10 Questions for the Dalai Lama

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Rick Ray
1:25
Documentary
Monterey Home Video
2006
How do you reconcile a commitment to non-violence when faced with violence?
Why do the poor often seem happier than the rich? Must a society lose its
traditions in order to move into the future? These are some of the questions
posed to His Holiness the Dalai Lama by filmmaker and explorer Rick Ray.
Ray examines some of the fundamental questions of our time by weaving
together observations from his own journeys throughout India and the Middle
East, and the wisdom of an extraordinary spiritual leader. This is his story, as told
and filmed by Rick Ray during a private visit to his monastery in Dharamsala,
India over the course of several months.
Also included is rare historical footage as well as footage supplied by individuals
who at great personal risk, filmed with hidden cameras within Tibet. Part
biography, part philosophy, part adventure and part politics, "10 Questions for
The Dalai Lama" conveys more than history and more than answers - it opens a
window into the heart of an inspiring man. If you had only one hour, what would
you ask?
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English
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Act Normal
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1:20
Documentary
2006
A Buddhist monk decides to disrobe and get married after sixteen years of
monkhood. Filmed for over ten years.
Robert T. Edison was born and raised in Nottingham, England. When he was
fourteen years old he began to practice Buddhism. At eighteen he became a
monk and went to Thailand where, for a decade, he spent his time in
monasteries. He became the first Buddhist monk in Iceland when he moved there
in 1994 and founded a Buddhist sect. Five years later Robert decided to disrobe
and get married. After sixteen years of celibacy Robert had to deal with being
normal getting employment, paying his bills and dealing with the needs of his
partner. After four years in the real world Robert travelled back to Thailand to
become a monk again.
Act Normal was filmed from 1994 to 2006 and is a unique exploration of one
mans twelve-year search for some kind of love.
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2
English
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BFC Exclusive
Amongst White Clouds
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1:26
Documentary
2007
An unforgettable journey into the hidden tradition of China's Buddhist hermit
monks Amongst White Clouds is an intimate insider's look at students and
masters living in scattered retreats dotting China's Zhongnan Mountain range.
These peaks have reputedly been home to recluses since the time of the Yellow
Emperor, some five thousand years ago. It was widely thought that the tradition
was all but wiped out, but this film emphatically and beautifully shows us
otherwise. One of only a few foreigners to have lived and studied with these
elusive practitioners, American director Edward Burger is able, with humor and
compassion, to present their tradition, their wisdom, and the hardship and joy of
their everyday lives among the clouds.
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Subtitles: English
3
Mandarin
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Amrapali
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2:01
Drama
1966
Amrapali is a 1966 historical Hindi film, directed by Lekh Tandon, starring
Vyjayanthimala and Sunil Dutt as leads.
It was based on the life of Amrapali (Ambapali), the nagarvadhu (royal courtesan)
of Vaishali, the capital of the Licchavi republic in ancient India around 500 BC and
Ajatashatru, the king of the Magadha empire, who falls in love with her. Though
he destroys Vaishali to get her, she in the meantime has been transformed by her
encounter with Gautama Buddha, of whom she becomes a disciple and an
Arahant herself. Her story finds mention in old Pali texts and Buddhist traditions.
The film was selected as the Indian entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at
the 39th Academy Awards, but was not accepted as a nominee. Though the film
wasn't a commercial success, in time it started being seen as classic and is
remembered not just for its dramatic cinematography of war scenes by Dwarka
Divecha, and Bhanu Athaiya's costumes for which she travelled to the Ajanta
Caves, to seek references in Buddhist frescoes of the era, to create period
costumes that subsequently became a template for costumes of that era, but
also for the strong Anti-war sentiment, the film reveals in the end.
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Subtitles: English
4
Hindi
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BFC Exclusive
Angulimala
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Suthep Tannitratana
Noppachai Chaiyanam, Stella Malucchi, John Rattanaveroj,
Khamron Kunadilok, Alisa Khajonchaikul, Arnan Sammasap
1:41
Drama
Film Bangkok
2003
More than 2,500 years ago at Savatti in Jambudipa, the Land of the Rose Apple,
Ahimsaka was born of Brahmin parents, the social group of high virtue in the
Hindu caste system. Despite his noble birth, Ahimsaka was predestined to
become a murderous bandit, killing the people to whom he owed a debt of
gratitude.
Following his predestination, Ahimsaka was sent to be a disciple of Sati, the head
of the Dhisapamoka Academy in Taxila. His father knew of Ahimsaka's destiny but
was only interested in postponing the problem. His mother wished that Sati, a
promising guru who wished to reach nirvana in the near future, could deliver her
son from worldly suffering.
Nevertheless, after examining Ahimsaka's cursed horoscope, Sati chose to teach
nothing so Ahimsaka would not owe him anything in return. Instead, Sati
commanded Ahimsaka to care for goats until he reached adulthood. While other
disciples were studying hard, Ahimsaka kept counting goats, a behaviour he did
not realise naturally enhanced his concentration, and which later led to his
attainment of the First Absorption.
In the meantime, the new Buddha, who was once a prince of Shakya clan, had
recently attained enlightenment and paid a visit to Taxila. Being envious of Lord
Buddha who received high praise from several kings, Sati sent his best students
to destroy this new doctrine, but noone accomplished the mission and no soul
ever returned.
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Subtitles: English
5
Thai
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BFC Exclusive
Asoka
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Santosh Sivan
Shah Rukh Khan, Karriena Kapoor, Danny Denzongpa, Rahul Dev,
Hrishitaa Bhatt, Gerson da' Cunha, Subhashini, Umesh Mehra,
Suraj Balaje, Johnny Lever, Raghuvir Yadav, Suresh Menon
2:48
Drama
Arclightz and Films
2001
Asoka traces the life of Emperor Asoka, the grandson of Chandragupta Maurya
who ascended the throne of Magadha in the 3rd century BC.
To extend the borders of his empire, Asoka waged one of the bloodiest wars in
history with the neighboring kingdom of Kalinga, leaving it ravaged and
devastated.
Confronted by the aftermath of his conquest in which hundreds of thousands lost
their lives, Asoka is overcome with remorse and renounces the path of war to
dedicate his life to spreading the teachings of Buddhisn across the world.
This is a story based on legends. This film does not claim to be a complete
historical account of Asoka's life but an attempt to follow his journey.
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Subtitles: English
6
Hindi
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BFC Exclusive
Baraka
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1:36
Documentary
MPI Home Video
1992
"Baraka" was photographed on six continents in 24 countries including Tanzania,
China, Brazil, Japan and Nepal together with major U.S. and European locales. In
capturing the planet's glories and violent calamities, "Baraka" tells the
spellbinding story of man's diversity and his impact on the world. This is a film
that transcends geographical and language barriers to inspire audiences around
the world!
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7
Music Only
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The Book of the Dead
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Kihachiro Kawamoto
1:09
Drama
Sakura Motion Pictures
2005
In this ravishing film of mystical beauty, master animator Kihachiro Kawamoto's
tour de force adventure tale tells the story of a young noblewoman in
8th-century Japan who leaves her home to follow the apparition of an executed
prince.
The Book of the Dead takes place as Buddhism is being introduced to Japan
from China. Iratsume, a woman of noble desent, becomes obsessed with this
mysterious new religion. One night, in a rapturous trance, she sees a luminous
vision that she believes to be the Buddha, compelling her to leave home and
journey to a sacred temple. Once there, she sees Otsu, a young prince who was
executed 50 years earier. While Iratsume mistakes the prince's spirit for the
incarnation of the great Buddha, the ghost mistakes Iratsume for the last woman
he saw at the moment of his death. As an act of great devotion, she decides to
make a giant shroud for the prince to heal his soul, after which he begins to
haunt the young woman and those around her. The pair embark on an
impassioned battle of wills, one longing for the material world, the other striving
for the spiitual.
This strange story of outherworldly romance is the work of stop-motion animator
and puppet-maker Kihachiro Kawamoto, a former student of the master Czech
animator Jiri Trnka. Already a legend in his own right, with The Book of the
Dead he has created an intricately detailed magnum opus, a summation of
themes explored in all of his work: the transience of existence, the ambiguity of
human behavior, and the search for perfection and beauty in an imperfect world.
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Subtitles: English
8
Japanese
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The Buddha (PBS)
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2:00
Documentary
2010
Two and a half millennia ago, a new religion was born in northern India,
generated from the ideas of a single man, the Buddha, a mysterious Indian sage
who famously gained enlightenment while he sat under a large, shapely fig tree.
The Buddha never claimed to be God or his emissary on earth. He said only that
he was a human being who, in a world of unavoidable pain and suffering, had
found a kind of serenity that others could find, too. This documentary by
award-winning filmmaker David Grubin tells the story of his life, a journey
especially relevant in our own bewildering times of violent change and spiritual
confusion. Richard Gere narrates.
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9
English
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Buddha's Lost Children
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1:33
Documentary
Warner Bros.
2007
A rare look at life way beyond the view of most, filmed on location among the hill
tribes in the border regions of Burma and Thailand, the Golden Triangle infamous
for its drug lords and violence. A nomadic, horseback-riding Buddhist monk, Phra
Kru Ba, a former boxer known as the "Tiger Monk," devotes his life to helping the
isolated communities there, and rescuing orphan children. With his Golden Horse
Temple he's built an orphanage, school and clinic a haven for the children of the
region, who see him as a shaman, father figure and coach.
Stunning cinematography, intimate filmmaking and a compelling story make this
film an extraordinary experience of a hidden realm. Buddha's Lost Children gives
the term "grassroots Buddhism" new meaning, and in the end it's the children's
journey we share
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Subtitles: English
10
Thai
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BFC Exclusive
Buddha's Sons: The Story Of Himalaya's Little Lamas
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1:04
Documentary
2008
Himalayan children, barely of school age, are sent to Buddhist monasteries to
apprentice as young Iamas. This film takes us along on the journey of three such
children through daily rituals, games, a scripture contest, and festival
preparations. On a winter holiday break, they return home and reunite with their
families. Through the rare glimpse of this homecoming we see that-like any other
children-they carry the collective hopes of their families an dthose of their
teachers.
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Subtitles: English
11
Mandarin, Tibetan
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BFC Exclusive
Burma VJ: Reporting from a Closed Country
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1:24
Documentary
2008
Burma VJ (English: Burma VJ Reporting from a Closed Country) is a 2009
documentary film directed by Anders stergaard. It follows the September 2007
uprisings against the military regime in Burma. It was filmed entirely on
hand-held cameras, and the footage was smuggled out of the country.
