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Post by ck100 on Sept 29, 2022 15:00:02 GMT
The one Martin Scorsese movie that nobody ever talks about. So with the movie turning 25 this year, I wanted to find out why. While there are plenty of Scorsese films that are better than Kundun, it's by no means a bad movie. It does have good things like good performances by the predominantly Asian amateur cast and colorful cinematography by Roger Deakins. Admittedly, I'm not well-versed in things like the Dalai Lama or Communist China or Tibet so I won't exactly say I had the easiest time following the movie. But that doesn't mean I was bored or confused. I eventually picked up on things as I watched it as we follow the Dalai Lama's life from a little boy to a teen. The movie is certainly one of the least "Scorsese" movies of Scorsese's career, but I give him credit for doing something so out of the norm for him. I was reminded of things like the story of Jesus Christ and even "The Ten Commandments" since the movie is about a religious figure and the figure leading his people to freedom from oppression. Kundun will never be on anyone's favorite Scorsese list, but it's still an interesting drama overall. Leonard Maltin Movie Guide Review: Kundun (1997) - 3 out of 4 stars"The fascinating saga of the 14th Dalai Lama begins with the discovery that he has been reincarnated in the body of a two-year old boy. We follow his journey through life, including education, exile, and a confrontation with the Chinese governemnt, led by Mao Tse-tung. Search in vain for a Scorsese "edge"--this is just good, solid storytelling, from Melissa Mathison's script (written with the Dalai Lama's cooperation). A cast of nonprofessional actors is simply remarkable, and so is Philip Glass' score. Super 35."
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Post by jcush on Sept 29, 2022 18:45:25 GMT
It took me a second viewing to appreciate it. It's still lesser Scorsese for me, but a pretty good movie overall. Roger Deakins's cinematography and Philip Glass's score are the highlights.
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Post by moviemouth on Sept 29, 2022 19:05:46 GMT
Kundun is a good movie, but not a great movie.
Well-deserved Oscar nominations for cinematography and score.
7.5/10
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