Kundun

Starring:Tenzin Thuthob Tsarong, Gyurme Tethong, Tulku Jamyang Kunga Tenzin, Tenzin Yeshi Paichang, Tencho Gyalpo, Tenzin Topjar, Tsewang Migyur Khangsar, Tenzin Lodoe, Geshi Yeshi Gyatso, Losang Gyatso, Sonam Phuntsok, Gyatso Lukhang, Lobsang Samten, Jigme Tsarong, Tenzin Trinley, Namgay Dorjee, Phintso Thonden, Chewang Tsering Ngokhang, Jamyang Tenzin, Tashi Dhondup
Director: Martin Scorsese
Studio: Walt Disney Video
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com essential video

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 favor 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 recognized 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's 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, color, 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'll 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

Description

Praised as one of the best films of the year, KUNDUN is a motion picture masterpiece directed by five-time Academy Award(R)-nominated director Martin Scorsese. It's the incredible true story of one of the world's most fascinating leaders -- Tibet's Dali Lama and his daring struggle to rule a nation at one of the most challenging times in its history. Powerfully told and set against a backdrop of world politics -- the film's release created an international uproar! Featuring a striking Oscar(R)-nominated score by renowned composer Philip Glass, this extraordinary motion picture has been greeted with both controversy and worldwide acclaim -- experience it for yourself!

Customer Reviews:

A MAGNIFICENT, VISUALLY BREATHTAKING, TOUCHING FILM.......2007-07-03

Kundun
Kundun is an often neglected masterpiece by Martin Scorsese. It recounts the story of the Dali Lama from his birth and coronation to his escape to India. Martin Scorsese explores many themes including the tragic rape of Tibet by the Red Chinese, fundamental principles of Tibetan Budhism, the culture of a dying nation and the psychological journey of the Dali Lama from a magical childhood to, in many ways, an unbearably tragic adulthood. The photography, cinematography, editing and musical score by Philp Glass are mesmerizing. This is an incredible movie and, in my opinion, one of the director's best. I saw it 3 times in a theatre and a few on DVD. It is one I never tire of or fail to notice something new upon subsequent viewings.

The life of HH Dalai Lama.......2007-06-30

If you are looking for movie about the discovery and life of the Dalai Lama, then this is good. With that said, Scorsese missed the opportunity to show the world what really happened to the Tibetan people!!!!

If you are looking for a good documentary on Tibet, I recommend TIBET CRY OF THE SNOW LION

A world your children will never know.......2007-06-08

Kundun ends with the escape of the Dalai Lama from the Chinese aggressors who invaded and still occupy Tibet.

This great film, driected by Martin Scorsese, is the true story of the Dalai Lama, who grew into his leadership role during the same decade when imperialist Maoist China overran Tibet in what would become one of the most devastating genocides committed in the 20th century.

This film puts you among the Tibetan people as they lived for centuries before losing their country. The culture of Tibet is laid out powerfully, and the actors give spot-on performances. The setting is colorful and realistic in every detail. The Buddhist faith is shown in great depth. This is joy candy for the eye and for the mind.

Saw the film on TV, ordered from Amazon; a month later, I STILL haven't rec'd the item..........2007-04-10

This is a stunning gem of a film. One of Scorcese's best. Beautiful, haunting; viewing it feels as if one is witnessing the events as they transpired. Scorcese has never been so disciplined, and capable of self-control. I recommend this film to all; it seems especially topical, now. The egregious sins of the Communist Chinese regimes must be atoned for, through a free Tibet. I will revel in viewing this film again, once it arrives at my address. It's been a month, since I was notified it had shipped. Better late than never.

Staying alive............2007-04-06

The ability of human faith to stay alive across generations when such a faith is denied a chance to exist is amazing! Someone somewhere always keeps tiny little sparks alive for causes forced to be forgotten.

Therefore, Tibet has hope.

No matter how many years China rules Tibet; no matter how many Chinese settle down in Tibet and convert Tibet into a Chinese territory, someone somewhere would keep tiny little sparks alive to keep Tibet's identity as a peaceful serene temporal/religious system.

Kundun is the story of Dalai Lama.

The young boy is discovered to be the reincarnation of the earlier deceased Dalai Lama; is taken to Lhasa and coached in the ways of Buddhism. How does the peaceful wise leader of a non violent nation fight the aggressive plans of an ambitious, efficient and modernized army of Red China? Is the nation important? Or is "ahimsa" important? It is exceptionally difficult for a young Dalai Lama to decide.

