Why Has Bodhi-Dharma Left for the East?

Why Has Bodhi-Dharma Left for the East? is a contemplative and deeply philosophical film from 1989, directed by Bae Yong-Kyun. Starring Yi Pan-Yong, Sin Won-Sop, and Hae-Jin Huang, the film presents a snapshot of the Zen Buddhist lifestyle, an exploration of its core philosophies, and an insightful look into the life-lessons of Buddhism.

The movie is set in a small, solitary monastery, perched on a mountainous region in Korea. The location's natural beauty unfolds along with the narrative, the serene landscapes of immense mountains, crystal clear water bodies, and lush greenery vividly captured. This provides a tranquil backdrop to the spiritual journey of its main characters.

The protagonists are a monk in the autumn of his life, a young novice, and a little orphan boy who lives with them. The tranquility of their existence is periodically disrupted by encounters with the surrounding villagers, opening up the stark contrast between the materialistic society and the spiritually oriented life of the monks. Each character embodies a stage of life and spiritual development, and the movie follows their individual paths and collective journey towards enlightenment.

Yi Pan-Yong, the old monk, wrestles with the existential themes of life and death. His consistent struggle to find peace and acceptance of the inevitability of death is a significant part of his arc. Sin Won-Sop plays the novice monk, who is engaged in a continuous struggle with the earthly desires and the attainment of Nirvana. Last but not least, the young boy, played by Hae-Jin Huang, represents innocent curiosity and pure intention as he grapples with questions about life, death, and the very nature of existence.

The narrative is slow-paced, with each scene meticulously framed to enhance its aesthetic and philosophical depth. It prolongs the quotidian routines of these individuals, unraveling their lives with utmost simplicity and creating a meditative tempo throughout the movie.

One of the remarkable features of the film is its extensive use of nature symbolism. The changing seasons, the flowing water, the fluttering leaves, and the wild animals represent the Buddhist view of the universe's impermanence, subtly creating a transcendental and spiritual feeling.

What sets the narrative apart is its propensity to evoke profound introspection. The ordinary becomes extraordinary as the daily practices of these monks, from chanting sutras to chopping wood, become spiritual teachings in themselves. Their interaction with nature, their grappling with life's big questions, and their journey toward self-realization and enlightenment are depicted with minimal dialogue and rich visual poetry.

While Why Has Bodhi-Dharma Left for the East? may not have the conventional, plot-driven structure of typical movies, it captivates with arresting cinematography, the tranquility of its setting, and its powerful philosophical undertones. The movie requires patience from its viewers, but rewards them with a beautiful cinematic experience and philosophical riches.

Deeply rooted in Zen principles, the film allows its audience to experience Buddhist philosophy, rather than simply telling a story about it. The title itself refers to Bodhi-Dharma, the semi-legendary Buddhist monk who brought Zen Buddhism to China from India. The title remains a deep philosophical question throughout the narrative, hinting at the confluence and interplay of various Eastern spiritual traditions.

In essence, Why Has Bodhi-Dharma Left for the East? is more than a film. It's an engaging, spiritually enlightening experience that takes viewers on a philosophical journey into Buddhism's core teachings. It’s a must-watch film for anyone interested in Zen Buddhism, spiritualism, or simply those seeking a quiet, contemplative film experience. Still vividly remembered in the minds of the viewers, this classic cinematic piece from the late 80s continues to captivate the hearts of those who seek deeper meanings and philosophies beyond the surface level of existence.