Armed with pocket-sized video cameras, a tenacious band of Burmese reporters
face down death to expose the repressive regime controlling their country. In
2007, after decades of self-imposed silence, Burma became headline news across
the globe when peaceful Buddhist monks led a massive rebellion. More than
100,000 people took to the streets protesting a cruel dictatorship that has held
the country hostage for more than 40 years. Foreign news crews were banned,
the Internet was shut down, and Burma was closed to the outside world. So how
did we witness these events? Enter the Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB), aka
the Burma VJs.
Compiled from the shaky handheld footage of the DVB, acclaimed filmmaker
Anders Ostergaards Burma VJ pulls us into the heat of the moment as the VJs
themselves become the target of the Burmese government. Their tactical leader,
code-named Joshua, oversees operations from a safe hiding place in Thailand. Via
clandestine phone calls, Joshua dispenses his posse of video warriors, who
covertly film the abuses in their country, then smuggle their footage across the
border into Thailand. Joshua ships the footage to Norway, where it is broadcast
back to Burma and the world via satellite[3] . Burma VJ plays like a thriller, all the
more scary because it is true.
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Subtitles: English
12
Other
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The Burmese Harp
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Kon Ichikawa
Rentaro Mikuni, Shoji Yasui, Jun Hamamura, Taketoshi Naito, Ko
Nishimura, Shunji Kasuga, Tanie Kitabayashi, Tatsuya Mihashi,
Yunosuke Ito
1:56
Drama
Nikkatsu Corporation
1956
An Imperial Japanese Army regiment surrenders to British forces in Burma at the
close World War II and finds harmony through song. A private, thought to be
dead, disguises himself as a Buddhist monk and stumbles upon spiritual
enlightenment. Magnificently shot in hushed black and white, Kon Ichikawa's
The Burmese Harp is an eloquent meditation on beauty coexisting with death
and remains one of Japanese cinema's most overwhelming antiwar statements,
both tender and brutal in its grappling with Japan's wartime legacy.
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Subtitles: English
13
Japanese
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The Cave of the Yellow Dog
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Byambasuren Davaa
Babbayar Batchuluun, Nansal Batchuluun, Nansalmaa Batchuluun,
Buyandulam Daramdadi, Batchuluun Urjindorj
1:33
Drama
Tartan Video
2005
Engaging tale of nomadic life in Mongolia from the director of The Story of the
Weeping Camel. Nasal is growing up fast but only has her family for company.
When she finds a young pup, she wants to adopt him despite the disapproval of
her father. As they prepare to move on, she must make one of the hardest
decisions of her young life so far. A blend of documentary real-life and
improvised drama, it features a real-life family who bring naturalness and
warmth to a gently thought-provoking film.
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Subtitles: English
14
Mongolian
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Cloud Path, Journey of a Wandering Monk
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0:53
Documentary
2006
Cloud Path, Journey of a Wandering Monk? is a documentary about a
distinguished Buddhist monk. This was originally a locally produced TV program
that had been aired in Korea and was selected by the Korea Foundation as an
outstanding work for introducing Korean culture abroad. The original content has
been dubbed into English. The documentary records the activities of Paul
Muenzen (Buddhist name: Hyongak), a Harvard University graduate who became
a monk, as he learns the Manhaeng, experiences of the secular world. Along with
its highly acclaimed cinematography, various aspects of Korea's rich traditional
culture, such as samulnori and onggi, are seen through the eyes of this American
monk.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
15
Korean
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BFC Exclusive
Come Come Come Upwards
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Kwon-taek Im
Soo-yeon Kang, Yeong-mi Jin, In-chon Yu, Mu-song Jeon, Soo-yeon
Kang, Yeong-mi Jin, In-chon Yu, Mu-song Jeon
2:00
Drama
Spectrum
1989
This Buddhist classic, starring Kang Su Yeon and Jin Yong Mi, follows the
divergent paths of two young nuns. Both leave the temple and weather the
challenges of an earthly world that tests their faith. When the two women finally
return to the temple, their fates could not be more different.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
16
Korean
Year:
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BFC Exclusive
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
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Ang Lee
Chow Yun Fat, Michelle Yeoh, Zhang Ziyi, Chang Chen, Lung
Sihung, Cheng Pei Pei, Li Fa Zeng, Gao Xian, Hai Yan, Wang De
Ming, Li Li, Huang Su Ying
2:00
Drama
Sony Pictures Classics
2000
Two master warriors are faced with their greatest challenge when the treasured
Green Destiny sword is stolen. A young aristocrat prepares for an arranged
marriage, but soon reveals her superior fighting talents and her deeply romantic
past. As each warrior battles for justice, they come face to face with their worst
enemy and the inescapable, enduring power of love.
ARTICLES:
________
Atchley, J Heath. When the Master Is Not Master: the Critique of
Enlightenment in Ang Lee's Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Journal of
Religion and Film 7.2 (2003)
Baker, Geoff. Portraying the Quest for Buddhist Wisdom?: A Comparative
Study of The Matrix And Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Journal of Religion
and Film 19.1 (2006)
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Subtitles: English
17
Mandarin
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The Cup
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Khyentse Norbu
1:33
Drama
Palm Pictures
1999
Inspired by a true story, "The Cup" (written and directed by Buddhist monk
Khyentse Norbu) is set in a monastery-in-exile in the foothills of the Himalayas
where hundreds of young boys study the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Two refugee
boys, Nyima and Palden, new to the monastery and immediately become
involved in the daily routine of monastic life, meeting others like the
soccer-obsessed Orygen and the easy-going Lodo. Against the wishes of their
master Geko, Orygen convinces Palden and Lodo to sneak out to watch a soccer
match. Caught by their master Geko, this growing soccer craze was brought to
teh attention of teh Abbot who ponders how to deal with the boys' interest in
such modern attractions. Despite being reprimanded, Orygen is determined to
see the impending World Cup match, even if it means bringing the match into the
monastery.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
18
Tibetan
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Dalai Lama - Discourse on the Heart Sutra
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0:58
Documentary
2004
The Dalai Lama discusses and explains the Heart Sutra, the succinct but profound
sutra regarded as the summation of the wisdom of Buddha.
An interview with the Dalai Lama by Japanese producer Kozo Otani in which His
Holiness answers questions about the Heart Sutra, its practice and meaning,
including its use in daily life. The Dalai Lama explains the meaning of the mantra
in the Heart Sutra and discusses emptiness, interdependence and infinite
altruism. He also particularly recommends combining the study of the Heart
Sutra and Prajnaparamita with the understanding of Buddha nature.
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19
English
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BFC Exclusive
Departures
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Yojiro Takita
Masahiro Motoki, Ryoko Hirosue, Kimiko Yo, Kazuko Yoshiyuki,
Takashi Sasano, Tsutomu Yamazaki, Tetta Sugimoto
2:11
Drama
2008
When his orchestra disbands, Daigo Kobayashi decides to start over and moves
back to his small hometown. Desperate for work, he secretly takes a job as a
"Nokanshi", a funeral professional who prepares the deceased for burial and
entrance into the next life. But while working with the families of the departed,
Daigo embarks on a spiritual journey of his own as he finally experiences the joy
and wonder of living.
ARTICLES:
_________
Ama, Michihiro. Transcending Death in Depatures (Okuribito).
Journal of Japanese and Korean Cinema 2.1 (2010)
Okuyama, Yoshiko. Shinto and Buddhist Metaphors in Departures.
Journal of Religion and Film 17.1 (2013)
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Subtitles: English
20
Japanese
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Destroyer of Illusion
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0:57
Documentary
2006
Unprecedented access and intimate knowledge inform this richly detailed and
beautifully filmed portrait of a secret Tibetan Buddhist ritual, the Mani Rimdu
festival, and the remarkable spiritual teacher, Trulshik Rinpoche, who leads and
preserves this centuries-old tradition. Richard Gere narrates with the clarity and
resonant depth of an insider. This is a very special chance to witness a private
sacred realm as if you were there.
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21
English
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The Devil's Temple
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1:16
Drama
1969
An abandoned temple in the mountains outside of the old capital city of Kyoto is
the scene of a fated meeting between a traveling priest, two women, and a
vicious killer, known thoughout Japan as "Mumyo no Taro". Katsu Shintaro is
brilliant as the young lord, turned thief in this stunning masterpiece from
filmmaker Misumi Kenji. Bloody violence erupts whenever strangers approach
the temple. Can the traveling priest bring his belief in the Buddha and rid the
three temple residents of the devils that hold their souls?
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Subtitles: English
22
Japanese
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BFC Exclusive
The Dhamma Brothers
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1:16
Documentary
2007
The Dhamma Brothers is a documentary film released in 2007 about a prison
meditation program at Donaldson Correctional Facility in Bessemer, Alabama.
The film concentrates on four inmates, all convicted of murder. It also includes
interviews of guards, prison officials, and local residents. It includes
reenactments of the inmates' crimes. Music for the film is by Low, New Order
and Sigur Rs.
The film has been compared to an earlier documentary, released in 1997, titled
Doing Time, Doing Vipassana. That film documented a large scale meditation
program at Tihar Prisons in India with over a thousand inmates using the same
meditation retreat format.
The film is directed by Jenny Philips, a cultural anthropologist and
psychotherapist, Andrew Kukura, a documentary filmmaker, and Anne Marie
Stein, a film-school administrator. Philips is also releasing a book in late 2008
based on followup letters with the inmates, titled Letters from the Dhamma
Brothers: Meditation Behind Bars (ISBN 1-92870-631-2).
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23
English
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Discovering Buddhism
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Richard Gere, Keanu Reeves, Dalai Lama
5:43
Documentary
Dharma Vision
2004
Discovering Buddhism is a unique production, beautifully conceived, designed
and photographed to give a brief, yet profound, introduction to the vast subject
of Buddhism. The thirteen topics range from Mind and Its Potential, How to
Meditate, Wisdom of Emptiness to Introduction to Tantra. These topics include
segments on Bodhichitta, Refuge, The Path, and Daily Practice. Each 30-minute
video is presented in the form of a complete practice: Introduction, Motivation,
Teachers, Students, and Dedication. Each subject is taught by both a Tibetan and
a Western teacher, giving us a range of perspectives. The teachings are clear,
specific, and inspiring. Several Western students discuss the teaching and its
application to daily life.
