Kundun [Blu-ray] [Special Edition]

Breathtaking and a beautiful film. An extraordinary movie that goes beyond itself to a transcendental and spiritual work of art – to the true meaning of Buddhism – wisdom, compassion, humility and survival. The movie itself is about the childhood and early years of the Dalai Lama in Tibet and then the military occupation of Tibet by Communist China as result of which the Dalai voluntarily left Tibet to become an exile in India. Everything about the movie is beautiful. It's no wonder that Martin Scorsese dedicated it to his late mother.The music by Philip Glass never over powers the storyline but supports and underlines the mood of the film.This is a film that you can watch again and again and study the transformation of China - for better or worse. Just like The Last Emperor it shows how history has happened in a sometimes very realistic way. The escape to India - Kundun - becomes emotional with the music and visual bringing you forward to its ending.

This is a film that so inspired me to get into Buddhism and Meditation in particular. It's an incredible story told with much care and completely beautiful attention to the facts of The Dalai Lammas life from birth up to the point of becoming an exile in India. It's so well acted and filmed by Martin Scorsese that it's very difficult not to be affected by it. Nearly every frame manages to convey beauty and simplicity and the unfolding of a fascinating life that inspires millions of people around the world. Well worth buying and keeping.

I adored this film about the early life of a very humble man, whom I greatly admire and hold in high esteem.The film is beautiful and shows how much these poor non-violent people suffered under the Chinese. Their cruelty knew no bounds. A must see for anyone interested . May I recommend also the DVD of Seven years in Tibet (1956) which documents real film and person of the Dalai Lama's long life friend Heinrich Harrer. The more recent Seven Years in Tibet depicting Heinrich Harrer by Bradd Pitt is also an excellent film.

"With all respect sir, may I ask, who are you?" "What you see before you is a man, a simple monk.""Are you the Lord Buddha?" "I think I am a reflection like the moon on water. When you see me, and I try to be a good man, you see yourself".Watching this deep and reflective film, it's hard to remember it is by the director of Goodfellas, Casino. Scorcese seems to use a light touch throughout, as if the story itself is strong enough to carry it.Watching a wise and loving leader the Dalai Lama, it's hard to stomach the corrupt shifty crooks most of us elect as leaders.But hope springs eternal.

In 1937 a young boy called Kundun is born to a poor Chinese family. He grows up to become the spiritual leader of Tibet, the Dalai Lama. Absolutely stunning to look at, with a completely unknown and impressive cast, this is one of director Martin Scorsese's lesser known efforts and certainly not like his usual violent gangster films for which he is usually known. A powerful and moving film which shows that Scorsese at his weakest and this is still a 5 star film just for the stunning cinematography alone is still better than some directors at their best. Very underrated.

5 stars for inspiring film let down by inadequate audio in this edition. Bought 'Blu-ray + DVD Region 2 Import' as upgrade to old DVD which came with 5.1 surround sound. However, this particular Blu ray version is restricted to stereo only. This is not made clear in product description. Film audio buffs beware! When will Amazon UK get it's act together and provide buyers with a full description of Blu ray and DVD audio formats? Have returned for refund, and bought DTS-HD 5.1 version from Ebay, which seems to provide full audio details unlike Amazon!

A Great Movie that goes beyond the '7 years in Tibet' Movie with the full life of his Great and Noble Holiness Dalai Lama forced to leave Tibet. Painfully upsetting as with the latter with the Cruelness brutality forced on the Tibetan people. All spoken in English with Traditional Tibetan words used for realization and customs etc....Fantastic Cultural Movie that will stand as its legacy as well. Truly a masterful piece of work that Should be shown in Every World History class Everywhere it is very entertaining for all !

This is a beautifully filmed biopic of the early life of the Dalai Lama including the Chinese invasion up until his flight to India. The DVD is not "anamorphic" so I found I had to zoom in as far as possible to get the 2.35:1 format. Nevertheless the picture quality is good, as is sound quality (Dolby 5.1). I am sure this title would look particularly good on blu-ray.