In the end, Red China occupies Tibet and Dalai Lama is forced to move to friendly India and form a government in exile. He is yet to return to Tibet.

Tibet is forgotten by World because the aggressor does not play by its rules and the offended would not resort to terrorism.

However, nations never cease to exist. Someone somewhere keeps a tiny spark alive. Martin Scorsese's 1997 movie: Kundun is one more spark for Tibet's continued existence.

The movie stays away from melodrama. China is not portrayed as a villain. The way some Chinese narrate how Chairman Mao brought justice to their life is likely to win respect for communism. The young Lama is portrayed in life like terms: a vivid mixture of curiosity, anxiety and mischief. The maturity of the young adult Dalai Lama is nicely portrayed when he tells his mother that women cannot stay in the monastery after dark in a stern affectionate tone.

Lovely movie.

Average customer rating:

REFUGE
Director: JOHN HALPERN
Manufacturer: MDS PRODUCtions, LLC
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Collectibles | Categories |
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Dalai Lama on Life and Enlightenment
Notebooks
Elizabeth I

Product Features:

Three Stars * * * amNY~ ..Valuable Perspectives To Offer..
All Questions Answered: " What's Tibetan Buddhism, Now?"
An Intriguing, Unfinished New Synthesis of East and West.. ~Salon.com
"Not Afraid To Explore The Sexual and Financial Scandals.." ~Andrew O'Hehir
..Charming, Informative And Sometimes Quietly Humorous...

ASIN: B000L82UPO

Product Description

NY TIMES~ Laura Kern John Halpern's "Refuge" is a 58-minute look at how citizens of the Western world are becoming increasingly drawn to Eastern thought and the appeal of Tibetan Buddhism. In our celebrity-driven society, filmmakers are partly responsible for this rapid growth in awareness, by creating serious works influenced by Buddhist tenets or by publicly recognizing its potential benefits. ...Buddhist nuns and the Dalai Lama reveal that Easterners, too, have found sanctuary in the other side, traveling more frequently to the West to share their views and to open meditation centers. * * * The story of REFUGE is told by a series of first time interviews with renowned filmmakers who have made major motion pictures about Buddhism and by accomplished Tibetan masters who have established themselves here, in the West. salon.com~Andrew O'Hehir "REFUGE remains a calm and reassuring picture, but never an incurious one. He's not afraid to explore the sexual and financial scandals that have affected some Buddhist ventures in the West, or the tendency of some overly enthusiastic Western practitioners to focus on the ritual elements of Buddhist worship and to breed an isolated, cult-like atmosphere... a charming, informative and sometimes quietly humorous exploration of an influential movement..." REFUGE is filled with beautiful images from Dharamsala and Bodaghaya , India, Tibet, Nepal, New York and California. All questions about What is contemporary Buddhism now? are answered by Hollywood's foremost movie directors and the greatest living meditation masters who have established themselves in the West. Director John Halpern traveled to Dharamsala and Bodghaya, India, Tibet, Nepal, New York and California to tell this story. Artist and writer Les Levine's narration guides us through the development of these stories and the film features music by acclaimed composer Steve Reich.

Charlie Rose with Martin Scorsese (January 16, 1998)

Average customer rating:

Charlie Rose with Martin Scorsese (January 16, 1998)

Manufacturer: Charlie Rose
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

( C ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Charlie Rose with Martin Scorsese; Barbara De Fina (November 17, 1995)
Charlie Rose with Jan Harlan, Martin Scorsese & Christiane Kubrick (June 15, 2001)
Hollywoodland (Widescreen Edition)
Children of Men (Widescreen Edition)
The Good Shepherd (Widescreen Edition)

ASIN: B000IU34FA
Release Date: 2006-09-18

Description

Charlie talks to Martin Scorsese for the hour. Scorsese began his career at NYU film school, where he drew notice for his gritty realism and inventive camera work. His filmography features some of the classics of contemporary cinema, including Mean Streets, Taxi Driver, Raging Bull and Goodfellas. He has challenged the medium with such diverse films as The Last Temptation of Christ and The Age of Innocence. Tonight, Scorsese is on to discuss his life, a new book, A Personal Journey With Martin Scorsese Through American Movies, and a new film, Kundun.

