treated w/ such emotional depth, such personal commitment.

Right from the beginning I was gripped by how the film portrayed the young boy proving that he was Kundun reincarnated. This was done w/ such a mixture of playfulness, intrigue, awe, and beauty. It set up a film that would challenge some of westerns preconceived notions of reality.

I really admire Mathison's script which i feel has a big impact on what Scorcese was able to do w/ this material. She wrote a compelling piece, and collaberated w/ the Dalai Lama to produce a work that would not simply be historically accurate, but emotionally true and evocative. Scorcese and the cinematographer did incredible work to make the film as beautiful and authentic as the script. Each individual frame is compelling and carefully constructed, exuding meaning beyond the spoken. This film is not only beautifully done, it is meaningful in spiritual and emotional sense. The film sends shivers through my body. It motivates me to act on my convictions, to stop allowing things to be glossed over, and to seek out the truth and true enlightenment. It offers too a glimpse of hope that there is truth compassion, brillance, beauty and understanding in the outside world and a possiblity for change. It offers a hand reaching for yours to take you on a new path that defies conventional rules.

Rating:
Summary: A Masterpiece
Review: Having known very little about the 14th Dalai Lama or Tibet, KUNDUN opened my eyes. I have gained a new found respect for Buddhism and the Dalai Lama now that I've seen this film. I applaud Scorsese for making this film; his direction of it was perfect. You have to appreciate his vision and also skill as a filmmaker. What I found particularly brilliant was the perspective of the narrative; it is told in the perspective of Kundun (and the Tibetan people), which makes the film more compelling. KUNDUN is aesthetically rich, providing viewers with lasting images; and the music captures the drama and struggle of the Tibetans perfectly. KUNDUN is a masterpiece, and I won't hestitate to say that the film has somehow changed my life. It should be viewed by all.

Rating:
Summary: My favorite Scorsese film
Review: This is a beautiful film, achingly tragic, and a moving portrayal of the 14th Dalai Lama as a youth. The cinematography is dazzling, and vividly shows us the culture and struggle of the peaceful nation of Tibet. Inexplicably, the Oscars ignored this movie. Please don't make the same mistake !

Rating:
Summary: Beautiful
Review: I am a high school student, and I just finished doing a report about the Dalai Lama. I rented this video, and after all the research I had done, I was constantly delighted with all the things in the movie that I remembered reading about. My mom was watching it with me, and she was a little confused (not having read anything about the Dalai Lama beforehand), so I had to explain some parts. The cinematography was gorgeous. The color and design was unlike anything I have seen. The scene in which the Dalai Lama stands in the middle of hundreds of dead monks was amazing. I loved this movie.

Rating:
Summary: Needed a voiceover
Review: This movie constantly reminded me of a PBS documentary. It took a very analytical yet unemotional look at a story which was in reality flooded with extremes of emotion. The feelings I had while watching this were like those one would have watching an educational program on insects. What's more, the educational value was poor because very little was actually explained. There was never a feeling of getting to know the characters. The cinematography and attention to detail were world-class, but the failure to tell this important story adequately, the failure to bring this tragic story to life is inforgivable. No stars.

Rating:
Summary: Enlightening
Review: I have thoroughly enjoyed viewing this film several times. Much is hinted at, implied and alluded to out of respect for the viewer's intelligence and ability to creatively visualize. The music, editing, acting, direction, and cinematography are truly inspiring. KUNDUN is truly a BRILLIANT masterpiece!

Rating:
Summary: Good Movie but now quite what I expected
Review: I have mixed feelings about this movie. I had very high expectations knowing the Dalai Lama's connections with Hollywood (for example, Richard Gere, Steven Seagall). He has visited and talked with Hollywood's brass many times and I figured many people in Hollywood would be intimately familiar with this fascinating man's life starting with his very birth. Also, since the name of the movie is: "Kundun", not "The Plight of Tibet", I figured this movie would be about His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama.

