Plot Details: This opinion reveals minor details about the movie's plot.

His Holiness the 14-th Dalai Lama of Tibet.

Dalai is Mongolian for “wisdom”
Lama is Tibetan for “spiritual teacher”
Hence the translation: The Ocean of Wisdom
(from http://www.dalailama.com/)

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Feel the magic,
feel the pain.
See the world as a child sees it,
see the world as the child grows to a man.
A holy man.

He loves every living being in the world.
How is he loved?...

Dalai Lama does not believe in war.
Wisdom and compassion is all he has to protect his people.
Is that sufficient?...

Today you loose,
Tomorrow you may win.
Things change.
Can you wait long enough?...

I see a safe journey
I see a safe return
Now you are ready to go
and feel the movie.

Welcome to Tibet...

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If the text above does not make you think about anything, you should probably skip this movie and go for some action and special effects packed blockbuster. However, if you are starting to wonder what it is all about, then the movie “Kundun” might be for you.

I enjoyed the movie immensely. Curiously, I did not need a mug of coffee, as suggested by one other reviewer. True, this is not your typical action or romantic movie, however, I enjoyed every one scene of it, either for the composition, sights, part of the story or the authors views the scene revealed. To my mind, there is nothing too much about the movie.


The Plot

Some people demand plot to be revealed in the reviews. Mind you, this is just a review, not a deep analysis of the movie. Wouldn’t I take a big chunk of the reason to see the movie away from you by revealing the plot and the intentions of the makers of the movie? However, I agree, some hints should be given of what it is all about, so here goes...

Tibet. An independent country between India and China with it’s own land, people, culture and traditions. Religion plays a major role in Tibet, as it is lead by Dalai Lama, some say, reflection of Buddha. However, Dalai Lama is mortal, or at least it’s body is. It is time to find the 14th Dalai Lama, and the movie begins here.

A child is found, his name is Kundun. There is a test to see if the child is the chosen one, and he passes it, although later he may wonder if he is the right one. But he seems to be the only one to question it.

The child grows up to a young man, exposed to teachings of life and religion, of love to all living beings. He gets the taste of reality and responsibility quite soon in his life, when his people are “liberated” by freshly communistic China. But Dalai Lama does not believe in war, wisdom and compassion is all he has to protect his people. And a lot of wisdom is needed. A lot of endurance as well, as he is told that his life devotion is a poison to people.

Dalai Lama lives for his people, and wants to live with them. But can he survive the oppression in his own country, or should he leave?


Experiences

As the characters speak, you hear and see them speaking English. Sometimes they fluidly switch to their native tongue, and back. This is performed quite masterfully, and creates an illusion of you being immersed and actually being a part of the cause. Very nice touch.

Several actors perform as Dalai Lama, at several stages of his age. The switch is not abrupt at all. Actually, was I asked now how many actors were actually there I would have trouble guessing. Quality performance, by other characters as well.

Many things can be seen in the movie without being said, if you are willing. For instance, the love and interest of the young boy in every living creature. And later, the same love undiminished, as he becomes a man. The love, respect, and enormous trust of the people toward Dalai Lama.

One thing makes me wondering: how about passion in Dalai Lama's life? Was there ever any romantic, personal interest, and did he have to sacrifice it? How did he deal with it? But this was not the part of the story. I am also wondering how legitimate is this question taking into account the restrictions and traditions of the Dalai Lama’s role in Tibet and the religion.


As a conclusion, I must say that this is one of the best movies I have seen and highly recommend. It will give you insight in Tibet, it’s culture, people, religion, history. You will meet Dalai Lama with his love, wisdom and philosophy. You will see an extraordinary child growing up in extraordinary circumstances. You may ask yourself questions after the movie, which may benefit your life in the future. Doesn’t it make worth seeing the movie?


Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children up Ages 8