Martin Scorsese's telling of the life story of the 14th Dalai Lama is a spiritual and deeply moving event. Barely able to walk, the young Tenzin Gyatso (played respectively by Tulku Jamyang Kung Tenzin, Gyurme Tethong, and Tenzin Thuthob Tsarong) is identified as the newly reincarnated form of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Leaving his family behind in order to live in a monastery, he grows to manhood in spiritual isolation, sheltered from the influences of Western worldliness and the dangerous encroachment of the Chinese army, which invaded Tibet in 1950 and forced the Buddhist leaders into exile. Preaching peace and understanding among all people, the Dalai Lama eventually travels to China to meet Chairman Mao Tse Tung, to no avail. In a heartbreaking decision, the Dalai Lama must choose whether to remain in Tibet and fight for his people or flee his homeland and avert almost certain death.

Scorsese's obvious affection and dedication to the Tibetan leader shines through in every frame of the picture, which features stellar performances by its mostly nonprofessional cast. Adding infinite depth to the story are Roger Deakins's cinematography and Philip Glass's score, which earned both men Oscar nominations. Politics and religion aside, KUNDUN is filmmaking at its most profound and beautiful.

Theatrical Release: December 25, 1997

The majority of the film was shot on location in various parts of Morroco.

Because of this film, Martin Scorsese was added to a list that banned him from entering Tibet.

The film's dedication reads: "For my mother, Catherine Scorsese 1912-1997."

DVD Features:

Region 1
Keep Case
Letterbox - 2.35
Widescreen - 1.66
Audio:
Dolby Digital 5.1 - English
Subtitles - English - Closed Captioned
Additional Release Material:
Trailers: Theatrical Trailer
Interactive Features:
Scene Selection

Distributor Notes: Kundun

Praised as one of the best films of the year, KUNDUN is a motion picture masterpiece directed by five-time Academy Award(R)-nominated director Martin Scorsese. It's the incredible true story of one of the world's most fascinating leaders -- Tibet's Dali Lama and his daring struggle to rule a nation at one of the most challenging times in its history. Powerfully told and set against a backdrop of world politics -- the film's release created an international uproar! Featuring a striking Oscar(R)-nominated score by renowned composer Philip Glass, this extraordinary motion picture has been greeted with both controversy and worldwide acclaim -- experience it for yourself!

Source: Buena Vista Home Entertainment.

Tenzin Thuthob Tsarong: 
Gyurme Tethong: 
Tulku Jamyang Kunga Tenzin: 
Tencho Gyalpo: 
Tenzin Topjar: 
Tsewang Migyur Khangsar: 
Tenzin Lodoe: 
Tenzin Lhamo: 
Geshi Yeshi Gyatso: 
Lobsang Gyatso: 
Sonam Phuntsok: 
Gyatso Lukhang: 
Lobsang Samten: 
Tsewang Jigme Tsarong: 
Tenzin Trinley: 
Ngawang Dorjee: 
Phintso Thonden: 
Chewang Tsering Ngokhang: 
Jamyang Tenzin: 
Tashi Dhondup: 
Jampa Lungtok: 
Karma Wangchuck: 
Ben Wang: 
Kim Chan: 
Henry Yuk: 
Ngawang Kaldan: 
Ngwang Wangda: 
Robert Lin: 
Selden Kunga: 
John Wong: 
Gawa Youngdung: 
Tenzin Rampa: 
Vyas Anathakrishnan: 

Martin Scorsese: American director/screenwriter/producer, GOODFELLAS (1990)

Barbara De Fina: Producer

Melissa Mathison: 

Philip Glass: American Composer

Thelma Schoonmaker: Editor, CASINO (1995)

"...A glittering historical pageant infused with gorgeous, pulsing music by Philip Glass....Composed of dazzling, beautifully framed imagery..."
"...[The film] eschews spectacle and puts the viewer inside Tibet, both physically and spiritually..."
"...A movie that uses its visual and aural palette to build something almost indescribable, revelatory and profoundly moving..."
"...A transcendent story of faith....An amazement, a film of beauty and consequence..."
"...The film's visuals and music are rich and inspiring..."
"...Pageant-like....Hypnotic visual and sonic strength....A cinematic mandala..." -- Rating: B+
"...A stunning visual feast and a moving meditation on the difficulty of sustaining the Buddhist principle of nonviolence in a brutal world..." -- 4 out of 5 stars