7 of 8 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Remarkable Film; Remarkable History, Mar 19 2008
By Rebus - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Sacred Sites of the Dalai Lamas (DVD)
This film is remarkable for two reasons. First, while I'm interested in Buddhism, I'm not a Buddhist, and have always found Tibetan Buddhism just too far out of my sphere of experience and knowledge to pursue in any depth. This film succeeded in making me want to learn more.
While the film chronicles a brief journey, it manages to evoke the long and fascinating history of Tibetan Buddhism, and becomes a very powerful testament to belief, dedication, and sacrifice.
This could also be said about the film itself. The journey to some of the highest places on earth is a saga in itself, yet the director and narrator seldom call attention to their own travails, except lightly and humorously.
As someone who's taught documentary and fiction film for four decades, I also have to comment on the remarkable achievement of the director in producing such a compelling and moving film on what appears to be a budget that most filmmakers -- documentary or fiction -- would consume in a single lunch. Using a single camera and onboard microphone that any layperson can probably buy here on Amazon, and working under what I assume was the ever-watchful censorship of government officials (several scenes were obviously shot surreptitiously), he managed to produce a thoroughly professional and fascinating film.
This film demonstrates what you can do with little money or resources if you have the passion and commitment, and if your movie is ABOUT something.
Howard Suber
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
A "Must See!", Mar 15 2007
By Lynne Heckert "Lynnela" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Sacred Sites of the Dalai Lamas (DVD)
If you are planning a pilgrimage to Tibet, or if you have a special interest in Tibet, this film is a "must see." It is the story of one thoughtful man's journey to central Tibet, the high point being Lhamo Lhasa, the Lake of Visions. Educational and touching, the film made me cry and smile, and kept me glued to the screen. I'm very glad I bought it!
8 of 10 people found the following review helpful
3.0 out of 5 stars
a bit thin, Dec 30 2007
By Sven Z - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Sacred Sites of the Dalai Lamas (DVD)
i was hoping for this film to be a bit more in depth about these sacred sites. the film is mostly a document of a trip some western buddhists took to Tibet lead by Tibetan scholar Glenn Mullin. like most touristic type journeys the time spent at each location seems rushed and some information lacking.
a good and sincere effort overall inhabited with likable characters Mullin, Bhutanese monk Khenpo Tashi, and the narrator/composer Steve Dancz. the photography is nice and the locations they visit amazing and profound it's just a bit thin on information.