For westerners, it is often difficult to understand some of the teachings in Buddhism. The basic values of western society concerning attachment, accumulation, and individuality clash with the tenants of Buddhist philosophy. Movies can relate a teaching into the context of everyday life. Dealing with pain, loss, desire and attachment are common themes in Buddhist movies.
In general, movies about Buddhism will either focus on historical events and people, or the applied teachings in an individual’s life. Both types are helpful in understanding Buddhist teachings.
Historical Buddhist Movies
Movies that deal with the history shaping Buddhism give a frame of reference for understanding how the teachings were developed.
Kundun –Gives an account of the 14th Dalai Lama, his childhood, and the invasion by China which forced his decision to leave Tibet.
Little Buddha – Aside from dealing with a present day situation, the movie also gives a good primer into the life of Buddha.
Milarepa – One of the historical figures in Tibetan Buddhism, this is the first of a two-part movie series.
Applied Buddhist Teachings
Buddhism is an active philosophy; it is not meant to be abstract, but instead applied in everyday life.
Samsara – Dealing with desire is one of the fundamental teachings in Buddhism. This movie deals with the subject of desire very well. Beautifully filmed and acted.
The Cup (Phorpa) – Kyentse Norbu Rinpoche is a well respected Tibetan Lama who is also a film director. Working with unscripted non-professional actors, he created The Cup. The movie has a wonderful feeling of innocence to it.
Travellers and Magicians - Another movie by Kyenste Norbu Rinpoche, this one has an interesting split story of a mythical tale paralleling a present day drama.
Words of My Perfect Teacher – A documentary of Kyenste Norbu Rinpoche with some of his students. It is a good insight into a renowned Buddhist teacher.
Kiss the Sky – A western movie that very well illustrates the nature of desire, possession, and the choices faced on a spiritual path. Good performance by Terence Stamp as the Zen Buddhist monk.
Into the Wild – A powerful movie based upon a true story. The movie deals with issues of attachment, being present, and finally of compassion.
Siddhartha - Although it is set back in the time of Buddha, it deals with the same internal challenges faced today.
Spring Summer Autumn Winter and Spring –Beautiful cinematography frames the stages of life and the internal battles that are waged in each season of life.
Enlightenment Guaranteed – A good film concerning the clash of bringing the western mind to Buddhism, as well as the freedom achieved by self awareness.
Jacob’s Ladder – Meant to be an interpretation of the Tibetan Book of Liberation (Tibetan Book of the Dead), it is an interesting trip through the Bardos.
Why Has Bodhi-Dharma Left For the East – Definitely not a movie for the beginner trying to understand Buddhism, but it does hold some teachings for the serious student of Zen.
The Fountain – A complicated film that deals with the cyclic nature of samsara and karma.
Cultural Impact
Choosing a spiritual path is one thing, but being born into a culture and religion brings a different set of challenges. Movies can create a window into a culture.
Eve and the Fire Horse – A humorous and sometimes poignant film about growing up in a Chinese family in Canada in the 1970s. It illustrates the wisdom, conflicts and restraints that can come out of religion and culture.
Although Buddhist teachings can be found in almost all movies, these are ones that hold the teachings front and center.
Check out Movies on Tibet
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