“Seven Years in Tibet”, 1997
Director: Jean-Jacques Annaud
Starring Brad Pitt, the film chronicles the life of an Austrian mountaineer who befriends the Dalai Lama during the time of China's takeover of Tibet. Meditation is a strong backbone of the film narrative as the mountaineer learns Tibetan ways, including meditation.
Starring: Brad Pitt, David Thewlis, B.D. Wong, Mako, Danny Denzongpa, Victor Wong, Jamyang Jamtsho Wangchuk, Lhakpa Tsamchoe, Jetsun Pema;
Production year: 1997;
Genre: drama, adventure, war, biography, history;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 136 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “Seven Years in Tibet” on the website imdb.com
“Samsara”, 2011
Director: Ron Fricke
It's a spiritually enlightening film from India, featuring a Buddhist monk's quest for enlightenment. The process of meditation forms a significant part of the film narrative and it substantially showcases Buddhist practices including a substantial emphasis on meditation.
Starring: Ni Made Megahadi Pratiwi, Puti Sri Candra Dewi, Putu Dinda Pratika, Marcos Luna, Hiroshi Ishiguro, Olivier De Sagazan, Kikumaru, Crisanto Neire, Balinese Tari Legong Dancers, Ladyboys of Cascade Bar;
Production year: 2011;
Genre: documentary, music;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 102 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,4;
“Ashes and Snow”, 2005
Director: Gregory Colbert
The film explores the shared poetic sensibilities of human beings and animals. Its meditative quality lies in its immersive visual storytelling rather than dialogues.
Starring: Patrick Disanto, Laurence Fishburne, Jeanne Moreau, Enrique Rocha, Ken Watanabe;
Production year: 2005;
Genre: documentary, drama;
Duration: 62 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
More information about the film “Ashes and Snow” on the website imdb.com
“Baraka”, 1992
Director: Ron Fricke
An American non-narrative documentary film directed by Ron Fricke. The film is often noted for its themes of interconnectedness, meditation, and spirituality.
Starring: Patrick Disanto;
Production year: 1992;
Genre: documentary;
Age: 12+;
Duration: 96 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,5;
More information about the film “Baraka” on the website imdb.com
“10 Questions for the Dalai Lama”, 2006
Director: Rick Ray
This film offers insights into the Dalai Lama's perspective and his views on various subjects, including meditation. The film gives viewers a chance to explore Tibetan Buddhist practices including meditation.
Starring: Dalai Lama, Tenzin Bagdro, Bob Dole, Richard Gere, George Mitchell, Rick Ray, Tenzin Tethong;
Production year: 2006;
Genre: documentary;
Duration: 86 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
More information about the film “10 Questions for the Dalai Lama” on the website imdb.com
“Room to Breathe”, 2006
Director: Steven Leslie Johnson
This documentary explores the challenges faced by four middle school children and how the practice of mindfulness meditation can transform their lives.
Starring: Art Alexakis, Daria O'Neill, Steven Leslie Johnson;
Production year: 2006;
Genre: short film, horror;
Duration: 13 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,1;
More information about the film “Room to Breathe” on the website imdb.com
“The Dhamma Brothers”, 2008
Director: Andrew Kukura, Jenny Phillips, Anne Marie Stein
A documentary film about a prison meditation program at Donaldson Correctional Facility in Western Alabama. The film combines interviews with inmates and staff, scenes from the Vipassana program, and re-enactments of the prisoners' lives before their incarceration.
Starring: Grady Bankhead, Ron Cavanaugh, Jonathan Crowley, Edward Johnson, Ben Oryang, Rick Smith, Bruce Stewart;
Production year: 2008;
Genre: documentary;
Duration: 76 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,6;
More information about the film “The Dhamma Brothers” on the website imdb.com
In sum, the cinematic exploration of meditation offers a rich and diverse tapestry of narratives that delve into the human quest for inner peace, enlightenment, and self-understanding. Through the lens of directors from various backgrounds, these films intricately weave stories that range from personal journeys of self-discovery to profound explorations of spirituality and consciousness. They stand as a testament to the universal appeal of meditation, transcending cultural and religious boundaries to touch the core of our shared human experience. Whether it's through the serene silence of a meditative retreat or the dynamic flow of life's constant challenges, these films invite viewers to reflect on their own paths and perhaps discover a quieter, more mindful way of being in the world. As such, they hold a special place in the realm of cinematic storytelling, offering both a mirror and a map for those who seek to venture inward.
