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 ... Read more

Reviews (90)

wonderful
Other than the original 1950's "Seven Years in Tibet," which offered incredible first hand footage of H.H. the Dalai Lama from Heinrich Himmler, Scorsese's "Kundun" is the most definitive film on the life, trials, and tribulations of Tibet's Spritiual and Political ruler.

Scorsese's skills, as always, are first rate in the film. The photography, amazing for the original vhs or theater version, is even more amazing in the dvd version. Of course, the fact that Tibet is a beautiful country helps, but the angles and shots that Scorsese uses only accentuates the natural beauty all the more.

The film itself chronicles the life of H.H. The Dalai Lama from his discovery at the age of 2, the meticulous tests that go with the Buddhist traditions to be sure that Kundun is indeed the 14th Dalai Lama, etc. through to the dark days of post WWII, where Mao-led China declares that Tibet is a Chinese province and forcably annexes Tibet, to H.H. having to leave Tibet for the safer lands of India. All parts of the film are historically accurate, as H.H. lent his cooperation to the script and film itself. The co-operation of H.H. gives the film absolute legitimacy.

Scorsese's portrait of Kundun is that on an enlightened monk (which indeed, a Dalai Lama is), and some people will argue that the human side of H.H. is not painted in the film. I disagree with that assertion- indeed, the scene where H.H. dreams of being amongst monks who were killed for their pacifism, is an all too real image of absolute humanity. The fact that H.H. wanted to stay in Tibet and not flee to India is another sign of his humanity. While Scorsese looks apon H.H. as a spiritual leader, he does not leave out the human factor at all.

The film is boosted by a brilliant score by American minimalist composer Philip Glass, whose music accentuates the otherworldly quality of certain scenes, and keeps the overall dramatic nature of the film intact.

If you see one film of H.H. the Dalai Lama, choose "Kundun." Scorsese's work is brilliant, as is the acting by the cast of Tibetan unknowns, which adds more credence to the overall experience. Add Philip Glass and H.H. himself to the mix, and the overall experience is unparalleled.

Great Movie. Watch it again.
I found this this film quite astonishing. The way the Dalai Lama is presented from its early childhood discovery of Reting Rinpoche, and how the costumes are just beautiful. What stood out most in my mind was the Oracle scenes, and how the beauty of the Potala palace in Tibet. The acting of Tenzin Thuthob Tsarong is amazing, I fell in love with the compassion, thoughts and lines in this movie. The music is neither disturbing nor irritating, it simply was perfect. I recommend this video for anyone who want to catch a glimpse of tibetan buddhism imagery and just have a great time watching a film about the Dalai Lama.
As for the truthfulness of this film, since I'm aware of the dramatic licenses made here, I really could care less. Scorcese directing is superb, and I would sure hell watch this film again.

Skewed vision.
A lot of criticism levelled at 'Kundun' seems to fall into 2 categories. For some purists the movie is far too Hollywood, while for a lot of movie-goers, it's just not Hollywood enough. For one not familiar with Tibetan history, 'Kundun' gives a very one-sided view of events that occured at that time. The Tibetan hierarchy are portrayed as predominantly passive and peace-loving, seemingly free from any kind of authoritarian thinking. This may have been misleading. Martin Scorsese has admitted himself that he is not an authority on Tibetan history and the fact that the production of the film was overseen by the Dalai Lama himself gives some indication as to how the film was to convey a very specific outlook.

One could be forgiven for thinking that Tibet had all the vastness of Rhode Island, so centered is the film on the small, enclosed world of the Dalai Lama's upbringing. Bernardo Bertolucci's 'The Last Emperor' was much more successful at conveying the political intricacies that surrounded it's subject. For an objective viewpoint 'Kundun' is not the film to see.

On the other hand you have to ask yourself would the same amount of cynicism be aroused if this film was based around a major figure in Judaism, Christianity or Islam.

Having said all that, from a purely cinematic point of view 'Kundun' glows with beautiful cinematography, a spellbinding score by Phillip Glass and some pretty believable performances by previously non-actors.

