GetPapa Far from Perfect, Far from Terrible

Spoonixel Amateur movie with Big budget

Lollivan It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

Matylda Swan It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties.

SnoopyStyle The 13th Dalai Lama had died and the search is on for the 14th incarnation of the Dalai Lama. Several lamas arrive at a small child's home to test if he recognizes some of Dalai Lama's objects. They bring the boy and his family to Lhasa. The Chinese Communists invade. The Tibetans are overwhelmed. The situation becomes more and more oppressive. The world turns its back on Tibet. Dalai Lama tries and fails to come to terms with Chairman Mao Zedong. With more atrocities, the Dalai Lama resorts to guerrilla action. He is forced to escape to India in the dead of night.Director Martin Scorsese has created a good looking movie. The need to follow the real story may be too much to overcome. The actors do their lines mostly in a detached manner. There is a sterile unemotional feel to the movie. It may be better for Scorsese to consider doing a documentary about the Dalai Lama. This is like faithfully praying in a movie theater. It may hold some interest but not a wholly compelling viewing experience. The history is interesting and there are some compelling stories. I think there is a better way to tell it.

Katy Walker 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.

jdkraus The tale of the 14th Dalai Lama is very much like the story of the Last Emperor of China, Pu Yi. A boy handpicked to be a ruler of a country, grown up within confined solitude, kicked out of reign from Communist China, and then labeled as a criminal. The only real significance is that Pu Yi faced years in a concentration camp while the Dalai Lama managed to escape to India. That aside, it is not surprising to find in Scorsese's "Kundun" that he was heavily inspired by Bernardo Bertolucci's epic film "The Last Emperor". There were times when I was watching "Kundun" that I could not help wonder if this was an unofficial sequel. The costumes, techniques of candle lit lighting at night, story arc, and overall biography character-type was similar. I am not claiming Scorsese a copycat at all. It's just these two films are so alike. Just one happens to be about China's ruler and the other Tibet's. What worked so well for "The Last Emperor" is that despite its fancy set pieces and costumes, Bertolucci punched good in character drama and an overall intriguing plot. "Kundun" lacks both of these. Each scene in this movie drifts from one part of the Dalai Lama's life to another chronologically and in a sort of schizophrenic nature-the movie itself does not seem to know what it is really about. This is the biggest danger a filmmaker can fall into in making a bio-pic film, trying to cover too much ground without enough time nor interest to piece it all together. The acting suffers not from bad actors, but bad writing. Every moment is devoid of emotion, depicting every Tibetan character in a careless monotone. Then again, most characters are Buddhist monks and emotion is not their strong point. When I watch a movie, however, I expect to be engaged by an actor's talent. This magic is lost in this movie."Kundun" does succeed at least in the technical aspects. Roger Deakins cinematography is stunning to watch and almost pushes the barrier on what can be done with a camera, whether it be an elaborate steadi-cam shot or a detailed close-up. Philip Glass's score creates a sort of mood that hints to an ethereal supernaturalism, combined with a brooding choir, a lush percussion, and bombastic brass. It supports the visual images nicely. I admit that it seems to take over the movie to the point that there is no other sound present, especially with the horn blasts of flatulence caliber. The one factor that presented mild interest for me was how fair Scorsese treated the Tibetan culture. Little nuances like the funeral rites, the teachings of Buddha, and the Dalai Lama's philosophy are interesting. Yet great cinematography, a sublime soundtrack, and a good treatment of a lost culture cannot save a film. It is a bit disheartening since Scorsese has made some very good movies outside of the gangster genre (ex: Hugo, Shutter Island). While he kept his visuals and artsy elements at full throttle, all other elements are at a loss. This kind of movie is clearly not his cup of tea.

oneguyrambling OK. Lately I've watched nothing but horror movies and silly comedies so I thought I would broaden my horizons somewhat and grab a more serious film and perhaps try to learn something for a change.I've now done that and can't say I feel that appreciably better for the experience.It must be a pretty weird feeling for a 2 or 3 year old kid to be told he is to run a country, and one that I might never experience - given I am nearer 40.The problem with Kundun is the subject matter. The movie concerns the discovery and life of the 14th (and current) Dalai Lama, and of course there is a fair amount of time focusing on the Chinese invasion and occupation of Tibet. Now I am not saying this isn't a worthwhile and amazing life, only that most people with a 7th grade education know this already, and unlike say "Saving Private Ryan", where we know the story but go for the ride because of the action, there just isn't much action to be found in Kundun.We meet the 14th Dalai Lama when his folks still call him his given name, which I don't remember hearing. Once he is chosen, he is immediately taken from his parents for training over the ensuing years to be the spiritual leader of Tibet. Being a pre-pubescent leader of a nation has its disadvantages believe it or not, at one point the young Dalai Lama is being briefed on the less than friendly intentions of neighbouring China, being reasonably practical he asks:"How many soldiers (does Tibet have)?" "5,000" "So many! That's a lot, well we are safe here."Of course then China decides that when you are a billion strong "No" doesn't necessarily mean "No", they invade and commence an occupation of Tibet. They attempt to influence the people and grease the wheels through manipulating the Dalai Lama - who initially fled for his safety, only to return to face the music and be a figurehead to his people.According to the film the discussions and dealings between the Chinese and the Dalai Lama were cordial and mostly above board, again in reality history has not been so kind to the Chinese where the dealings with the Tibetan people are concerned. I am amazed with the access that the Chinese people had that they never killed him, regardless of the backlash from a people that already resented their presence.As we all now know the Dalai Lama is one of the most revered pacifists on the planet, and unfortunately relations between Tibet and China are still frosty at best. Throughout the entire period of exile - which now spans many decades - he has maintained that China must leave Tibet but has never suggested violence or aggressive action of any kind. His teachings are followed (more than) fervently by millions and in reality the world would be a far better place if even more people lived a little more like him. But I am not discussing his life or existence, merely Martin Scorscese's representation of it, and unfortunately while it is a worthwhile story that deserves telling, if you are aware of the basics it doesn't bring much more to the table than a Movie of the Week.Final Rating for the Dalai Lama – 10 / 10. Great bloke. We should all try to be more like him in our daily lives.Final Rating – 7 / 10. If you don't know the basics of the 14th Dalai Lama's life, watch it for the information. If you do it doesn't bring much more to the table.If you liked this review (or even if you didn't) check out oneguyrambling.com