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24
English
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Dreaming Lhasa
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Ritu Sarin, Tenzing Sonam
1:30
Drama
First Run Features
2007
Tibetan filmmaker Karma travels from New York to Dharamsala, the Dalai Lamas
exile headquarters in northern India, to produce a documentary about former
political prisoners who have escaped from Tibet. There she meets Dhondup, an
enigmatic ex-monk who has come to India is to fulfill his dying mothers last wish
- to deliver a charm box to a long-missing resistance fighter. Soon Karma finds
herself in love with Dhondup and is pulled deeper into his quest, which becomes
both a journey into Tibets fractured past and a voyage of self-discovery.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
25
Tibetan
Year:
Catalog #:
Enlightenment Guaranteed
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Doris Drrie
Uwe Ochsenknecht, Gustav-Peter Whler, Petra Zieser, Ulrike
Kriener, Heiner Lauterbach, Anica Dobra, Pierre Sanoussi-Bliss,
Jimmy Ochsenknecht, Wilson Ochsenknecht, Leopold Zieser,
Emilia Zieser
1:45
Drama
Constantin Film
2000
Two very different brothers get together for a temporary stay in a Japanese zen
monastry. The trip from Germany to Japan brings up some unexpected quests
they have to manage. Soon both really have to leave their ordinary lifes behind
and are on a voyage to themselves.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
26
German
Year:
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BFC Exclusive
Eve & the Fire Horse
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Julia Kwan
Vivian Wu, Lester Chit-Man Chan, Ping Sun Wong, Shirley Ng,
Joseph Siu, Hollie Lo, Phoebe Kut, Jessica Amlee, Herb
Beaverstone, Jan Bos, Diane Buermans, Tanya Champoux
1:32
Drama
Mongrel Media
2005
Eve is a precocious nine year-old girl with a wild imagination growing up in a
traditional Chinese immigrant family in Vancouver where Confucian doctrines,
superstitious obsessions and divine visions abound. When Buddhism and
Catholicism are thrown into the mix, life for Eve and her 11-year-old prim and
authoritative sister, Karena, escalates into a fantasia of catastrophe, sainthood
and cultural confusion. 'Eve and the Fire Horse' will pierce viewers' hearts with
its lyrical, humorous and emotional journey of a young girl and her sister striving
to grow up in a world where childhood is lonely and the world is full of wonder.
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27
English
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BFC Exclusive
Faith & Reason: Pema Chodron
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0:50
Documentary
2006
One of North America's most prominent practitioners of Buddhist monasticism,
Ani Pema Chdrn has written extensively on Buddhist principles in the context
of everyday living. Bill Moyers talks with the author of When Things Fall Apart,
The Places That Scare You, and No Time to Lose about ideas and teachings that
have special significance for western Buddhists-and will resonate with
non-Buddhists as well.
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28
English
Year:
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Fancy Dance
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Masayuki Suo
Masahiro Motoki, Honami Suzuki, Ken Osawa, Hikomaro,
Hiromasa Taguchi, Kazuo Chikada, Paul Silverman, Yu Tokui,
Yoshikazu Ebisu, Akira Emoto, Eri Fuse, Hisako Hara
1:41
Drama
Kadokawa Video
1989
Yohei (Masahiro Motoki), a punk rocker, has to struggle between the appeal of
modern life in Tokyo and his obligation as an eldest son to take over his father's
position as abbot of a rural Zen temple. Though initially rebelling against the
tough monastic discipline, Yohei learns to adjust. However his girlfriend shows
up, enticing him to return to his rock 'n' roll roots...
Languages:
Subtitles: English
29
Japanese
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Catalog #:
BFC Exclusive
Festival
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Kwon-taek Im
Sung-kee Ahn, Eun-jin Han, Seon-kyeong Jeong, Eol Lee, Jung-hae
Oh, Sung-kee Ahn, Eun-jin Han, Seon-kyeong Jeong, Eol Lee,
Jung-hae Oh
1:46
Drama
Spectrum
1996
The death of the matriarch brings the entire family back to the home village. New
and old conflicts are raised when the family reunites, even as they try to cope
with their lost. Festival takes a look at the glorious tradition of Korean funerals, a
culture rarely seen by outsiders.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
30
Korean
Year:
Catalog #:
BFC Exclusive
Fight Club
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Overview:
David Fincher
Edward Norton, Brad Pitt, Meat Loaf, Zach Grenier, Richmond
Arquette, David Andrews, George Maguire, Eugenie Bondurant,
Christina Cabot, Helena Bonham Carter, Sydney 'Big Dawg'
Colston, Rachel Singer
2:19
Drama
20th Century Fox
1999
A ticking-time bomb insomniac and a slippery soap salesman channel primal
male aggression into a shocking new form of therapy. Their concept catches on,
with underground "fight clubs" forming in every town, until a sensuous
eccentric gets in the way and ignites an out-of-control spiral toward oblivion.
ARTICLE:
_________
Reed, Charley. Fight Club: an Exploration of Buddhism.
Journal of Religion and Film 11.2 (2007)
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31
English
Year:
Catalog #:
Gandhi
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Richard Attenborough
Ben Kingsley, Candice Bergen, Edward Fox, John Gielgud, Trevor
Howard, John Mills, Martin Sheen, Ian Charleson, Athol Fugard,
Gunter Maria Halmer, Saeed Jaffrey, Geraldine James
3:11
Drama
Columbia Pictures
1982
Gandhi was not a ruler of nations, nor did he have scientific gifts. Yet this small,
modest man did what others before him could not. He led an entire country to
freedom - he gave his people hope. Gandhi, the man of the century, is explored
in this breathtaking, unforgettable motion picture.
After 20 years in the making, this masterful epic garnered nine 1982 Academy
Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Original
Screenplay. In stirring detail, Gandhi's life, principles and power explode on the
screen with vivid scenes such as the horrific massacre at Amristar, where the
British opened fire on 15,000 unarmed men, women and children, and the
dramatic march to the sea where Gandhi led thousands of his fellow Indians to
prove that sea salt belonged to all and was not just a British commodity. A
distinguished cast of characters surrounds Academy Award-winning Ben
Kingsley as Gandhi, including Candice Bergen, Martin Sheen, John Gielgud and
Trevor Howard. A vision of the heart and soul of a man, GANDHI is a classic epic
as timeless as Gandhi himself.
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32
English
Year:
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Groundhog Day
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Harold Ramis
Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, Chris Elliott, Stephen Tobolowsky,
Brian Doyle-Murray, Marita Geraghty, Angela Paton, Rick
Ducommun, Rick Overton, Robin Duke, Carol Bivins, Willie Garson
1:41
Drama
Columbia Pictures
1993
Bill Murray at his wry, wisecracking best in this riotous romantic comedy about a
weatherman caught in a personal time warp on the worst day of his life. Teamed
with a relentlessly cheerful producer (Andie MacDowell) and a smart-aleck
cameraman (Chris Elliott), TV weatherman Phil Connors (Bill Murray) is sent to
Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, to cover the annual Groundhog Day festivities. But
on his way out of town, Phil is caught in a giant blizzard, which he failed to
predict, and finds himself stuck in small-town hell. Just when things couldn't get
worse, they get worse; Phil wakes the next morning to find it's Groundhog Day all
over again... and again... and again.
Languages:
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33
English
Year:
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Heaven & Earth
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Oliver Stone
Haing S. Ngor, Bussaro Sanruck, Supak Pititam, Joan Chen, Thuan
K. Nguyen, Hiep Thi Le, Lan Nguyen Calderon, Thuan Le, Dustin
Nguyen, Mai Le Ho, Vinh Dang, Khiem Thai
2:20
Drama
Warner Bros. Pictures
1993
Heaven and Earth begins in the central Vietnamese village of Ky La during the
1950s. Phung Le Ly is an innocent peasant girl, helping her mother to tend the
rice paddies while being lectured in the ways of life by her father. The idyllic
peace of the village is disrupted when a jet bomber crosses the skies. Soon the
village is decimated as the American-backed South Vietnamese government
troops and the Viet Cong engage in brutal warfare in which the victims are the
innocent villagers. Le Ly is both tortured and raped. She leaves Ky La for Danang
for a life as a prostitute. There she meets the tall and craggy American soldier
Steve Butler, a kind but lonely man who isn't looking for sex but for someone to
settle down with -- as he says, "I want an Oriental wife." They marry, and Steve
takes her back to the United States, where her in-laws look at her not as a wife
but as a pet. In the harsh glare of 1970s U.S. culture, Le Ly has trouble adjusting
to the American way of life. But not as hard a time as her husband, who, after
twenty years in Vietnam, discovers he cannot adapt to civilian life.
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34
English
Year:
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Hi, Dharma!
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Cheol-kwan Park
Shin-yang Park, Jin-yeong Jeong, Sang-myeon Park, Seong-jin
Kang, Su-ro Kim, Kyoung-In Hong
1:35
Drama
Tai Seng Video Marketing
2001
In this critcally acclaimed action comedy from Korea, a group of thugs running
away from an escalating gang war find refuge in a Buddhist monestary. As they
don the robes and settle in, the gangster's rascal-like behavior begins to wear on
the monks who decide to come up with a series of games for their obnoxious
guests.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
35
Korean
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BFC Exclusive
Hi, Dharma 2: Showdown in Seoul
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Sang-hyo Yook
Jin-yeong Jeong, Hyeon-jun Shin, Won-jong Lee, Mun-shik Lee,
Jin-woo Yang, Hae-jin Yu, Hyeong-cheol Lee, Seok-hwan Kim,
Hye-jin Han, Geon-tae Park
1:39
Drama
Cinema Service
2004
As a sequel to box office smash "Hi, Dharma!" released two years ago, "Hi,
Dharma 2 - Showdown in Seoul" continues to offer a hilarious tale over its monks
versus gangsters plot.
Following the last wish of an old master, three monks head to Seoul to rest his
remains in the Mushim Temple. However, they discover that the heavily indebted
host monk has abandoned the temple and its inhabitants. Aware of the difficult
situation the remaining monks that also include children have to face, the three
monks make every effort to help the temple by promoting it to the public and
raising funds through donations. Just when things begin to look much brighter, a
team of four gangsters reach the temple indicating their need to reclaim it for an
urban redevelopment project. After the scoundrels rob the temple of its
donation box as well as a lottery ticket worth 30 billion won, the three monks
have seen enough and come up with a plan to beat the criminals at their own
game ...
Languages:
Subtitles: English
36
Korean
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BFC Exclusive
Himalaya
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Eric Valli
Thilen Lhondup, Gurgon Kyap, Lhakpa Tsamchoe, Karma Wangel,
Karma Tensing, Labrang Tundup, Jampa Kalsang Tamang, Tsering
Dorjee, Rapke Gurung, Pemba Bika, Karma Chhewang, Tenzen
Charka
1:44
Drama
Mongrel Media
1999
Tinle is the central character of the film, which is based on his real life. Tinle is
upright, proud, enthusiastic, passionate, full of wisdom and humor. An old chief,
who when faced with the mysterious death of his son, decides to resume leading
the ritual yak caravan and prevent a rival clan from assuming power. We had
known each other for twenty years and had dreamt about making this film for
some time. He had all the discipline, patience, perseverance the film needed.