Aristotle Would Call This Film "Epideictic Rhetoric"
Some novels, films, plays, poems, sculptures, music, dances, and paintings are meant to entertain us in various ways, and some are meant to alter our outlooks on the world we live in. This film belongs to the latter category. Specifically, it's an instance of what Aristotle called "epideictic rhetoric"--a work constructed to make us respect and admire (or disrespect and look down on) some person(s) or thing(s). In this case, as most reviewers notice, most of us come away feeling that we greatly respect and admire the Dalai Lama, who has developed into a highly enlightened and compassionate person DESPITE (or because of) great adversity. While our govt. has eagerly sucked up to Red China (which is guilty of "human rights abuses" against its own citizens as well as Tibetans), Martin Scorsese courageously unmasks the villains--none of that "most favored nation" stuff for him (which is why Red China has singled him out and forbidden him to go to Tibet). The film is genuinely touching and beautifully filmed. My only fault-finding with it is that the current Dalai Lama is presented as being IN FACT a reincarnation of the previous Dalai Lamas. Although I've been a Buddhist for over 40 years, I don't believe in reincarnation and doubt that many other viewers of this film--Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, atheist, etc.--do either; this COULD have been presented as part of a "belief system" and not as a "factual" condition. (Next time you watch one of the 57 different film versions of the crucifying of Jesus, look to see whether the director's approach is naturalistic or supernaturalistic and how that makes a difference on the impact. And look for the same factor next time you watch the Indiana Jones films, which are meant to entertain us. That may partly explain why the second of these films, which uses a non-Judeo-Christian array of beliefs as FACTUAL is usually rated lower than the other two.)

A visual and musical poem of an important religious leader
Because of his place in American Pop Conciousness, the Dali Lama too often suffers from shallow treatment and cartoonish representation because of his association with famous personalities. In reality, he is a serious religious figure and deserves serious treatment. This movie is a serious and, I think, beautifully poetic attempt to tell the story of his youth through his escape from Tibet into exile as the Communist Chinese closed their grasp on his sad homeland. The images are powerful and the Philip Glass score supports the visual means of telling the story very well.

I have no idea how much of the miraculous nature of the selection of Kundun as the Dali Lama or his remembering of his previous lives is based in perceived reality or is just poetry, but certainly the Dali Lama deserves some iconographical treatment.

For me, a most powerful scene occurs when Kundun has his last conversation with Mao and finally realizes his betrayal. In this scene Mao tells him that religion is poison in a most callous and condescending manner. In this, I see the emptiness of modern materialism and its inability to see anything of value in the spiritual and traditional. There is blindness in materialism's view favoring the new and the present as necessarily being progress over the past. It sees technology as always an improvement (it is the flip side of the coin of those who believe that all technology is soulless and evil).

This isn't an adventure film and certainly nothing like Scorsese's more famous and violent films. But I think he has accomplished something beautiful here and I have enjoyed watching it several times.

"Seven Years in Tibet" tells the same story a bit differently and less poetically and has the complication of the Brad Pitt's character being, well, a Nazi. But I think seeing both movies adds to one's understanding rather than seeing either of them alone. ... Read more

Amazon.com

An underrated gem of the early 1980s, this film is a solid mystery with a terrific and unlikely romance at its core. Hurt plays a New York janitor whose fantasy life centers on TV reporter Sigourney Weaver. When a murder occurs in the office building where he works, he claims to have seen more than he did just to get her attention. But when the murderers believe him, they both become targets. The plot is workable, but mostly serves as a meet-cute device for throwing together the unassuming janitor and the TV star, and the resulting collision of social strata when he successfully woos her. James Woods nearly steals the film as Hurt's jumpy Vietnam vet friend, a shifty operator of whom cop Morgan Freeman observes, "He was born to be a suspect." --Marshall Fine ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great Underrated Gem!!
Sigourney Weaver,William Hurt and James Woods rule in this great underrated gem.It's well worth watching!! ... Read more

Reviews (25)

Much better than I expected......
I bought this DVD on a lark. I was familiar with Monica Potter and liked her in "The Very Thought of You" (another fun romantic comedy starring Joseph Fiennes and Rufus Sewell) but didn't really know much about this movie or heard much about it. This was actually much better and more enjoyable than I expected.

