BuzzFlash Reviews
10 Questions for the Dalai Lama (DVD) -- Just Released
The Dalai Lama, Filmed by Rick Ray
BUZZFLASH REVIEWS
"Enlightening... provocative... highly engaging"
The Boston Herald:
"Get enlightened... Grade A ...luscious cinematography and awe-inspiring humanity, one of the most electrifying documentaries to be released this year."
The Boston Globe:
"One comes away from "10 Questions" emboldened, energized, and sadder -- aware that peace remains so radical a concept that most of us aren't yet worthy of it."
Minneapolis Star-Tribune:
"3 out of 4 Stars. Enlightenment rarely sounds so practical and levelheaded."
To watch the trailer of "Ten Questions for the Dalai Lama", Click Here
From the DVD:
"How do you reconcile a commitment to non-violence when faced with violence? Why do the poor often seem happier than the rich? Must a society lose its traditions in order to move into the future? These are some of the questions posed to His Holiness the Dalai Lama by filmmaker and explorer Rick Ray. Ray examines some of the fundamental questions of our time by weaving together observations from his own journeys throughout India and the Middle East, and the wisdom of an extraordinary spiritual leader. This is his story, as told and filmed by Rick Ray during a private visit to his monastery in Dharamsala, India over the course of several months. Also included is rare historical footage as well as footage supplied by individuals who at great personal risk, filmed with hidden cameras within Tibet. Part biography, part philosophy, part adventure and part politics, "10 Questions for The Dalai Lama" conveys more than history and more than answers - it opens a window into the heart of an inspiring man. If you had only one hour, what would you ask?"
From an online reviewer:
"This is a very gentle documentary film of the most famous monk in the world, his humble origins and his joint role as spiritual and political leader of Tibetans.
It's combination of background and insertion of clips to illustrate points during the actual interview with his holiness enhances what would be to most people a relatively staid movie. What results is an interesting story of a man who insists that he is but a man despite everything which his many follwers wish upon him. He is his own person, someone who wishes his own privacy despite the pressure upon him to be a purely public figure.
The documentary also deals with real political difficulties, addressing the issue of China and accusing the Chinese government in all but name of the kidnap of the Panchen Lama, yet managing to maintain some degree of impartiality so that it avoids the charge of being mere propaganda.
We learn much too, of the filmmaker and his observations, especially where he notes that it is those with least who display outward signs of happiness while those who have the most are the least happy.
Overall this is well worth watching especially to gain some insight into the mind of one of the most influential men of the 20th Century. After having watched this film today, I was reminded of the famous remark of Stalin who is reported to have asked: "How many legions has the Pope?" Perhaps China's current rulers would be advised to ask the same question about the Dalai Lama."
Music by Peter Kater:
Music from the film 10 Questions for the Dalai Lama was composed by Grammy nominated pianist and composer Peter Kater. Tibetan bowls, cello, piano, strings and flutes are fused to evoke the vast plateaus, majestic mountains and spiritual mystery that are experienced in the film. With guest appearances by chanting Tibetan monk and teacher, Tulku Orgyen, Tibetan flutist Nawang Khechog, and Native American flutist R. Carlos Nakai, Peter Kater has created a soundtrack that is the perfect partner to the film's beautiful imagery.
Bonus Features:
- Interview with director Rick Ray
- Additional Selected Scenes
- Interview with Tenzin Geyche Tethong
- Trailer
BUZZFLASH REVIEWS