Average customer rating:

A MAGNIFICENT, VISUALLY BREATHTAKING, TOUCHING FILM
The life of HH Dalai Lama
A world your children will never know
Saw the film on TV, ordered from Amazon; a month later, I STILL haven't rec'd the item...
Staying alive.....

Kundun [Region 2]
Starring: Tenzin Thuthob Tsarong , Gyurme Tethong , Tulku Jamyang Kunga Tenzin , Tenzin Yeshi Paichang , and Tencho Gyalpo
Director: Martin Scorsese
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Indie & Art House | Stores | DVD | Video

( K ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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Seven Years in Tibet [Blu-ray]
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ASIN: B0000634C3

Amazon.com essential video

Customer Reviews:

A MAGNIFICENT, VISUALLY BREATHTAKING, TOUCHING FILM.......2007-07-03

The life of HH Dalai Lama.......2007-06-30

A world your children will never know.......2007-06-08

Saw the film on TV, ordered from Amazon; a month later, I STILL haven't rec'd the item..........2007-04-10

Staying alive............2007-04-06

The Last Emperor [NON-US Format, Special Edition 2 DVD, Pal, Region2, Import - Great Britain)

Average customer rating:

A big improvement in DVD treatment
Hooray - good transfer to DVD

The Last Emperor [NON-US Format, Special Edition 2 DVD, Pal, Region2, Import - Great Britain)

Manufacturer: Optimum Home
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Special Editions | Fully Loaded DVDs | Features | DVD | Video
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Product Features:

Remastered and restored for excellent video and audio quality.
Contains both versions - the original theatrical release (156 minutes)
and the director's cut (220 minutes).
Bonus features include: Bernardo Bertolucci An Indepth Making Of Documentary
and Commentary By Bernardo Bertolucci And Jeremy Thomas And Composer Ryuichi Sakomoto

ASIN: B000EIVYCG

Product Description

Region 2 encoding (Europe, Japan, South Africa and the Middle East including Egypt). Requires multi-region or region free DVD player in the US. Disc One: Original theatrical version plus extras (total running time: 230 minutes) Disc Two: The Directors Cut (running time: 220 minutes)

Customer Reviews:

A big improvement in DVD treatment.......2007-04-19

I already wrote a review for this movie, but I was reffering to the old region 1 issue.I decided to buy this region 2 version from amazon.co.uk and it was well worth it. The dvd contains interesting special features, including A behind the scenes and a documentary on Beijing during the mid 80's.
Indeed this movie was rightfuly restaured.Aside from a few white speckles present in some of the scenes the image quality is nearly flawless.
A huge improvement from the region 1 director's cut dvd where the image quality was most disagreable.
This is an interesting, mermerizing epic story that finally got the treatment it deserves...

Hooray - good transfer to DVD.......2006-03-18

If you have a dvd player you can set to region free or region 2, then this DVD is a wonderful addition to your collection. The transfer of this wonderful film is very good, unlike the region 1 DVD. You get both Theatrical and Directors Cut on separate disks. The only minor thing that disappointed was lack of subtitles or any language selection, but that may not be available on any other version of this film either.

THe MarketPlace vendor was very efficient and prompt at sending me the DVD.

Average customer rating:

A MAGNIFICENT, VISUALLY BREATHTAKING, TOUCHING FILM
The life of HH Dalai Lama
A world your children will never know
Saw the film on TV, ordered from Amazon; a month later, I STILL haven't rec'd the item...
Staying alive.....

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Indie & Art House | Stores | DVD | Video

( K ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Seven Years in Tibet [Blu-ray]
Little Buddha
The Tibetan Book of the Dead (A Way of Life / The Great Liberation)
Tibet - Cry of the Snow Lion
Life of Buddha

ASIN: B00004RYDR

Amazon.com essential video

Customer Reviews:

A MAGNIFICENT, VISUALLY BREATHTAKING, TOUCHING FILM.......2007-07-03

The life of HH Dalai Lama.......2007-06-30

A world your children will never know.......2007-06-08

Saw the film on TV, ordered from Amazon; a month later, I STILL haven't rec'd the item..........2007-04-10

Staying alive............2007-04-06

Average customer rating:

A MAGNIFICENT, VISUALLY BREATHTAKING, TOUCHING FILM
The life of HH Dalai Lama
A world your children will never know
Saw the film on TV, ordered from Amazon; a month later, I STILL haven't rec'd the item...
Staying alive.....