Despite many unexpected events - delays due to bad weather, or disagreements -
Tinle and his friends have held on to a common dream to capture Tibetan culture
on film.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
37
Tibetan
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Himalaya, Where The Wind Dwells
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1:34
Drama
ShowEast
2008
Choi (Choi Min-sik) has some problems concerning his job and to make things
even worse one day one of his colleagues dies in an accident at work. Choi takes
the ashes of the nepalese worker Dorgy and wants to hand them over this his
family. However, when he gets to Nepal he realizes that he isn't prepared for the
enormous struggles that come with climbing the Himalaya. Fighting the elements
he somehow manages with great efforts to get to the place where Dorgy's family
lives, but he almost dies due to mountain sickness. Dorgy's wife (Tsering Kipale
Gurung) and the rest of the family nurses him until he gets better and in the
following days Choi makes friends with Dorgy's son (Tenjing Sherpa). Choi finds a
completely different culture and way of life on the Himalaya which has a special
appeal on him. Nonetheless, he still has to muster up the courage to tell the
family the truth about Dorgy's fate and hand them over his remains...
Languages:
Subtitles: English
38
Korean
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BFC Exclusive
Himalayas: Science of the Mind
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1. Peru: Sacred Geography, Andrew Gregg
Wade Davis
3:06
Documentary
90th Parallel Film & Television
2006
Ethnobotanist and anthropologist Wade Davis takes us with him on a journey to
four remote parts of the Earth for a meditation on what it means to be human,
and what the loss of human cultures signifies.
Episodes
3. Himalayas: Science of the Mind
Buddhism asks the fundamental question: What is life and what is the point of
existence? Wade Davis goes on an anthropological and spiritual journey into the
Himalayas of Nepal to learn the deepest lesson of Buddhist practice. Parts of this
documentary feature H.H.Trulshik Rinpoche and Matthieu Ricard.
Languages:
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39
English
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Hoichi the Earless
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1:02
Drama
1964
The blind boy Hoichi (Nakamura Katsuo) lives at a temple near Dan-no-ura, the
place of the final epic battle between the declining Taira clan and their Minamoto
rivals in 1185. Hoichi's peerless musicianship raises the ghosts of the fallen Taira
warriors and the drowned Emperor Antoku from their watery graves. They
command Hoichi to perform the Heike tale and he agrees, not knowing that he is
obliging ghosts. The nightly efforts soon drain his strength and the head priest
(Shimura Takashi) takes notice. When the priest discovers the true nature of
Hoichi nightly disappearances, he orders his body covered with sacred writings.
When the ghost warrior (Tanba Tetsuro) returns, he cannot see Hoichi whose
entire body is protected by the magical charms. Entire, that is, with the exception
of his ears, which the negligent priest has forgotten to paint...
Languages:
Subtitles: English
40
Japanese
Year:
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The Holy Man
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1:47
Drama
Mang Pong
2005
Brother Theng, a young monk, moves to a village whose inhabitants still believe
in ghosts and spirits. He attempts to convert the villagers' beliefs to more
conventional ones, but he has to deal with tough situations that come along with
humor
Languages:
Subtitles: English
41
Thai
Year:
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BFC Exclusive
House M.D. - "The Tyrant" / Compassionate Violence
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3:00
Drama
2009
Season 6, Episode 3
When a controversial African politician falls ill, he is brought to Princeton
Plainsboro for treatment. The team struggles with whether to help a merciless
dictator being subpoenaed for crimes against humanity in his country.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prof. Steve Jenkins of Humboldt State University delivered a lecture at the IBS
titled
Compassionate Violence, Torture and Warfare in the Bodhisattva Ideal
Buddhist allowances for compassionate torture, killing, and warfare are
dissonant with with the established perception of Buddhist pacifism. While
academic studies of Buddhism have accepted that Mahayana and Tantric though
allows for such actions, it has been argued that these allowances are rare and
narrow allegorical or magical references, not general ethical guidelines. Prof.
Steve Jenkins argues that Buddhist allowances for violence are broad and
authoritatively attested to in both Yogacara and Madhyamaka treatises of
Mahayana sources. Building on previous work, a survey of tantric sadhanas for
killing, and references to Buddhist art and folklore, this lecture argues that the
exaggeration of Mahayana pacifism has created a false negative space for the
evaluation of trantrism.
Originally recorded April 17, 2009
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42
English
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How to Cook Your Life
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1:28
Documentary
Homescreen
2007
This documentary profiles Zen Master Edward Espe Brown and shows the art of
Zen and cooking. Espe Brown first became interested in baking as an 11-year kid
when he realized the startling difference between mass-produced supermarket
bread and the fresh homemade stuff. When he asked his mother to teach him
how to bake, however, she said "No, yeast makes me nervous."
Brown became the head cook at the Tassajara Mountain Centre in California
when he was in his early 20s, and has been practicing the art of Zen Buddhism
and cooking for more than 40 years. As a chef, he is typically short-tempered and
exacting, but as a Buddhist master he is exactly the opposite. Director Drrie
(Men, Naked) sets her camera on Espe Brown as he travels from the Scheibbs
Buddhist Centre in Austria to Tassajara, offering cooking seminars based upon
the principles established 800 years ago by Master Eihei Dogen Zenji, the founder
of the Japanese Soto-Zen school. Master Dogen wrote about the necessity of
treating food as if it was as valuable as your eyesight. From washing rice, to
preparing vegetables, every action could be a path to Zen. Or as the master said,
"When you're washing the rice, wash the rice." A charming taskmaster who
regularly punctures his holiness with moments of self-deprecation and humour,
Espe Brown's observations on modern culture, cooking and human foibles are
often as acerbic and hilarious as they are profound.
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43
English
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I Heart Huckabees
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David O. Russell
Jason Schwartzman, Isabelle Huppert, Dustin Hoffman, Lily
Tomlin, Jude Law, Mark Wahlberg, Naomi Watts, Angela Grillo,
Ger Duany, Darlene Hunt, Kevin Dunn, Benny Hernandez
1:46
Drama
Fox Searchlight Pictures
2004
An exuberant offbeat comedy in which detectives hired by kindhearted local poet
& activist Albert Markovski to investigate the meaning of three coincidences that
could hold the key to life. The investigation soon involves other clients such as a
passionate, vulnerable fireman, a cunning sales exec Brad Stand, and a hot
spokesmodel with an identity crisis.
ARTICLE:
________
Ng, Edwin. The (Zen) Buddhist Heart of I Heart Huckabees.
Journal of Religion and Film 14.1 (2010)
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44
English
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Into the Wild
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Sean Penn
Emile Hirsch, Marcia Gay Harden, William Hurt, Jena Malone,
Brian Dierker, Catherine Keener, Vince Vaughn, Kristen Stewart,
Hal Holbrook, Jim Gallien, James J. O'Neill, Malinda McCollum
2:28
Drama
Paramount Vantage
2007
Into the Wild is inspired by the true story of Christopher McCandless (Emile
Hirsch), a young man who abandons his life of comfort to pursue the freedom of
life on the road, a quest that leads him to the Alaskan wilderness and the
ultimate challenge of his life. Screenplay and directed by Sean Penn and featuring
an all-star cast including William Hurt, Marcia Gay Harden, Vince Vaughn,
Catherine Keener and Hal Holbrook, Into the Wild is "as stirring, entertaining
and steadfastly thrilling as it is beautiful." (Joe Morgenstern, The Wall Street
Journal)
Languages:
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45
English
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King of the Hill/The Simpsons
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0:50
Drama
2001
King of the Hill - "Won't You Pimai Neighbor?" Season 4 Episode 18
A group of Buddhist monks suspects that Bobby might be the reincarnation of
the Lama Sanglug. Bobby enjoys getting caught up in Buddhism, until he and
Connie learn that Lamas are not allowed to have girlfriends.
The Simpsons - "She of Little Faith" Season 13 Episode 6
Bart orders a model rocket and Homer builds and tries to launch it. With help
from some nerds and a hamster named Nibbles, a new rocket is built and
launched, but results in the church being destroyed. The church looks to rebuild
and Montgomery Burns offers his help, but only if he can run the church like a
business. The over commercialization of the rebuilt church puts Lisa off; she
leaves it for good in search of a new place to worship. She finds Lenny, Carl and
Richard Gere at a Buddhist temple. Richard gives her some information about
Buddhism and she converts. The family tries to use Christmas as a means to bring
Lisa back to Christianity. Realizing what they are doing runs to the temple but
learns from Richard that Buddhism allows for the tolerance of other beliefs. So as
Homer puts it, she can "pay lip service" to Christianity while remaining a
Buddhist.
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46
English
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Korean Seon (Zen) Story
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2:54
Documentary
2008
A 3 DVD KBS News documentary on Korean Zen.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
47
Korean
Year:
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BFC Exclusive
Kundun: Widescreen
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Martin Scorsese
Tenzin Thuthob Tsarong, Gyurme Tethong, Tulku Jamyang Kunga
Tenzin, Tenzin Yeshi Paichang, Tencho Gyalpo, Tenzin Topjar,
Tsewang Migyur Khangsar, Tenzin Lodoe, Tsering Lhamo, Geshi
Yeshi Gyatso, Lobsang Gyatso, Sonam Phuntsok
2:14
Drama
Touchstone Pictures
1997
Praised as one of the best films of the year, Kundun is a motion picture
masterpiece directed by five-time Academy Award-nominated* director Martin
Scorsese. It's the incredible true story of one of the world's most fascinating
leaders Tibet's Dalai Lama and his daring struggle to rule a nation at one of
the most challenging times in its history. Powerfully told and set against a
backdrop of world politics the film's release created an international uproar!
Featuring a striking, Oscar-nominated** score by renowned composer Philip
Glass, this extraordinary motion picture has been greeted with both controversy
and worldwide acclaim experience it for yourself!
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48
English
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Letter from the Mountain
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2:08
Drama
2002
As the film begins, Takao (Akira Terao) and Michiko (Kanako Higuchi) have
already pulled up their Tokyo roots and moved to a village that is Takao's
ancestral home. They visit a thatched cottage that serves as a memorial shrine
(amidado) for the village dead and chat with the attendant, the spry 96-year-old
Oume (Tanie Kitabayashi). Together they admire the view -- from an inspiring
distance. Oume, it turns out, is a kind of sage, whose thoughts and observations
are a popular feature in a column in a local newsletter. Her amanuensis is a mute,
sweetly smiling young woman named Sayuri (Manami Konishi), who is as devoted
to Oume as Oume is to the souls of her beloved dead.
Takao also reunites with Koda-sensei (Takahiro Tamura), his beloved junior
high-school teacher, now retired, who spends his day beating the futon with his
wooden sword or practicing calligraphy in his tastefully decorated Japanese-style
house, overlooking a picture-perfect Japanese garden. He and his devoted wife,
Yone (Kyoko Kagawa), are always dressed elegantly in Japanese-style clothes and
never touch anything electronic.
