Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3050 in DVD
• Released on: 2004-04-01
• Rating: Suitable for 12 years and over
• Number of discs: 1
• Format: PAL
• Original language: English, Tibetan
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 129 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
It would be a mistake to call Kundun a disappointment, or a film that director Martin Scorsese was not equipped to create. Both statements may be true to some viewers, but they ignore the higher purpose of Scorsese's artistic intention and take away from a film that is by any definition unique. In chronicling the life of the 14th Dalai Lama, Kundun defies conventional narrative in favour of an episodic approach, presenting a sequential flow of events from the life of the young leader of Buddhist Tibet. From the moment he is recognised as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama in 1937 to his exile from Tibet in the wake of China's invasion, the Dalai Lama is seen as an enlightened spiritual figurehead. This gives the film its tone of serenity and reverence but denies us the privilege of admiring the Dalai Lama as a fascinating human character. There is a sense of mild detachment between the film and its audience, but its visual richness offers ample compensation. In close collaboration with cinematographer Roger Deakins, Scorsese filmed Kundun with great pageantry and ritual, and meticulous attention to details of costume, colour and the casting of actual Buddhist monks in the scenes at the Dalai Lama's palace. Certain images will linger in the memory for a long time, such as the Dalai Lama's nightmarish vision of standing among hundreds of dead monks, their lives sacrificed in pacifist defiance of Chinese aggression. Is this a film you will want to watch repeatedly? Perhaps not. But as a political drama and an elegant gesture of devotion, Kundun is a film of great value and inspirational beauty--one, after all, that perhaps only Scorsese could have made. --Jeff Shannon

Special Features
English
Region 2

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 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 decide 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.

Customer Reviews

Kundun
A good biographical and spiritual film of the 14th Dalai Lama from his discovery, early life and sadly his exile. A truly great film to watch. Big up for Tibet

Twilight of a God
Directed by Martin Scorsese Kundun is a film written by Melissa Mathison which is based on the autobiographical writings of the current Dalai Lama. This is by some considered to be Scorsese's finest film, not in the least dut to some very fine acting by the various Dalai Lama actors, notably Tenzin Thuthob Tsarong as the adult Dalai Lama,and many more in the cast.

It is worth noting here that Scorsese and others from film production have been banned from China as a result of the film.

The script tells of the search for and the early life of the Dalai Lama (a reincarnation of the previous Dalai Lama - believed to be an aspect of Buddha) and the political upheaval in which his reign was involved when Red China 'liberated' the country and so destroyed one of the most peaceloving and ethical societies on earth.

Informative, though at times a bit one-sided, this is history brought alive. As a contrast I suggest to watch 'The Last Emperor'. There are similarities in history played out by different players echoing one another.

Scorsese's least seen film-not as bad as you'd like to think!
Martin Scorsese's Kundun serves the gap between Casino and Bringing down the dead. Melissa Mathieson's screenplay was based on the early chapter of the 14th Dalai Lama's life from his birth until his exile into India in 1958 where for the fear of his life-withdrawing the power and tradition bestowed upon him of the duty to serve the Tibentan people.

Scorsese has on this case, used an Eastern approach when directing Kundun-which has been hard for some to disgest. The long, slow and drifting days of when the Lami grows into a modest man of bold, complex, patient and of great wisdom qualities. The struggle to find his identity in isolation as well as questioning his beliefs such as putting others before his own safety makes him wonder-what is really expected of him as a role model?

Kundun is presented with awash of vivid colours especially a piercing red to highlight blankets-emphasising a shield of protection; the Chinese flag-promotes the poison of murder of one's hands like the image of a bull storming out of control contagious. Kundun focuses entirely on the Dalai Lama, admist the Tibetant struggle, curious about his new found life, the struggles trying to balance his judgement of how he should serve his people, communication difficulties and family enstrangement which take his toll, when he realises himself that he can't always be force fed to. The strength of the final scene when he notices the guard on the Indian border of his strong feelings when he has been denied of his freedom of speech from his heart- both miserable, tired and cold is such a powerful five minutes and then seeing him gently deal with being virtually powerless as well as reclusive with his telescope, always vigilent and always passionate about others is rather sad.

The story of the Dalai Lama should serve approximately as a reminder to think for yourselves and never give into temptation when basic human rights such as his were violated. Scorsese who took the risk was punished for doing so when some didn't think his story was appropriate. Kundun became misunderstood as a result and is now his most under-rated piece of work to the present date. If you are patient enough to see the story unravel before your eyes, including being familiar with an Eastern film style, then you will be rewarded.