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Product Description
In his directorial debut, Buddhist lama Neten Chokling vividly presents the captivating story of Milarepa, the man who would become Tibet s greatest yogi and saint. In the dramatic setting of 11th century Tibet- a time of roaming sorcerers and yogis, according to Buddhist legend- a young Milarepa falls into a world of betrayal and hardships. The greed of others upturns his privileged life, dropping him into a void of despair, humiliation, pain and anger. He sets out to learn black magic- and exact revenge on his enemies- encountering magicians, demons, an enigmatic teacher and unexpected mystical power along the way. But it is in confronting the consequence of his quest for vengeance that he learns the most. Filmed on the breathtaking scenic Indo-Tibetan border, with Tibetan monks serving as most of the cast and crew, Milarepa glows with a unique visual and spiritual charge.
Product Description
TWO-DISC SET, including "TEACHINGS ON MILAREPA" (175 mins), featuring contributions from Buddhist luminaries such as Khandro Rinpoche, Ani Pema Chödrön, director of MILAREPA Neten Chokling Rinpoche and many others. Other DVD bonus features include an exclusive introduction to the Pan Asia Film Festival screening in London by Lama Chime Rinpoche, "Who is Milarepa" documentary, stills gallery and trailer.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
25 of 25 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Let me start with the film's one drawback... it is part one of two. As enthralling and far better than expected as this film is, it disappointingly terminates midway through the story. The end of this movie is a logical breaking point, however, a breaking point all the same, leaving you wanting more.
That said, there is no reason to give this DVD anything less than 5 stars, because it could not be better than it is. Interestingly, most of the cast and crew are from a Buddhist monastery. You would never know until you read the credits at the end because there is nothing provincial or pedestrian about it. The acting, dialogue, special effects... everything for that matter, comes across as a very professional production.
There is considerable Buddhist "morality" conveyed as well, which is perfectly handled by the monks who made this film, but not in a heavy-handed way. In fact, one would need a Buddhist background to recognize the point-blank Dharma lessons contained within. This is something that could be viewed and enjoyed by anyone, including non-Buddhists. Finally, there is a most excellent documentary about the historical Milarepa as bonus material. Herein the viewer will get the full picture with regards to who the main character is as well clear and well-explained Buddhist thought on the same.
Highly recommended to everyone and of special interest to those with a leaning towards Buddhist thought.
That said, there is no reason to give this DVD anything less than 5 stars, because it could not be better than it is. Interestingly, most of the cast and crew are from a Buddhist monastery. You would never know until you read the credits at the end because there is nothing provincial or pedestrian about it. The acting, dialogue, special effects... everything for that matter, comes across as a very professional production.
There is considerable Buddhist "morality" conveyed as well, which is perfectly handled by the monks who made this film, but not in a heavy-handed way. In fact, one would need a Buddhist background to recognize the point-blank Dharma lessons contained within. This is something that could be viewed and enjoyed by anyone, including non-Buddhists. Finally, there is a most excellent documentary about the historical Milarepa as bonus material. Herein the viewer will get the full picture with regards to who the main character is as well clear and well-explained Buddhist thought on the same.
Highly recommended to everyone and of special interest to those with a leaning towards Buddhist thought.
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Fascinating story of intrigue, betrayal, and revenge begins the life of famous Tibetan saint Milarepa
30 Sep 2009
Format:DVD
Filmed in the Spiti Valley on the Indian-Tibetan border, this award winning film tells the story of the first half of Milarepa's life (1052-1135), whose path to enlightenment began with revenge. A second movie is planned to complete the story.
When his well-to-do merchant father died, Milarepa's uncle and aunt took all the family's wealth, suddenly thrusting Milarepa and his mother into poverty. His mother plots revenge by sending Milarepa away to study sorcery. Milarepa comes back to the village and causes a violent lightning storm to kill many people.
When the villagers chase him, Milarepa causes large rocks to fall from a ridge blocking their way. As he escapes Milarepa meets an old monk, and learns of Buddha's teachings. Milarepa returns to his sorcery teacher, who advises him to study with Marpa. The film ends with Milarepa seeking Marpa.
The landscape is stark and beautiful. The special effects are quite well done - I especially liked the scene where Milarepa gains mastery in sorcery, a bit like a Pink Floyd psychedelic trip from the 60s. My favourite scene was when Milarepa meets an old monk while escaping from the villagers, and sits quietly with old Buddhist paintings all around him on the wall. You can feel that his redemption is at hand.
As companions to this movie, I highly recommend reading a book about his life such as The Magnificent Trickster - The Story Of Milarepa by Molly MacGregor, and some of his teachings like in the book Milarepa: Songs On The Spot by Nicole Riggs.
When his well-to-do merchant father died, Milarepa's uncle and aunt took all the family's wealth, suddenly thrusting Milarepa and his mother into poverty. His mother plots revenge by sending Milarepa away to study sorcery. Milarepa comes back to the village and causes a violent lightning storm to kill many people.
When the villagers chase him, Milarepa causes large rocks to fall from a ridge blocking their way. As he escapes Milarepa meets an old monk, and learns of Buddha's teachings. Milarepa returns to his sorcery teacher, who advises him to study with Marpa. The film ends with Milarepa seeking Marpa.
The landscape is stark and beautiful. The special effects are quite well done - I especially liked the scene where Milarepa gains mastery in sorcery, a bit like a Pink Floyd psychedelic trip from the 60s. My favourite scene was when Milarepa meets an old monk while escaping from the villagers, and sits quietly with old Buddhist paintings all around him on the wall. You can feel that his redemption is at hand.
As companions to this movie, I highly recommend reading a book about his life such as The Magnificent Trickster - The Story Of Milarepa by Molly MacGregor, and some of his teachings like in the book Milarepa: Songs On The Spot by Nicole Riggs.
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
This is a beautifully told and photographed and well acted portrayal of Milarepa's life. The reason I have only given it 3 stars is because there was nothing on the packaging that indicated that it was only the first part and I would have liked to have been aware of that fact as it MAY have influenced my choice to buy it. On line it indicated that the next instalment would be released in 2009, but as yet there are no signs of that.
Nevertheless it was much better than I expected and I do look forward to the sequel-whenever it comes out.
Nevertheless it was much better than I expected and I do look forward to the sequel-whenever it comes out.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
How can I review this item if I couldn't even see it?!
I was really looking forward to see this movie, I bought it in Amazon. I live in Ireland and I didn't expect at all not to be able to watch it. It's from a different "region". Read more
Published 17 months ago by Ana Alves-Smyth
Great Imagery
I read the biography of Milarepa and the film captured the images I had whilst reading the book perfectly. It was made all the more realistic with the cast being Tibetan. Read more
Published 20 months ago by G. D. Mcallen
Tibetan Movies
It is a brilliant movie. It is a pity that it isn't available in PAL format, but I managed to change the code from PAL to international on my DVD player. Read more
Published on 22 Dec 2009 by Robert
non compliant DVD regional code
not too many users will be able to view this movie, as it comes on a DVD which is not an EURO coded product - so your usual DVD players will refuse to play. Read more
Published on 29 Oct 2009 by Julije Makanec
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