When they are not interacting with these and other villagers -- wonderful folks all
-- Takao and Michiko take restful walks in the woods (with Michiko stopping once
to ecstatically hug a tree), potter around their house (which has been in Takao's
family for ages) and otherwise soothe away stress. Michiko makes a miraculous
recovery from the panic attacks that drove her from her research work at a major
Tokyo hospital, while Takao thinks about writing again, after selling nothing for
years.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
49
Japanese
Year:
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BFC Exclusive
Life of Buddha (BBC)
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1:30
Documentary
2001
The quest for enlightenment known as Buddhism is rapidly attracting followers in
the western world today. His Holiness the Dalai Lama is a best-selling author and
his personal appearances in the U.S draw huge crowds. Popular films such as
LITTLE BUDDHA, KUNDUN, and SEVEN YEARS IN TIBET have also fueled American
curiosity. LIFE OF BUDDHA breaks new ground in revealing the fascinating story
of Prince Siddhartha and his spiritual transformation into the Buddha, the great
teacher who changed the entire world. This beautifully produced DVD, featuring
nearly an hour of additional materials from the worlds leading Buddhist scholars
and spiritual leaders, is a must-see for anyone seeking answers to lifes mysteries.
Languages:
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50
English
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BFC Exclusive
The Lion's Roar
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0:50
Documentary
2006
The Classic Profile of the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa
This is the masterful portrait of the late 16th Gyalwa Karmapa, the great Tibetan
Buddhist master known as the Black Hat Lama. His line of successive
reincarnations has its origins in the 13th century when it was the first to identify
tulkus, reincarnations of Buddhist teachers. He is recognized as the embodiment
of the teachings of the Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, one that traces its
source through Tibets greatest teachers Milarepa and Marpa to Indias Naropa
and Tilopa all the way back to the Shakyamuni Buddha himself.
Features rare footage of renowned Tibetan Buddhist lamas Chogyam Trungpa
Rinpoche, Kalu Rinpoche, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
Filmed on location in Sikkim and North America, with archival footage from
France
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51
English
Year:
Catalog #:
Little Buddha
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Overview:
Keanu Reeves, Ruocheng Ying, Chris Isaak, Bridget Fonda, Alex
Wiesendanger, Raju Lal, Greishma Makar Singh, Sogyal Rinpoche,
Ven. Khyongla Rato Rinpoche, Ven. Geshe Tsultim Gyelsen, Jo
Champa, Jigme Kunsang
2:03
Drama
Miramax
1994
Keanu Reeves (The Matrix) and Bridget Fonda (Jackie Brown) star in this
motion picture spectacular from Academy Award-winning director Bernardo
Bertolucci (The Last Emperor). In a big American city, a boy and his family
(Fonda and Chris Isaak The Silence Of The Lambs) discover a story about a
prince in a land of miracles. But the miracle becomes real when Tibetian monks
appear, searching for their leader's reincarnation who they believe has been
reborn in the boy. Suddenly their worlds meet, leading the Americans on an
extraordinary adventure!
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52
English
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Catalog #:
A Little Monk
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Kyung-jung Joo
Tae-jin Kim, Min-gyo Kim, Ye-ryeong Kim, Yeong-su Oh, Mu-song
Jeon
1:40
Drama
BITWIN
2003
Three monks born in totally different generations are thrown together by fate
living together in a secluded mountain temple. Nine year-old Do-nyeom (Kim
Tae-jin) still cannot shake off the memory of his mother and refers to a widow
that frequently visits the temple as substitute mother.
Even though 20 year-old Jung-sim (Kim Min-kyo) has been living as monk for
quite a few years, he also has not been able to get rid of his ordinary feelings
whenever he sees a girl. Since he is unable to pass this final test, he decides to
give up being a monk and to return to his common life. The temple elder does
not know whether to laugh or cry about the behavior of his disciples...
Languages:
Subtitles: English
53
Korean
Year:
Catalog #:
BFC Exclusive
Marathon Monks of Mount Hiei
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0:57
Documentary
2002
The greatest athletes in the world today are neither the Olympic champions nor
the stars of professional sports, but the "Marathon Monks" of Japan's sacred
Mount Hiei. Over a seven year training period, these "running Buddha"
figuratively circle the globe on foot. During one incredible 100-day stretch, they
cover 52.5 miles daily - twice the length of an Olympic marathon. The prize they
seek is not a pot of gold, but enlightenment in the here and now.
This documentary program is about one of these amazing men - Tanno Kakudo
and the magic mountain where he trains. It is the philosophy of Tendai
Buddhism, which inspires him in his quest for the supreme. The viewer will learn
about the monk's death-defying fast, his vegetarian training diet, his handmade
straw running shoes, and other feats of endurance such as the mummifying fire
ceremony. Illustrated with superb cinematography and music, this film contains
the first full insight into Mount Hiei and Tendai Buddhism based on the book
"Marathon Monks of Mount Hiei" by John Steven, published by Shambala Press.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
54
Japanese
Year:
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BFC Exclusive
The Matrix
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Overview:
Andy Wachowski, Larry Wachowski
Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo
Weaving, Gloria Foster, Joe Pantoliano, Marcus Chong, Julian
Arahanga, Matt Doran, Belinda McClory, Anthony Ray Parker, Paul
Goddard
2:16
Drama
Warner Bros. Pictures
1999
Perception: Our day-in, day-out world is real.
Reality: That world is a hoax, an elaborate deception spun by all powerful
machines of artificial intelligence that control us. Whoa.
ARTICLES:
_________
Baker, Geoff. Portraying the Quest for Buddhist Wisdom?: A Comparative
Study of The Matrix And Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Journal of Religion
and Film 19.1 (2006)
Flannery-Dailey, Frances, and Rachel Wagner. Wake Up! Gnosticism and
Buddhism in the Matrix.
Journal of Religion and Film 5.2 (2001)
Ford, James L. Buddhism, Christianity, and The Matrix: The Dialectic of
Myth-Making in Contemporary Cinema. The Journal of Religion and Film 4.2
(2000)
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55
English
Year:
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Meditate and Destroy
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Noah Levine
1:21
Documentary
2007
MEDIATE AND DESTROY takes you into the world of punk rock, spirituality and
internal rebellion through the eyes of bestselling author Noah Levine (Dharma
Punx, Against the Stream). This powerful film examines the driving forces that
transformed Levine from a violent, addicted rebel to a dedicated teacher and
community leader. Tattoos, motorcycles, music, peace and Buddha all work to
tell the inspiring story of finding new paths.
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56
English
Year:
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Mekhong Full Moon Party
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Chira Malikul
Anuchit Sapanpong, Thidaratana Charoernchaichana, Boonchai
Lim-Atibul
2:00
Drama
2002
More than 100,000 people gather by the Mekong River in Northeast Thailand on
November Full Moon each year. After sunset, mysterious fireballs rise up from
the river and disappear into the sky. While the locals still adhere to the
traditional myth of the dragon, Great Naga, making a sacred offering to Buddha,
the Western visitors take a more skeptical stance: Dr. Norati sets out to prove
that the fireballs are natural; Dr. Surapol wants to prove the phenomenon a
hoax. Meanwhile, temple-custodian Abbot Loh believes his monks have been
responsible for the "miracle" for the past 30 years.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
57
Thai
Year:
Catalog #:
BFC Exclusive
Milarepa: Magician, Murderer, Saint
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Neten Chokling
1:30
Drama
Cinequest
2006
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.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
58
Tibetan
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Mongolian Ping Pong
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Hao Ning
Hurichabilike, Dawa, Geliban, Badema, Yidexinnaribu
1:41
Drama
First Run Features
2005
A ping pong ball, found floating in a stream, becomes the source of wonderment
for three young boys who live in the remote grasslands of Mongolia, a
magnificent landscape little changed since the time of Genghis Khan.
Bilike, the ball's discoverer, assumes it's a bird egg. His wizened grandmother
proclaims it a magic pearl. Unconvinced, the boys take the ball to the monastery,
but even the grasslands' most knowledgeable inhabitants are stumped. When a
television show (seen on the region's only set) reveals that the object is the
"national ball of China," the determined young scouts decide to embark upon a
journey to return the precious talisman to the Chinese capital.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
59
Mongolian
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The Monkey Goes West
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Ho Mung-Wa
Diana Chang, Ho Fan, Yueh Hua, Paang Paang, Fang Mei-Sheng,
Tsang Choh-Lam, Wang Sha, Guk Fung
1:51
Drama
Shaw Brothers
1966
By order of Emperor Tai Tsung, Tang Hsuan-chuang, also known as Tripitaka,
leaves for the West with his attendants in search of certain scriptures.
After several days of arduous trekking, the group reaches a forest at sundown
and camps for the night. To his consternation, Tripitaka finds all his men have
been devoured by wild beasts during the night, and he himself made prisoner of
the King of Demons. He manages to flee the devil's clutches and starts scaling the
Five-Finger-Mountain in pitch darkness. He spots Monkey King, Sun Wu-kung,
who has been imprisoned under rocks for several thousand years. Tripitaka sets
him free. In gratitude, Monkey subdues the Dragon Prince and gives his White
Dragon Steed to Tripitaka for the long and dangerous journey ahead. The grateful
Monkey, now converted by the Goddess of Mercy, decides to follow Tripitaka to
the West...
ARTICLE:
________
Bradeen, Ryan, and Jean Johnson. Using Monkey to Teach Religions of China.
Education About Asia 10.2 (2005)
Languages:
Subtitles: English
60
Mandarin
Year:
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BFC Exclusive
Monkey Magic: The Movie
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Kensaku Sawada
Shingo Katori, Teruyoshi Uchimura, Atsushi Itou, Eri Fukatsu,
Asami Mizukawa, Kouji Ookura, Mikako Tabe, Akiko Aitsuki, Kouki
Mitani, Shousuke Tanihana, Kiyotaka Nanbara, Tsuyoshi Kusanagi
2:00
Drama
Fuji Television Network
2007
On the way to India to collect ancient holy scrolls, the sacred priest, Tripitaka,
and his loyal band of followers led by monkey are implored by a mysterious
princess to protect her people from a powerful demon warlord, King Gold horn,
and his tyrannical brother, King Silver Horn.
They have wrestled control of the palace, plundered its riches and transformed
tHe royal family into terrapin tortoises. Mischievous monkey, Sandy, Pigsy and
Tripitaka must combine their strength to defeat the evil warlords and prevent the
world from being plunged into darkness forever!
ARTICLE:
________
Bradeen, Ryan, and Jean Johnson. Using Monkey to Teach Religions of China.
Education About Asia 10.2 (2005)
Languages:
Subtitles: English
61
Japanese
Year:
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BFC Exclusive
Mountain Patrol
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Lu Chuan
Duo Bujie, Zhang Lei, Qi Liang, Zhao Xueying, Ma Zhanlin,
Gengsong Yongcuo, Zhao Yisui, Sang Dan, Awang Luosangdunzhu,
Gengsong Bading, Gengqing Basong, Souman Bayingyixi
1:29
Drama
Columbia Pictures
2004
From the award-winning director of "The Missing Gun" comes a powerful and
uncompromising film based on a true story.
