Kundun

Kundun, released in 1997 by Touchstone Pictures, is a historical drama directed by the renowned auteur Martin Scorsese. Rather than taking on his usual gritty, urban milieu, Scorsese weaves a transcendent narrative about a distinct culture and a significant individual in contemporary history. This epic cultural journey, boasting a cast comprised of Tenzin Thuthob Tsarong, Gyurme Tethong, and Tulku Jamyang Kunga Tenzin, sheds light on the life and teachings of the 14th Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism.

The film begins with the identification of the two-year-old boy, Kundun, as the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama. His childhood playing innocent games is exchanged for studying the doctrines and practices of Buddhism. The role of the Dalai Lama, who is believed to be the living embodiment of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion in Tibetan Buddhism, becomes increasingly real and paramount to him. Kundun allows the audience to experience the monumental weight of such a realization. Tsarong portrays the older Kundun, inheriting the Dalai Lama’s mantle as a teenager, effectively capturing the boy’s awe, innocence, and growing maturity and responsibility.

The screenplay by Melissa Mathison, the noted writer of Steven Spielberg’s E.T., unfolds as a series of evocative, dreamlike vignettes. This episodic narrative style reflects the elliptical nature of reincarnation, a critical theme in the film. While there's a sequence in the narrative, the events do not succeed each other naturally, as in routine biopics, but appear as milestones marking the progress of Kundun from a child to a leader.

This is not merely a film about the individual; Kundun is also a tribute to the nation of Tibet, the cradle of Mahayana Buddhism. As the young Dalai Lama grows in wisdom and stature, he grapples with the tragic struggles of his nation against Chinese occupation. In a significant departure from mainstream Hollywood cinema, there is no overt dramatization. Despite the gravely serious political backdrop, the tale focuses on the spiritual journey of its protagonist. It's a spiritually invigorating and culturally enriching viewing experience that grants a rare glimpse into the spiritual and political leader's remarkable life.

One of the standout features of Kundun is its production design. The detailed and vibrant sets mirror the opulence and richness of Tibetan culture, from the grand Potala Palace to the minutest objects used in rituals. Scorsese, a director known for his narrative splendors and cinematic flourishes, successfully paints an all-engulfing canvas of Tibet in the mid-20th century. The potent use of color, particularly red, aptly captures the vibrancy of Tibetan life. Music by Philip Glass, an acclaimed modern minimalist composer, accentuates the film's lyrical quality and underlines its pathos and tragedy with restraints and subtlety.

Casting non-professional actors brings a unique authenticity to the film. Notable among them is Tenzin Thuthob Tsarong, in his debut film role, who delivers a genuine performance as the Dalai Lama. It's a testament to Scorsese’s directorial prowess that he elicited such exceptional performances from the cast, none of whom had prior acting experience.

Kundun received multiple nominations at the 70th Academy Awards, including Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, and Best Original Score, underlining its successful blending of powerful performances, stunning visuals, and mesmerizing sounds.

In the end, Kundun is more than just a biographical film. It is a love letter to a culture, a tribute to Tibet, an exploration of the philosophy of non-violence, and an individual’s journey from childhood to spiritual and political leadership. Even though it’s not a typical Scorsese film, Kundun bears the director’s trademarks- his love for cultures, personal stories, and epic narratives.

Kundun is not a film about heroes and villains. It does not seek to judge or analyze but only to observe. The viewer experiences Kundun's enlightenment as he does, and there are no easy answers. It’s a visually stunning, culturally enlightening, and emotionally moving cinematic journey that leaves a lingering resonance with its End Credits. It's a testament to Scorsese's skill as a director that such a diverse, uncommercial subject can be rendered into a universally approachable film.