Kundun (1997)

Synopsis: Martin Scorsese's telling of the life story of the 14th Dalai Lama is a spiritual and deeply moving event. Barely able to walk, the young Tenzin Gyatso (played respectively by Tulku Jamyang Kung Tenzin, Gyurme Tethong, and Tenzin Thuthob... Martin Scorsese's telling of the life story of the 14th Dalai Lama is a spiritual and deeply moving event. Barely able to walk, the young Tenzin Gyatso (played respectively by Tulku Jamyang Kung Tenzin, Gyurme Tethong, and Tenzin Thuthob Tsarong) is identified as the newly reincarnated form of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Leaving his family behind in order to live in a monastery, he grows to manhood in spiritual isolation, sheltered from the influences of Western worldliness and the dangerous encroachment of the Chinese army, which invaded Tibet in 1950 and forced the Buddhist leaders into exile. Preaching peace and understanding among all people, the Dalai Lama eventually travels to China to meet Chairman Mao Tse Tung, to no avail. In a heartbreaking decision, the Dalai Lama must choose whether to remain in Tibet and fight for his people or flee his homeland and avert almost certain death. Scorsese's obvious affection and dedication to the Tibetan leader shines through in every frame of the picture, which features stellar performances by its mostly nonprofessional cast. Adding infinite depth to the story are Roger Deakins's cinematography and Philip Glass's score, which earned both men Oscar nominations. Politics and religion aside, KUNDUN is filmmaking at its most profound and beautiful. [More]

Starring: Tenzin Thuthob Tsarong, Gyurme Tethong, Tulku Jamyang Kunga Tenzin, Tencho Gyalpo

Starring: Tenzin Thuthob Tsarong, Gyurme Tethong, Tulku Jamyang Kunga Tenzin, Tencho Gyalpo, Tenzin Topjar, Tsewang Migyur Khangsar, Tenzin Lodoe, Tenzin Lhamo, Geshi Yeshi Gyatso, Lobsang Gyatso, Sonam Phuntsok, Gyatso Lukhang, Lobsang Samten, Tsewang Jigme Tsarong, Tenzin Trinley, Ngawang Dorjee, Phintso Thonden, Chewang Tsering Ngokhang, Jamyang Tenzin, Tashi Dhondup, Jampa Lungtok, Karma Wangchuck, Ben Wang, Kim Chan, Henry Yuk, Ngawang Kaldan, Ngwang Wangda, Robert Lin, Selden Kunga, John Wong, Gawa Youngdung, Tenzin Rampa, Vyas Anathakrishnan

Director: Martin Scorsese

Director: Martin Scorsese
Screenwriter: Melissa Mathison
Producer: Barbara De Fina
Composer: Philip Glass

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