Under the heavenly blue sky of Kekexili lies a wilderness of unimaginable beauty.
Is it heaven or is it hell? Or is it a battleground between conscience and greed?
Only those who have been there know the answer.
When GaYu (Zhang Lei), a journalist from Beijing, arrives at the mystical camp of
the Kekexili Mountain Patrol, he witnesses Tibetan funeral rites and a village in
mourning. GaYu is determined to uncover the real story behind the mysterious
disappearance of patrol volunteers, the cruel slaughtering of Tibetan antelopes,
and the rumor that the Mountain Patrol, lead by RiTai (Duo Bujie), cooperates
with the illegal hunters.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
62
Mandarin
Year:
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My Dinner with Andr
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Louis Malle
Andre Gregory, Wallace Shawn, Jean Lenauer, Roy Butler
1:52
Drama
Saga Productions
1981
In Louis Malle's captivating and philosophical My Dinner with Andr, actor and
playwright Wallace Shawn sits down with friend and theater director Andr
Gregory at an Upper West Side restaurant, and the two proceed into an
alternately whimsical and despairing confessional on love, death, money, and all
the superstition in between. Playing variations on their own New Yorkhoned
personas, Shawn and Gregory, who also wrote the screenplay, dive in with
introspective, intellectual gusto, and Malle captures it all with a delicate, artful
detachment. A fascinating freeze-frame of cosmopolitan culture, My Dinner
with Andr remains a unique work in cinema history.
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63
English
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Nichiren & The Great Mongol Invasion
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2:25
Drama
1958
As Japan prepares to face the greatest crisis in that countrys glorious history, a
solitary Monk named Nichiren proposes a theory that, while it goes against
commonly held beliefs of the time, still offers a possible solution. His firm belief
in the teachings of the Lotus Sutra lead first to grave problems, including
attempts on his life, and exile to a penal colony on Sado Island; a place from
which nobody has ever returned. How Nichiren overcame these obstacles to lead
Japan in prayer as the Mongol fleet approached is one of the great stories from
Japanese history, and must be seen to be believed. Never before, and never
since, has a motion picture told the story of how the Japanese battled on the
beaches, while the Gods themselves massed their great Typhoon, called
Kamikaze to defeat Kublai Khans overwhelming hordes!
Languages:
Subtitles: English
64
Japanese
Year:
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BFC Exclusive
OK Baytong
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0:00
Drama
2003
Tum is a young man who has been a monk living in a Buddhist temple in Thailand
since he was 5 years old. But after hearing that his sister has been killed in an
attack on a train by insurgents, he decides to leave the monastery and make his
way to southern Thailand where his sister ran a beauty salon in a town called
Betong in a district in Yala Province on the border with Malaysia.
In looking to put his sister's affairs in order, Tum finds himself conflicted. Should
he take over his sister's business? His sister has a daughter, by a Muslim man who
lives on the Malaysian side of the border. Should Tum try to take a greater role in
the raising of the child?
But first, Tum must figure out how to zip up his trousers without hurting himself.
It's only one of the many new things to the young man, who has worn a Buddhist
monk's robes for most of his life. He also encounters romantic and sexual feelings
when he develops a relationship with a neighbor lady, who was a friend of his
sister.
And, Tum must reconcile the feelings of hate and rage that sometimes come into
his head when he thinks about Muslim people and the insurgents who were
responsible for his sister's death.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
65
Thai
Year:
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BFC Exclusive
Old Partner
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Chung-Ryoul Lee
1:18
Documentary
2008
From first-time filmmaker Lee Chung-Ryoul comes an award-winning feature
documentary, Old Partner, which broke box office records in Korea as the highest
grossing independent film in Korean history. Old Partner is an eloquent, touching,
yet gut-wrenching peek into the reality of Mr. Choi Won-Kyun and his
relationship with his 40-year-old ox. In the backdrop of what seems to be a dying
way of life for many farmers in modern-day South Korea, the old couple
perseveres while his wife, Lee Sam-Soon, bickers and complains about her own
unlucky fate. There is no denying that this particular ox is a beast of burden, but
it is also cherished and loved as the old man s constant and dependable
companion. The original Korean title of the film, Wonangsori, literally translates
to sound of a cowbell which dominates the audio track throughout the
78-minute documentary as a constant reminder of the absence of any other
sound in the rural landscape of their small town. The old man and his ox trudge
along slowly, crippled, and with a quiet defiance throughout the film proving a
love and loyalty that can only be shared by a man and his animal.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
66
Korean
Year:
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BFC Exclusive
One: The Movie
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1:20
Documentary
Homescreen
2005
In a divided post 9-11 world, first-time filmmaker Ward Powers asks life's
ultimate questions of world renowned spiritual leaders and ordinary people.
ONE: The Movie weaves the diverse answers, exploring topics of war and peace,
fear and love, suffering, god, life after death, and the ultimate meaning of life.
The answers reflect global diversity, while emphasizing the oneness of humanity.
Languages:
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67
English
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Only The Way
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1:49
Drama
2008
A rare Buddhism-themed Hong Kong film, inspirational effort Only the Way from
director Tang Tak Wing follows a wayward man whose life is transformed by
Buddhist teachings. Starring Cheung Kwok Keung (The Pye-Dog) and 1980s and
90s action starlet Moon Lee, Only the Way reflects on life with sensitive insight
and a gentle smile. Cheung Kwok Keung portrays a washed-out songwriter whose
bad karma begins to catch up with him. His life goes into free fall as his girlfriend
leaves him, his career goes downhill, and his mother (Siu Yam Yam, The Moss)
passes away. All these setbacks make him live in even greater spite of the world
until one day he encounters a Temple Street vendor (Tong Zhen) who introduces
him to Buddhism.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
68
Cantonese
Year:
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BFC Exclusive
Oseam
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Baek-yeop Seong
Seo-young Kim, Seon-young Park, Young-jae Pyo, Jong-hwan Song,
Joong-min Bae, Joo-yeon Oh
1:57
Drama
Cinexus
2001
A poet and master storyteller, JEONG pioneered a new genre called fairy tales
for adults with his popular publications, many of which were translated into
French and German. A fairy tale about a five-year-old boy who enters Nirvana,
Oseam weaves heart-wrenching episodes of a child who goes on a search for
his mother and finds her in a miraculous finale. Since its first publication in 1983,
it sold more than 100,000 copies in Korea.
Blind girl, Gami, and her five-year-old brother, Gilson, only have each other in the
world. Having no home to return to in the cold winter, the two kids start their life
at a Buddhist temple. Wanting to see his mother, even if for just one brief
moment, Gilson decides to follow the monk to a temple on a remote mountain to
learn to see with his mind. If I make a wish with all my heart, mom will come
back to see me!
Languages:
Subtitles: English
69
Korean
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BFC Exclusive
Passage to Buddha
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2:06
Drama
1993
A young boy mourns the death of his father, and begins a quest to find his
mother. He encounters many people on the way who quote Buddhist precepts:
an eccentric monk, a girl who grows up into a young woman, a prison inmate, a
foul-mouthed doctor and the young son of a hard drinking astronomer. Each of
them tell the boy to seek someone to help him find the truth and his mother.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
70
Korean
Year:
Catalog #:
BFC Exclusive
A Path to Happiness: His Holiness the Dalai Lama
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4:00
Documentary
2006
Considered one of the greatest influencers of our time, the Dalai Lama has spent
his life teaching people how to be happy. Being happy is not only our right, he
teaches, but is clearly the principle force that drives our lives. Our ability to attain
a lasting happiness, however, is not so clear. The path of inner transformation
begins with developing an understanding of our true nature. Once this door
opens, one naturally develops a feeling of compassion and acceptance for oneself
and others. In these difficult times, people are looking for answers to finding
inner peace and happiness and arguably the greatest teacher shares important
insights to getting there.
Contains nearly 4 hours of historic talks.
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71
English
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Peace Is Every Step: The Life and Work of Thich Nhat Hanh
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Thich Nhat Hanh
2:22
Documentary
2005
Leading Vietnamese Zen teacher and author of many books (including the
bestsellers Being Peace, Living Buddha/Living Christ, The Miracle of Mindfulness
and Peace Is Every Step), Thich Nhat Hanh has had a profound impact on
contemporary thinking and, importantly, social action. His efforts to achieve an
early peaceful end to the American war in Vietnam earned him a nomination for
the Nobel Peace Prize by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and a forty-year exile from
his homeland.
Peace Is Every Step is an intimate and direct portrait of of a monk who has lived
through war and fought back with meditation, love and grace under fire,
testimony to the faith that simple practices and insights drawn from (but not by
any means limited to) the Buddhist meditative tradition can help change
conditions for the better: on a personal level, in the family, in the community, in
a nation and in the world.
Narrated by Ben Kingsley Produced and Directed by Gaetano Kazuo Maida
Filmed on location in Plum Village, France; Vietnam Veterans Memorial,
Washington, D.C.; and at retreats around the U.S. Plus: rare archival footage
from Vietnam in the 1960s
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72
English
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Peaceful Warrior
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Victor Salva
Scott Mechlowicz, Nick Nolte, Amy Smart, Tim DeKay, Ashton
Holmes, Paul Wesley, B.J. Britt, Agnes Bruckner, Tom Tarantini,
Beatrice Rosen, Ray Wise, Scott "Jesic" Caudill
2:01
Drama
Universal Studios
2006
An inspirational and triumphant film about the power of the human spirit,
'Peaceful Warrior' is the incredible true story based on Dan Millman's best-selling
novel. A gifted young athlete, bound for Olympic gold, Dan has it all: trophies,
talent, and all the women he wants. But after a life-changing event, Dan comes to
rely on Socrates (Nick Nolte), a mysterious stranger, and Joy (Amy Smart), an
elusive young woman, to teach him the secret to overcome incredible odds and
tap into new worlds of strength and understanding. Hailed by celebrities and
critics alike, 'Peaceful Warrior' is "an inspiring film that could change lives." - Sting
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73
English
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Pruning The Grapevine
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1:57
Drama
2007
The small community is that of a Catholic seminary, where Seo-hyeon (Seo
Jang-won) is studying to become a priest. The young man has been there for
three years and has proved himself to be a top student, but while theory is all
very well, he is finding it much harder to deal with the practical necessity of
leaving his old life behind him. It surely shouldn't be so difficult to identify the
correct way to behave in such situations, but Seo-hyeon only sees the actions he
believes to be right causing pain in those around him.