The premise is pretty clever - Lucy gets dumped by her boyfriend and her best friends set her up on blind dates. Flash forward to the present where we see Lucy getting ready for her wedding. We know she ends up with someone in the end. So we see flashbacks as her 5 dates unfold and we get to guess who she ends up with. On the surface all the dates look pretty hopeless (no chemistry, nothing in common, etc) but as the dates progress we find a couple of guys who may not be so bad after all. It's a nice romantic comedy with a sweet satisfying ending.

I would also suggest checking out "The Very Thought of You" as another movie that is fun and romantic. It is very much in the tone of movies like "Four Weddings and a Funeral" and "Serendipity." If you like these, then check this DVD/video out.

There is a good reason to pay attention to this DVD
and that reason is the presence of Gael Garcia Bernal in one of his rare English-speaking roles. I'M WITH LUCY is a pleasant enough bit of fluff about a young woman recovering from love lost, trying to cope with five different blind dates arranged by her friends to bouy her spirits. Yes she ends up marrying one of them, but it is the play of courtship dances and dilemmas that brings what little originality to the film that exists. Monica Potter is attractive and a good actresss who needs a good director to keep her focused: there is a feeling that this role was written with a gene pool of Sandra Bullock and Julia Roberts in mind. The men's roles are fairly well fleshed out by such fine actors as Anthony LaPaglia, Henry Thomas, and John Hannah.

But the real reason to pay attention to this movie is the cameo appearance by Gael Garcia Bernal, one of the brightest lights to hit the screen in years. Known for his Spanish speaking roles in AMORES PERROS, Y TU MAMA TAMBIEN, and EL CRIMEN DEL PADRE AMARO Bernal has that illuminating presence, naturally sensuous good looks, and a subtlety to his acting that makes his every appearance on the screen a little jewel of a moment. In a year or two when he is a major international star you will be pleased that you got this glimpse of his special qualities in this English introduction. Bernal gets 5 stars, the film - 3.

Very Romantic
I watched this video last night while my husband was out and it made me miss him so much. The story just made me feel all mushy and romantic as I watched Lucy go from guy to guy, wondering who she would pick in the end. Most of her suitors were incredibly sweet and good to her. One guy turned out to be a real abusive jerk in the end. I really had no idea who she would choose until close to the end, when it became pretty obvious who the "winner" would be. I wasn't dissapointed because he was really cute and nice to her, although she did have good chemistry with some of the others too. The funniest scenes were with her parents. Oh, and I have to mention how uncanny the resemblance is between Monica Potter and Julia Roberts. It is just too weird. If you are a romantic you will definitely enjoy this movie.

Lucy is Lovely!
If you're in the mood for a simple, yet fun romantic comedy, this is the movie! It takes you through a timeline of men that Lucy gets set up with on blind dates. The men are all unique, yet believeable. In the end she ends up marrying one of them...the right guy!
Its a fun way to keep your spirits up when you're feeling down. Just love this movie!

Should be "I'm with stupid"
I like Monica Potter, really I do, she's kinda charming and cute, but this movie sucked real bad. Sorry about the bad english, but it's hard to come up with anything nice to say.

I personally would not go near Lucy, she is so self absorbed and seems to think she has to go to bed with anything that moves. Ladies, there is a word for those who "do it" on first dates but amazon won't let me use it. Try being chaste, it's far more attractive. There is no way this dumb chick would have so many intelligent guys' after her as well.

Bad film, bad acting, bad screenplay, bad music, waste of $2.75 I wasted to rent this dreck. ... Read more

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 ... Read more

Reviews (90)

wonderful
Other than the original 1950's "Seven Years in Tibet," which offered incredible first hand footage of H.H. the Dalai Lama from Heinrich Himmler, Scorsese's "Kundun" is the most definitive film on the life, trials, and tribulations of Tibet's Spritiual and Political ruler.

Scorsese's skills, as always, are first rate in the film. The photography, amazing for the original vhs or theater version, is even more amazing in the dvd version. Of course, the fact that Tibet is a beautiful country helps, but the angles and shots that Scorsese uses only accentuates the natural beauty all the more.