I have read a few chapters from a book which intimately described the beginnings of the Dalai Lama's life and I own several video cassettes of him and his teachings. The director of this film (Scorsese) has little faith in this kid's ability to act in my opinion. Take the scene where the Chinese send their representative to negotiate Tibet's "Sovereignty". There are 3 such meetings in the film. During the first 2 meetings, Kundun is sitting on the throne, and a monk next to him does all the talking. Kundun didn't say a word. Not one single solitary word! Here is the "Spiritual Leader" of this country and he cannot say one word in defense of his country? In real life, since he was only a young teen at the time, he probably didn't have much input or say because he wasn't very experienced in those matters. But why even have him in the scene if he's not going to say anything? It's only in the 3rd and last meeting when Kundun is alone with a Chinese Representative does he finally say some words, and from my vague recollection, it was a few weak cliched lines.

Scorsese could have done a much better job in the beginning of the film when the monks initially found the Dalai Lama's reincarnation. Here is a 4 year old kid, who is a perfectly normal little child living in a small village on the outskirts of Tibet. His mother has had dreams of spirits talking with her although everything else seems perfectly ordinary. A group of monks and former servants who have deliberately disguised themselves have set out on this house to test the Dalai Lama. They bring artifacts from the previous Dalai Lama's life and ask him to identify which ones were his. Of course he picks the right ones. He is also asked to identify the monks who were present before him. This is not an easy thing to do! These monks are in disguise! And this kid has never even seen them in his life! Of course the kid remembers all of them and knows exactly who they are. If this happened in America, this would be front page news. But Scorsese does a poor job of covering this aspect of his life. All that was shown in the film was the kid picking out artifacts of the previous Dalai Lama's. No dreams are shown, the viewers are not aware that the monks who have come to test him are actually in disguise, and Kundun is not required to identify the monks. I don't think this is beyond the comprehension of the viewers. People aren't *that* dumb! They can recognize incredible feats of spirituality when they see it.

Incidentally, the Dalai Lama was constantly tested upon his arrival in the Potala Palace and he was given extensive tests to prove he was indeed the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama on almost a daily basis (even years after it had been established he was indeed the 13th reincarnation) but this was not covered in the film.

None of this is was really that important though. I really wanted to see the Dalai Lama, the future Nobel Peace Prize Winner. The Spiritual Leader of Tibet. I wanted to get to know HIM. I wanted to know what he liked, what he didn't like, was he a brash kid or a rebellious teenager? It would have been nice if they had gotten some stories from the monks about any special relationships he had with other people. I wanted to learn something about him that I didn't know before. There was nothing in the film about this.

Scorsese did an outstanding job in using real monks during Buddhist Ceremonies. I'm Buddhist and I can appreciate what goes on here. I knew he was using real monks because I have participated in many ceremonies myself.

Scorsese also does an outstanding job depicting the Chinese cruelty that went on during the invasion of Tibet in which millions of people were killed. I've seen some of the real life footage that was smuggled out of Tibet and can tell you that the sheer terror depicted in the movie was no fluke. The Chinese were savages and beat monks to a pulp, they showed no mercy whatsoever. It makes me sad because when I see the Potala Palace and all the people who visit there on a yearly basis, they think, "Oh how cool! How nice! This is the place where the Dalai Lama used to live!" But they don't realize the Dalai Lama *SHOULD* still be living there. It's still HIS home! They have no more business being there than the Chinese do. It's a holy, sacred place.

That's why this film is such a let down for me is that Scorsese went through such tremendous pains to make things as realistic as possible. The Dalai Lama is a very down to earth man and is fairly accessible. There have been many books written about him. It would not have been difficult at all to get detailed information on his life. Scorsese could have made the film infinitely more interesting if he had covered perhaps a special relationship the Dalai Lama had or something funny happening to him rather than portraying the kid as a nerd, tinkering with clocks and radios all the time.