Films about the Dalai Lama often explore the life and teachings of Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama and a significant spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism. These films provide insight into his struggles, teachings, and the Tibetan struggle for autonomy.
“Kundun”, 1997
Director: Martin Scorsese
Directed by Martin Scorsese, this film chronicles the life of the 14th Dalai Lama from childhood to his exile from Tibet in 1959.
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, Jampa Lungtok, Karma Wangchuk, Kim Chan, Henry Yuk, Ngawang Kaldan, Jurme Wangda, Robert Lin, Salden Kunga, John Wong, Gawa Youngdung, Tenzin Rampa, Vyas Ananthakrishnan, Stanley Ipkiss, Ken Leung, Yoon C. Joyce, R. Gern Trowbridge, Ben Wang;
Production year: 1997;
Genre: drama, war, biography, history;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 134 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7;
More information about the film “Kundun” on the website imdb.com
“Seven Years in Tibet”, 1997
Director: Jean-Jacques Annaud
Starring Brad Pitt, this film follows the true story of Heinrich Harrer, an Austrian mountaineer who becomes friends with the Dalai Lama during China's takeover of Tibet.
Starring: Brad Pitt, David Thewlis, B.D. Wong, Mako, Danny Denzongpa, Victor Wong, Jamyang Jamtsho Wangchuk, Lhakpa Tsamchoe, Jetsun Pema, Ama Ashe Dongtse, Sonam Wangchuk, Dorjee Tsering, Ric Young, Ngawang Chojor, Duncan Fraser, Benedick Blythe, Tom Raudaschl, Wolfgang Tonninger, Samdup Dhargyal, Chemchok, Tenzin Jangchub, Angphurba Sherpa, Tsering Wangdue, Yama Ngudup Cheshatsang, Kalsang Dhundop Lungtok, Sonam Bidhartsang, Lama Champa Tsondu, Geshe Lobsang Nyma, Geshe Yeshi Tsultrim, Lama Champa Chandu, Pemba Norbu Sherpa, Karma Apo-Tsang, Ngawang Tenzingyatso, Choeden Tsering, Lama Jampa Lekshe, Lama Thupten Nugdup, Daniel Tedeschi, Gerardo Ebert, Sebastian Zevalia, Philipp Kriechbaum, Lobsang Gendun Rinpoche, Tenzin Gyaltsen Rinpoche, Sharpa Tulku Rinpoche, Zongra Tulku Rinpoche, Victor A. Haddox;
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
“Dalai Lama Renaissance”, 2007
Director: Khashyar Darvich
This documentary captures the Dalai Lama's meetings with leading thinkers to discuss the world's problems and how to solve them.
Starring: Dalai Lama, Harrison Ford, Amit Goswami, Vicki Robin, Fred Alan Wolf;
Production year: 2007;
Genre: documentary;
Duration: 81 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,9;
More information about the film “Dalai Lama Renaissance” on the website imdb.com
“The Last Dalai Lama?”, 2016
Director: Mickey Lemle
This documentary examines the Dalai Lama's impact on the world and his thoughts on aging, the nature of suffering, and the pursuit of happiness.
Starring: Rinchen Khando Choegyal, Tenzin Choegyal, Thupten Chokdhen, Dalai Lama, Richard Davidson, Eve Ekman, Philip Glass, Daniel Goleman, Joan Halifax, Pico Iyer, Thupten Jinpa, James A. Kowalski, James Parks Morton, Thupten Jigme Norbu, Jetsun Pema, Matthieu Ricard, Ling Rinpoche, Kim Schonert-Reichl, Robert Thurman;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: documentary;
Duration: 82 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “The Last Dalai Lama?” on the website imdb.com
The selection of films about the Dalai Lama offers a profound and enlightening journey into the life and teachings of one of the world's most inspiring spiritual leaders. Each film beautifully captures the essence of the Dalai Lama's message of compassion, peace, and resilience, transporting viewers into a world of wisdom and introspection. From the historical dramas that depict the Dalai Lama's struggles with the Chinese government to the intimate documentaries that provide an intimate glimpse into his personal life, these films truly showcase the profound impact of his teachings on individuals and society as a whole. Whether you're a believer or simply curious about Buddhism, these films are a testament to the power of spirituality to transform lives and inspire change.