Filming in Korea, Min Byung-hoon's third feature confirms that he is not so much
interested in making a socio-political commentary on the places he films, as
much as using their situations to delve into basic human nature, using remote
locations whose "purity" can provide a means to examine how personal ideals
and traditional community values can be maintained when confronted with
real-world pressures. When Seo-hyeon's actions are often misjudged and the
consequences can be very serious indeed in Pruning The Grapevine, it might
seem like the director is challenging whether such idealism, particularly in
religious belief, is practical.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
74
Korean
Year:
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BFC Exclusive
Raining in the Mountain
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King Hu
Hsu Feng, Suen Yuet, Tung Lam, Tin Fung, Ng Ming-choi, Shih Jun,
Paul Chang Chung, Lee Man-tai, Wu Jiaxiang, Wong Kwong-yue,
Paul Chun, Chan Wai-lau
1:55
Drama
Bonzai Media Corporation
1979
In China, religious positions have always been controlled very closely. In this
lavishly photographed story, set in a Buddhist monastery during the Ming
Dynasty (14th-17th centuries), the monastery is in turmoil, wondering who the
government is going to appoint as its next abbot. A number of outside dignitaries
have been invited for the announcement and enthronement of the next abbot,
and the tensions in the monastery are only heightened when one of these guests
steals a venerated sutra from the Mahayana canon of Buddhist scriptures.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
75
Mandarin
Year:
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BFC Exclusive
The Razor's Edge
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John Byrum
Bill Murray, Theresa Russell, Catherine Hicks, Denholm Elliott,
James Keach, Peter Vaughan, Brian Doyle-Murray, Stephen
Davies, Saeed Jaffrey, Faith Brook, Andre Maranne, Bruce Boa
2:09
Drama
Columbia Pictures
1984
'The Razor's Edge' Bill Murray ('Groundhog Day') makes an unforgettable
dramatic debut as Larry Darrell, the free-spirited seeker, in this gripping
adaptation of W. Somerset Maugham's classic novel. When Larry returns from
World War I disillusioned with Jazz Age values, he undertakes a quest which leads
him to reject his rich fiancee (Catherine Hicks, TV's '7th Heaven') and his
superficial lifestyle to go search for truth in the Himalayas. But Larry learns that
the path to enlightenment is as difficult as treading "the sharp edge of a razor"
and returns to civilization, where he tastes life's dark side when he tries to save a
hometown girl turned prostitute (Theresa Russell, 'Wild Things').
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76
English
Year:
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Red Beard
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Akira Kurosawa
Toshiro Mifune, Yuzo Kayama, Yoshio Tsuchiya, Tatsuyoshi Ehara,
Reiko Dan, Miyuki Kuwano, Kyoko Kagawa, Kamatari Fujiwara,
Akemi Negishi, Tsutomu Yamazaki, Eijiro Tono, Takashi Shimura
3:05
Drama
Toho
1965
A testament to the goodness of humankind, Akira Kurosawa's Red Beard
chronicles the tumultuous relationship between an arrogant young doctor and a
compassionate clinic director. Toshiro Mifune, in his last role for Kurosawa, gives
a powerhouse performance as the dignified director who teaches his embittered
intern to appreciate the lives of his destitute patients. Perfectly capturing the
look and feel of 19th-century Japan, Kurosawa weaves a fascinating tapestry of
time, place, and emotion.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
77
Japanese
Year:
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The Saltmen of Tibet
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Ulrike Koch
1:49
Documentary
Zeitgeist Video
1997
Shot under extreme conditions in one of the world's most remote locations, 'The
Saltmen of Tibet' is a work of sublime beauty and epic scale. Documenting the
ancient traditions and day-to-day rituals of a Tibetan nomadic community,
filmmaker Ulrike Koch transports us into a realm untainted by the tides of foreign
invasion or encroaching modernity. Observing age-old taboos and steadfast
homage to the deities of nature, four men meticulously plan their grueling
three-month yak caravan to fetch "the tears of Tara," the precious salt from the
holy lakes of northern Tibet. 'The Saltmen of Tibet' is a breathtaking collage of
image and sound-a majestic tribute to the purity of a landscape, people and
tradition facing extinction.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
78
Tibetan
Year:
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Samsara (2002)
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Pan Nalin
Christy Chung, Shawn Ku, Neelesha Ba Vora, Lhakpa Tsering,
Tenzin Tasi, Jamayang Jinpa, Sherab Sangey, Kelsang Tashi, Tsepak
Tsangpo
2:26
Drama
Wide Sight Entertainment
2002
What is more important: satisfying a thousand desires or conquering just one? In
the majestic setting of the Himalayas, the brilliant young monk Tashi returns to
the world after three years of solitary meditation in a remote hermitage. At a
harvest festival he meets the beautiful Pema, and chooses to quit monastic life
for the challenge and wonders of the sider world. But marriage to Pema brings
sorrow as well as joy, and a spiritual quest mid the tribulations of everyday life is
very different from what Tashi has been accustomed to. Soon Tashi has to decide
again between his love and his faith.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
79
Tibetan
Year:
Catalog #:
The Scent of Green Papaya
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Anh Hung Tran
Yn-Kh Tran Nu, Man San Lu, Thi Lc Truong, Anh Hoa Nguyen,
Hoa Hi Vuong, Ngoc Trung Tran, Vantha Talisman, Ko
Souvannavong, Van Oanh Nguyen, Grard Neth, Nhat Do, Thi Hai
Vo
1:44
Drama
Les Productions Lazennec
1993
A love story of exquisite beauty and originality, THE SCENT OF GREEN PAPAYA is
the Cannes favorite that won the coveted Camera d'Or and was nominated for
the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film of 1993.
Set in Vietnam in the 1950s and '60s, it is the story of a shy peasant girl who goes
to Saigon at the age of ten as a household servant. Beneath the calm exteriors of
the lovely home where she works is an undercurrent of lost love and marital
discord. Attuned to the people around her and enchanted by nature, Mui grows
into a beautiful young woman who inspires her upper-class lover to break with
convention.
A visual feast as well as an emotional triumph, THE SCENT OF GREEN PAPAYA is
an unforgettable film experience.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
80
Vietnamese
Year:
Catalog #:
Seven Years in Tibet
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Overview:
Jean-Jacques Annaud
Brad Pitt, David Thewlis, B. D. Wong, Mako, Danny Denzongpa,
Victor Wong, Ingeborga Dapkunaite, Jamyang Jamtsho Wangchuk,
Lhakpa Tsamchoe, Jetsun Pema, Ama Ashe Dongtse, Sonam
Wangchuk
2:16
Drama
Mandalay Entertainment
1997
Seven Years in Tibet is a French 1997 film based on the 1952 book Seven Years in
Tibet written by Austrian mountaineer Heinrich Harrer on his experiences in Tibet
between 1944 and 1951 during World War II, the interim period, and the Chinese
People's Liberation Army's invasion of Tibet in 1950. The film was directed by
Jean-Jacques Annaud and starred Brad Pitt and David Thewlis.
In the story, Austrians Heinrich Harrer (Pitt) and Peter Aufschnaiter (Thewlis) are
mountaineering in the north of India. When World War II begins in 1939, because
of their German citizenship they are imprisoned by the British in a POW camp in
Dehradun in the Himalayan foothills, in the present-day Indian state of
Uttarakhand. In 1944, Harrer and Aufschnaiter escape the prison, and cross the
border into Tibet, traversing the treacherous high plateau. While in Tibet, after
initially being ordered to return to India, they are welcomed at the holy city of
Lhasa, and become absorbed into an unfamiliar way of life. Harrer is introduced
to the 14th Dalai Lama, who is still a boy, and becomes one of his tutors. During
their time together, Heinrich becomes a close friend to the young spiritual leader.
Harrer and Aufschnaiter stay in the country until the Chinese military campaign
in 1950.
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81
English
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Shortcut to Nirvana
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1:25
Documentary
2004
This enthralling documentary treks to the heart of the largest gathering of
humanity on Earth: the Kumbh Mela. The huge festival has been held in India
every 12 years for over two millennia, but is little known in the Westuntil now.
The film spectacularly captures the sheer spiritual bliss, eternal wisdom and
candid joy that envelop both the festivals pilgrims and world-renowned gurus in
attendance. SHORTCUT TO NIRVANA also features a special appearance by His
Holiness the Dalai Lama.
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82
English
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Siddhartha
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Conrad Rooks
Shashi Kapoor, Simi Garewal, Romesh Sharma, Pinchoo Kapoor,
Zul Vellani, Amrik Singh, Kunal Kapoor, Shanti Hiranand, Holy
Sadhus of Rishikesh
1:23
Drama
Image
1972
When filmmaker Conrad Rooks decided to film 'Siddhartha', the Nobel
Prize-winning novel by Hermann Hesse, he traveled to India with legendary
cinematographer Sven Nykvist. There, bewitched by the shimmering beauty and
magic of this ancient land, they transformed Hesse's tale into widescreen poetry.
'Siddhartha' is the story of a young Brahmin who leaves his wealthy parents to
become a "sadhu", a wandering ascetic. Siddhartha meets and is awed by the
Buddha, but chooses to follow his own path. His spiritual search leads him to
sexual passion and material wealth. He finds these pleasures empty and
abandons them. Eventually, he discovers enlightenment as a poor ferryman,
learning tranquility from the river itself.
'Siddhartha' is a glorious evocation of the Buddha and of each person's search for
self knowledge and the divine within.
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83
English
Year:
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BFC Exclusive
Sleeping Man
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Kohei Oguri
Sung-kee Ahn, Christine Hakim, Koji Yakusho, Masaso Imafuku,
Akiko Nomura, Tokie Hidari, Jun Hamamura
1:43
Drama
Space Co.,Tokyo
1996
In a fictitious village in rural Japan, life goes on - as it always has - around a man
who does nothing but sleep. Underlying the film, are the traditional Japanese
attitudes to nature and to life and death.
ARTICLE:
________
Ehrlich, Linda C. Stillness in Motion: The Sleeping Man Of Oguri Kohei. Journal
of Religion and Film 3.1 (1999)
Languages:
Subtitles: English
84
Japanese
Year:
Catalog #:
BFC Exclusive
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter...and Spring
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Overview:
Kim Ki-Duk
Oh Yeong-Su, Kim Ki-Duk, Kim Young-Min, Seo Jae-Kyeong, Ha
Yeo-Jin, Kim Jong-Ho, Kim Jung-Young, Ji Dae-Han, Choi Min, Park
Ji-A, Song Min-Young
1:42
Drama
Korea Pictures
2003
A tiny Buddhist monastery floats on a raft amidst a breathtaking landscape,
tended to by a solitary Monk. Into this serene setting comes a young child, who
will become the Old Monk's protg... and so begins a lifelong journey of hope,
despair, passion and redemption.
