Kundun

Martin Scorsese, 1997 (135 mins, Cert. 12)

Martin Scorsese's mesmerising journey into the early life of the fourteenth Dalai Lama.
(Playhouse publicity)

This is a visually sumptious and compelling portrait of the early life of His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama. The film takes us from the time of his discovery as a young child, up until his departure from Tibet for a period of self-imposed exile which has yet to end. Made with the participation and co-operation of His Holiness, it is a thoroughly sympathetic account of his personal journey as he grew into the role. The story is told clearly, with great affection and many touches of humour, and the spectacular scenery of Tibet forms a thrilling backdrop. All the actors (including several portraying His Holiness at different ages) are highly believable in their roles, and Robert Lin as Mao Tse Tung is an astonishingly acurate likeness. All-round, an excellent film!
(Steve Fagg)

Seen: Tuesday, 17th November, 1998 (Harlow Playhouse)