Kind of a fluffy topic, so I figured I'd put it here -- what do you think are either (A) good movies about Buddhism, or (B) good movies to promote Buddhist thinking?
I find it difficult to find Theravadin movies; a quick Google search shows me kids movies about the life of Gautama. Me and the wife recently saw Zen (2009) and we enjoyed it. I've also seen Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring and enjoyed that.
In the second category, I can think of Everything Everywhere All At Once, Groundhog Day, the Truman Show, and the Matrix.
Saint Young Men is a Japanese comic/anime franchise that isn't about Buddhism, but shows Gautama and Jesus hanging out in the modern era. Goofy and lighthearted, my Christian friend liked watching it with me.
Any good Buddhist movies?
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Re: Any good Buddhist movies?
One of the precepts for monks is to stop watching movies
Re: Any good Buddhist movies?
I don't think Noumena is a monk.cappuccino wrote: ↑Mon Jun 05, 2023 2:50 am One of the precepts for monks is to stop watching movies
I suggest searching in Youtube for "Buddhist movies"
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_ ... ist+movies
“As the lamp consumes oil, the path realises Nibbana”
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Re: Any good Buddhist movies?
Our new alien and unsettling AI friend suggests this:
me: Any good buddhism movies
ChatGPT: Yes, there are several excellent movies that explore Buddhist themes and teachings. Here are some notable films that delve into Buddhism:
"Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring" (2003) - This South Korean film, directed by Kim Ki-duk, follows the life of a Buddhist monk and his young disciple in a remote floating temple. It beautifully portrays the cycles of life and the impermanence of existence.
"Departures" (2008) - A Japanese film directed by Yojiro Takita, "Departures" tells the story of a cellist who becomes a Buddhist mortician and explores themes of death, impermanence, and the importance of embracing life's transitions.
"Zen" (2009) - This Japanese film, directed by Banmei Takahashi, is a biographical drama about the life of Dogen Zenji, the founder of the Soto school of Zen Buddhism in Japan. It offers insights into Zen philosophy and the challenges Dogen faced in establishing his teachings.
"Kundun" (1997) - Directed by Martin Scorsese, "Kundun" chronicles the life of the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso. It explores his early years, spiritual training, and his struggles against the Chinese occupation of Tibet, highlighting Buddhist principles such as compassion and nonviolence.
"Little Buddha" (1993) - Directed by Bernardo Bertolucci, this film intertwines the story of Siddhartha, the historical Buddha, with the contemporary tale of a young boy believed to be the reincarnation of a high lama. It delves into Buddhist philosophy and the quest for enlightenment.
"The Cup" (1999) - Directed by Khyentse Norbu (a Buddhist monk himself), this film depicts the life of young Tibetan monks in a remote monastery. It humorously portrays their fascination with the 1998 World Cup and the challenges they face in reconciling their spiritual practices with their worldly desires.
These films offer a diverse range of perspectives on Buddhism, its principles, and the human experiences associated with it. They can provide valuable insights and inspire further exploration of Buddhist teachings.
In a fifth category unrelated to buddhism I recommend the anime series "Mushi shi" with eastern settings which are lovely though nothing to do with buddhist teachings
Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahato Sammā Sambuddhassa
Re: Any good Buddhist movies?
"Enter the Void" by Gaspard Noé. Great movie about Samsara.
Re: Any good Buddhist movies?
“Groundhog Day” (1993)
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Re: Any good Buddhist movies?
One favorite of mine is fairly hard to find. Its called Mindflesh and is a horror movie about craving and sense desires.
Re: Any good Buddhist movies?
If one is willing, any film can "promote Buddhist thinking".
Western Buddhism is the perfect ideological supplement to rabid consumerist capitalism.
Glenn Wallis
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Re: Any good Buddhist movies?
The Qatsi trilogy, Baraka and Samsara
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Re: Any good Buddhist movies?
Little Buddha, a 1993 film directed by Bernardo Bertolucci, is excellent.
No_Mind
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Re: Any good Buddhist movies?
That is probably the most honest answer. No good Buddhist movies are available.
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Re: Any good Buddhist movies?
As the night progresses, all the guests are trapped inside the house with ghosts, murderers, and other terrors. -Wikipedia
Re: Any good Buddhist movies?
Me myself and irene.
Any time Charlie gets "triggered" he turns into a completely different person.