Tibet: A Buddhist Trilogy (1984)
-
67% of critics liked it
(12 reviews) -
65% of users liked it
(216 ratings)
This trilogy of films on Tibetans in exile focuses first on daily life in a refugee community in southern India, then on life and rituals in a similar community far to the north, in Nepal, and finally, on a two-hour puja or meditation on Green Tara, the national protectoress of Tibet and remover of… More This trilogy of films on Tibetans in exile focuses first on daily life in a refugee community in southern India, then on life and rituals in a similar community far to the north, in Nepal, and finally, on a two-hour puja or meditation on Green Tara, the national protectoress of Tibet and remover of life's obstacles. The Tara meditation is chanted with drums, horns, cymbals, and multiple hand gestures, and illustrated by images of the green-skinned female saint (bodhisattva) sitting on a lotus. It is spellbinding and inspirational for some viewers, and a little too long for others. The first two separate films, an hour each, show carpet makers, farmers tilling their fields, scenes at school, a cremation, monks in theological debate, scenes of monastic life, and a brief interview with the Dalai Lama (Noble Peace prize winner and acknowledged religious leader of the Tibetans). This trilogy is excellent for anyone wishing to expand their knowledge of a culture endangered by the Communist Chinese policy of suppressing both Buddhism and the Tibetan language in Tibet, not to mention using Tibet as a continuing site for nuclear testing, and the dumping of nuclear waste. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, Rovi
- Directed By
- Graham Coleman
- Genres
- Documentary, Faith & Spirituality, Special Interest
Unrated,
- In Theaters
- Jun 8, 1984 Wide
Critic Reviews
-
Susan Walker, Toronto Star
Long before the two-hour mark, Coleman's documentary begins to more resemble a photographic tour through a museum than an exploration of a living religion.
-
Jeff Shannon, Seattle Times
A rigorous, labor-intensive viewing experience, but there's something to be said for its unadorned purity.
-
G. Allen Johnson, San Francisco Chronicle
I, for one, knew nothing about Buddhism going into this film and was eager to find out about the principles of the religion. After two hours of grueling ceremonies and rituals, I knew barely anything more than I did before.
-
Michael Atkinson, Village Voice
Watching tranquility and devotion does not translate to nonpractitioners as much more than a travel ad for the budding Larry Darrells among us.
-
Maria Garcia, Film Journal International
Coleman's ethnographic style resembles the American masters and provides a startling insider's view of the selfless devotion of the monks.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
No Featured Audience Ratings Found…
Currently unavailable on Flixster
Also available on
Other Retailers
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Subscription Services
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