The film itself chronicles the life of H.H. The Dalai Lama from his discovery at the age of 2, the meticulous tests that go with the Buddhist traditions to be sure that Kundun is indeed the 14th Dalai Lama, etc. through to the dark days of post WWII, where Mao-led China declares that Tibet is a Chinese province and forcably annexes Tibet, to H.H. having to leave Tibet for the safer lands of India. All parts of the film are historically accurate, as H.H. lent his cooperation to the script and film itself. The co-operation of H.H. gives the film absolute legitimacy.

Scorsese's portrait of Kundun is that on an enlightened monk (which indeed, a Dalai Lama is), and some people will argue that the human side of H.H. is not painted in the film. I disagree with that assertion- indeed, the scene where H.H. dreams of being amongst monks who were killed for their pacifism, is an all too real image of absolute humanity. The fact that H.H. wanted to stay in Tibet and not flee to India is another sign of his humanity. While Scorsese looks apon H.H. as a spiritual leader, he does not leave out the human factor at all.

The film is boosted by a brilliant score by American minimalist composer Philip Glass, whose music accentuates the otherworldly quality of certain scenes, and keeps the overall dramatic nature of the film intact.

If you see one film of H.H. the Dalai Lama, choose "Kundun." Scorsese's work is brilliant, as is the acting by the cast of Tibetan unknowns, which adds more credence to the overall experience. Add Philip Glass and H.H. himself to the mix, and the overall experience is unparalleled.

Great Movie. Watch it again.
I found this this film quite astonishing. The way the Dalai Lama is presented from its early childhood discovery of Reting Rinpoche, and how the costumes are just beautiful. What stood out most in my mind was the Oracle scenes, and how the beauty of the Potala palace in Tibet. The acting of Tenzin Thuthob Tsarong is amazing, I fell in love with the compassion, thoughts and lines in this movie. The music is neither disturbing nor irritating, it simply was perfect. I recommend this video for anyone who want to catch a glimpse of tibetan buddhism imagery and just have a great time watching a film about the Dalai Lama.
As for the truthfulness of this film, since I'm aware of the dramatic licenses made here, I really could care less. Scorcese directing is superb, and I would sure hell watch this film again.

Skewed vision.
A lot of criticism levelled at 'Kundun' seems to fall into 2 categories. For some purists the movie is far too Hollywood, while for a lot of movie-goers, it's just not Hollywood enough. For one not familiar with Tibetan history, 'Kundun' gives a very one-sided view of events that occured at that time. The Tibetan hierarchy are portrayed as predominantly passive and peace-loving, seemingly free from any kind of authoritarian thinking. This may have been misleading. Martin Scorsese has admitted himself that he is not an authority on Tibetan history and the fact that the production of the film was overseen by the Dalai Lama himself gives some indication as to how the film was to convey a very specific outlook.

One could be forgiven for thinking that Tibet had all the vastness of Rhode Island, so centered is the film on the small, enclosed world of the Dalai Lama's upbringing. Bernardo Bertolucci's 'The Last Emperor' was much more successful at conveying the political intricacies that surrounded it's subject. For an objective viewpoint 'Kundun' is not the film to see.

On the other hand you have to ask yourself would the same amount of cynicism be aroused if this film was based around a major figure in Judaism, Christianity or Islam.

Having said all that, from a purely cinematic point of view 'Kundun' glows with beautiful cinematography, a spellbinding score by Phillip Glass and some pretty believable performances by previously non-actors.

