Kundun (1997) Review

"Kundun" US Theatrical Poster

Director: Martin Scorsese
Writer: Melissa Mathison
Producer: Barbara De Fina
Cast: Henry Yuk, Tenzin Thuthob Tsarong, Gyurme Tethong, Tulku Jamyang Kunga Tenzin, Tenzin Yeshi Paichang
Running Time: 134 min.

By JJ Hatfield

“Kundun” is the fascinating true story of the life and challenges of the ruler of Tibet during times of extreme turmoil. The 14th Kundun is known to most of the world as the Dalai Lama. This excellent film directed by the very talented Martin Scorsese is a true masterpiece!

The film begins as we see a family going about their daily routine. One of the children is a young boy who has always seemed a bit different. Being so young and having never traveled the boy sometimes says things that his concerned parents do not understand. He becomes most adamant about getting what he seems to feel he deserves, such as sitting at the head of the table. His mother treats him very differently than the other children, even as his father tells her she spoils the boy.

The last Dalai Lama said he would be reincarnated and gave clues to his followers how to know him when he comes again. As the word spreads of a search for the new Dalai Lama the simple family’s life will be changed forever. This is not a search for someone to be the next Kundun. This is a search for the Dalai Lama reincarnated. With so much depending upon finding the real Kundun the boy is tested in various ways and is determined without a doubt to be Kundun. The family is honored but very upset about having their son taken to the Tibetan temple to live, especially at such an age. At first it is just an adventure for the boy but as the reality sinks in he realizes he would never live with his family again.

The young Kundun is educated in all areas, not only in what he must do as his duties. He is at times overwhelmed with the great responsibility he bears to lead his people. However as statesman interacting with various world leaders including Chairman Mao the Dalai Lama is amazingly restrained, knowing his words cannot reach those consumed by profit and power. At all times he speaks of peace while trying to save his people from the Chinese military and brutal factions. When he reaches out to other countries for help no one will reliably agree to even consider the matter.

The world political situation, even the so called “Cold War” forms a backdrop for the true story. As anticipated the film did not always receive a warm reception and is still banned from some regions and countries, and it still proves controversial today though it was released in the US in 1997. Martin Scorsese did a fantastic work as the director. He was wise enough to not hammer the audience with terrible scenes of violence but to follow the Dalai Lama’s ordeals as he responds to vicious attacks on his people.

One aspect that made this film so believable was the actors. There is a good reason for that. Scorsese was wise enough to use not only locals in the film but many of the Dalai Lama’s relatives as well. The older boy/young adult is portrayed by the Dalai Lama’s grand nephew. The efforts to make this film as close to reality as possible could not have been done better! The score by Philip Glass is perfect in tone and mood, enhancing the visuals without overwhelming scenes. The cinematography is entrancing.

Kundun was nominated for a number of awards and won in the following categories:

1997 Boston Society of Film Critics Awards
Best Cinematography by Roger Deakins

1997 New York Film Critics Circle Awards
Won NYFCC Award for Best Cinematographer Roger Deakins

Everyone needs to see this film!

JJ Hatfield’s Rating: 10/10