Aristotle Would Call This Film "Epideictic Rhetoric"
Some novels, films, plays, poems, sculptures, music, dances, and paintings are meant to entertain us in various ways, and some are meant to alter our outlooks on the world we live in. This film belongs to the latter category. Specifically, it's an instance of what Aristotle called "epideictic rhetoric"--a work constructed to make us respect and admire (or disrespect and look down on) some person(s) or thing(s). In this case, as most reviewers notice, most of us come away feeling that we greatly respect and admire the Dalai Lama, who has developed into a highly enlightened and compassionate person DESPITE (or because of) great adversity. While our govt. has eagerly sucked up to Red China (which is guilty of "human rights abuses" against its own citizens as well as Tibetans), Martin Scorsese courageously unmasks the villains--none of that "most favored nation" stuff for him (which is why Red China has singled him out and forbidden him to go to Tibet). The film is genuinely touching and beautifully filmed. My only fault-finding with it is that the current Dalai Lama is presented as being IN FACT a reincarnation of the previous Dalai Lamas. Although I've been a Buddhist for over 40 years, I don't believe in reincarnation and doubt that many other viewers of this film--Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, atheist, etc.--do either; this COULD have been presented as part of a "belief system" and not as a "factual" condition. (Next time you watch one of the 57 different film versions of the crucifying of Jesus, look to see whether the director's approach is naturalistic or supernaturalistic and how that makes a difference on the impact. And look for the same factor next time you watch the Indiana Jones films, which are meant to entertain us. That may partly explain why the second of these films, which uses a non-Judeo-Christian array of beliefs as FACTUAL is usually rated lower than the other two.)

A visual and musical poem of an important religious leader
Because of his place in American Pop Conciousness, the Dali Lama too often suffers from shallow treatment and cartoonish representation because of his association with famous personalities. In reality, he is a serious religious figure and deserves serious treatment. This movie is a serious and, I think, beautifully poetic attempt to tell the story of his youth through his escape from Tibet into exile as the Communist Chinese closed their grasp on his sad homeland. The images are powerful and the Philip Glass score supports the visual means of telling the story very well.

I have no idea how much of the miraculous nature of the selection of Kundun as the Dali Lama or his remembering of his previous lives is based in perceived reality or is just poetry, but certainly the Dali Lama deserves some iconographical treatment.

For me, a most powerful scene occurs when Kundun has his last conversation with Mao and finally realizes his betrayal. In this scene Mao tells him that religion is poison in a most callous and condescending manner. In this, I see the emptiness of modern materialism and its inability to see anything of value in the spiritual and traditional. There is blindness in materialism's view favoring the new and the present as necessarily being progress over the past. It sees technology as always an improvement (it is the flip side of the coin of those who believe that all technology is soulless and evil).

This isn't an adventure film and certainly nothing like Scorsese's more famous and violent films. But I think he has accomplished something beautiful here and I have enjoyed watching it several times.

"Seven Years in Tibet" tells the same story a bit differently and less poetically and has the complication of the Brad Pitt's character being, well, a Nazi. But I think seeing both movies adds to one's understanding rather than seeing either of them alone. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

An epic tale about the meaning of life, love, and goodness
I guarantee you, this is a film you will never forget! A story of a man with a dream, Jack, who builds Golddigger, a loveable and benevolent robot. Jack and his creation fight the evil Eli, a crooked antique dealer with a scheme so big, the world would never forget it. With an all-star cast including Johnathan Rhys-Davis, how could one go wrong? Watch for inspiring performances by Dr. Playhand, the little girl with the broken toy, the unlucky policeman, and especially, Jack's brother Isaac. This film will entertain you while getting to the core of your emotions and expanding your view of the world. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

An epic tale about the meaning of life, love, and goodness
I guarantee you, this is a film you will never forget! A story of a man with a dream, Jack, who builds Golddigger, a loveable and benevolent robot. Jack and his creation fight the evil Eli, a crooked antique dealer with a scheme so big, the world would never forget it. With an all-star cast including Johnathan Rhys-Davis, how could one go wrong? Watch for inspiring performances by Dr. Playhand, the little girl with the broken toy, the unlucky policeman, and especially, Jack's brother Isaac. This film will entertain you while getting to the core of your emotions and expanding your view of the world. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

An epic tale about the meaning of life, love, and goodness
I guarantee you, this is a film you will never forget! A story of a man with a dream, Jack, who builds Golddigger, a loveable and benevolent robot. Jack and his creation fight the evil Eli, a crooked antique dealer with a scheme so big, the world would never forget it. With an all-star cast including Johnathan Rhys-Davis, how could one go wrong? Watch for inspiring performances by Dr. Playhand, the little girl with the broken toy, the unlucky policeman, and especially, Jack's brother Isaac. This film will entertain you while getting to the core of your emotions and expanding your view of the world. ... Read more