From the brash actions of youth, through the dawn of adolescence and the
fullness of adulthood, one man's life lessons are learned as seasons pass, his
emotional inner life changing as the landscape around him. Award-winning
Korean writer/director/editor Kim Ki-duk has crafted a lushly exotic, yet universal
story about the human spirit and its evolution, from Innocence to Love, Evil to
Enlightenment, and ultimately to Rebirth.
ARTICLES:
________
Cho, Francisca. The Transnational Buddhism of Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
and Spring. Contemporary Buddhism 15.1 (2014)
Conroy, Melissa. Seeing with Buddha's Eyes: Spring, Summer, Autumn,
Winter...and Spring. Journal of Religion and Film 11.2 (2007)
Languages:
Subtitles: English
85
Korean
Year:
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Stranger Than Fiction
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Marc Forster
Will Ferrell, William Dick, Guy Massey, Martha Espinoza, TJ
Jagodowski, Peter Grosz, Ricky Adams, Christian Stolte, Denise
Hughes, Peggy Roeder, Tonray Ho, Tony Hale
1:53
Drama
Columbia Pictures
2006
Will Ferrell stars as Harold Crick, a lonely IRS agent whose mundane existence is
transformed when he hears a mysterious voice narrating his life. With the help of
Professor Jules Hilbert (Dustin Hoffman), Harold discovers he's the main
character in a novel-in-progress and that the voice belongs to Karen Eiffel (Emma
Thompson), an eccentric author famous for killing her main characters in creative
ways. Harold must quickly track down Eiffel and stop her before she conjures up
a way to finish him off.
ARTICLE:
_________
Hutchinson, Richard. God and the Bodhisattva: a Buddhist Reading of Stranger
Than Fiction.
Journal of Religion and Film 13.1 (2009)
Languages:
Subtitles: English
86
English
Year:
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The Temple of the Golden Pavilion
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1:39
Drama
1958
Film directed by Kon Ichikawa and adapted from the Yukio Mishima novel "The
Temple of the Golden Pavilion". It stands as one of his better known films. Also
known as "Conflagration", the film has come to be best known by its Japanese
title "Enjo". Told in an intricate flashback structure, Enjo dramatizes the
psychological collapse of Goichi (Raizo Ichikawa), a young Buddhist acolyte from
a dysfunctional family who arrives at a Kyoto temple - the Golden Pavillion - for
further study. Goichi is haunted by two events - the discovery of his
psychologically abusive mother's infidelity, and the effect of the revelation upon
his father, who suddenly falls ill and dies shortly thereafter. Shy and idealistic -
and hindered by a stuttering problem - Goichi arrives at the temple haunted by
his dying father's sentiment that "the Golden Pavillion of the Shukaku Temple is
the most beautiful thing in the world." In the wake of entering into his studies,
Goichi is visited by his now-widowed mother, who unexpectedly states her wish
that he strive to succeed in his studies, so that he might one day become the
head priest at the temple. Under unexpected pressure from his irresponsible
surviving parent, Goichi then must face a challenge to his own ideals upon
discovery of the head priest's greed (the temple is being run as a tourist
attraction, though an appearance of piety must be presented to outsiders) and
his indiscreet pairings with a local geisha.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
87
Japanese
Year:
Catalog #:
BFC Exclusive
Temptation of a Monk
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Clara Law
Joan Chen, Teddy Robin Kwan, Michael Lee, Lisa Lu, Hsing-kuo
Wu, Fengyi Zhang
1:58
Drama
Fox Lorber
1993
Set in 7th century China, Temptation of a Monk stars Joan Chen as both a
beautiful princess and destructive temptress who wreaks havoc in a young
general's life. It tells the epic story of a disgraced man's journey in to
self-discovery. When General Shi is betrayed by rival General Hno, he is forced to
take refuge in a Buddhist temple in order to confront his mistakes. Hno
relentlessly pursues Shi by destroying all those close to him including his mother
and lover leading to the ultimate showdown between the two generals.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
88
Mandarin
Year:
Catalog #:
BFC Exclusive
Three Monks
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0:20
Drama
1980
Three Monks (Chinese: San ge he shang) is a Chinese animated feature film
produced by the Shanghai Animation Film Studio. After the cultural revolution
and the fall of the political Gang of Four in 1976, the film was one of the first
animation created as part of the rebirth period. It is also referred to as "The
Three Buddhist Priests".
The film is based on the ancient Chinese proverb "One monk will shoulder two
buckets of water, two monks will share the load, but add a third and no one will
want to fetch water." The film does not contain any dialogues, allowing it to be
watched by any culture, and a different music instrument was used to signify
each monk.
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89
Music Only
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BFC Exclusive
Thus I Have Heard: Teachings of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche
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1:05
Documentary
2003
Thus I Have Heard is a selection of highlights from five public teachings given by
Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche ranging from meditation instruction at the first
summer session of Naropa University in 1974 to a vision for enlightened society
to an audience in Boston in 1982.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
90
Tibetan
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BFC Exclusive
Tibet: A Buddhist Trilogy
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2:14
Documentary
2006
Part 1: The Dalai Lama, The Monasteries, and the People
Filmed in the Dalai Lamas residence in Dharamsala, North India, and in the
re-built Sera Monastery, the second largest monastery of the old Tibet, this
opening part of the Trilogy observes the Dalai Lama in his dual role as political
leader and spiritual teacher.
Part 2: Radiating the Fruit of Truth
With extraordinary authenticity Part II of the Trilogy journeys deep into the
mystical inner world of monastic life. Set in the ancient village of Boudha, Nepal
and the isolated mountain caves of the yogis, the film follows the lamas of the
Phulwary Sakya Monastery through their contemplative retreats, the building of
an intricate cosmogram, and the performance of an ancient protective ritual
known as A Beautiful Ornament.
Part 3: The Fields of the Senses
Set in the majestic mountain landscape of Ladakh, Part III is a meditation on
impermanence and the relationship between the mind, body and environment. It
follows the monks and farmers through a day, ending with an unflinching
depiction of the monastery's moving ritual response to a death in the
community.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
91
English
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Tibet: Cry of the Snow Lion
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Tom Peosay
Edward Edwards, Ed Harris, Shirley Knight, Tim Robbins, Susan
Sarandon, Martin Sheen
1:44
Documentary
New Yorker Video
2003
Ten years in the making, this award-winning documentary was filmed during a
remarkable nine journeys throughout Tibet, India and Nepal. CRY OF THE SNOW
LION brings audiences to the long-forbidden "rooftop of the world" with an
unprecedented richness of imagery from rarely-seen rituals in remote
monasteries, to horse races with Khamba warriors; from brothels and slums in
the holy city of Lhasa, to the magnificent Himalayan peaks still traveled by
nomadic yak caravans. The dark secrets of Tibets recent past are powerfully
chronicled through riveting personal stories and interviews, and a collection of
undercover and archival images never before assembled in one film. A definitive
exploration of a legendary subject, TIBET: CRY OF THE SNOW LION is an epic story
of courage and compassion.
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92
English
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The Tibetan Book of the Dead
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Yukari Hayashi, Hiroaki Mota, Barrie Angus McLean
Leonard Cohen
1:30
Documentary
NHK-Nippon Hoso Kyokai
1994
Death is real, it comes without warning and cannot be escaped. An ancient
source of strength and guidance, The Tibetan Book of the Dead remains an
essential teaching in the Buddhist cultures of the Himalayas. Narrated by
Leonard Cohen, this enlightening two-part series explores the sacred text and
boldly visualizes the afterlife according to its profound wisdom.
PART 1
A Way of Life reveals the history of The Tibetan Book of the Dead and
examines its traditional use in northern India, as well as its acceptance in
Western hospices. Shot over a four-month period, the film contains footage of
the rites and liturgies for a deceased Ladakhi elder and includes an interview with
the Dalai Lama, who shares his views on the books meaning and importance.
PART 2
The Great Liberation follows an old lama and his novice monk as they guide a
Himalayan villager into the afterlife using readings from The Tibetan Book of the
Dead. The souls 49-day journey towards rebirth is envisioned through actual
photography of rarely seen Buddhist rituals, interwoven with groundbreaking
animation by internationally acclaimed filmmaker Ishu Patel.
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93
English
Year:
Catalog #:
Travellers and Magicians
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Khyentse Norbu
Tsewang Dandup, Sonam Lhamo, Lhakpa Dorji, Deki Yangzom,
Sonam Kinga
1:48
Drama
2003
Mystical journeys of spiritual discovery are set against the spectacular, evocative
landscape of the remote kingdom of Bhutan in Travellers & Magicians. Young
government official Dondup (Tshewang Dendup) dreams of escaping to America
while stuck in a ravishingly beautiful but isolated village. But when he misses his
bus to the city (and an awaiting visa), Dondup is forced to hitchhike with an
elderly apple seller, a sage young monk, and old man, and his beautiful daughter
(Sonam Lhamo). Along the way, the mischievous monk tells Dondup a story of
another young man who sought a land far away: a tale of lust, jealousy, and
murder that holds up a mirror to the restless Dondup and his blossoming
attraction to the innocent young woman.
Directed by Khyentse Norbu (AKA Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche, one of
Himalayan Buddism's most revered lamas), this critical and box-office hit
magnificently interwines twin love stories for an enchanting unforgettable film
that is filled with heart, hope and humor.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
94
Other
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Un Buda
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1:55
Drama
2005
Un Buda is the story of two brothers who have responded to a childhood tragedy
in two completely different ways: one growing into a solitary loner who seeks
truth through aesthetic practices, the other a college professor who only finds
truth in fact. Now as adults, they have to face each other again in order to find
peace. An extreme Un Buda is the story of two brothers who have responded to
a childhood tragedy in two completely different ways: one growing into a solitary
loner who seeks truth through aesthetic practices, the other a college professor
who only finds truth in fact. Now as adults, they have to face each other again in
order to find peace. An extremely personal journey into the lifetime practice of
Zen Buddhism, this film educates on the Zen philosophy while bringing a human
face to faith, love and healing. The film elaborates on the dilemma between the
earthly and the divine, the point of convergence between East and West.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
95
Spanish
Year:
Catalog #:
Unmistaken Child
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Nati Baratz
1:44
Documentary
Oscilloscope Laboratories
2008
A visual stunning, spellbinding spiritual journey to a world rarely seen by
outsiders.
The Buddhist concept of reincarnation, while both mysterious and enchanting, is
hard for most Westerners to grasp. UNMISTAKEN CHILD follows the
4-year-search for the reincarnation of Lama Konchog, a world-renowned Tibetan
master who passed away in 2001 at age 84. The Dalai Lama charges the deceased
monk s devoted disciple, Tenzin Zopa (who had been in his service since the age
of seven), to search for his master s reincarnation -- a child who may be
anywhere in the world. Tenzin sets off on foot, mule and even helicopter,
through breathtaking landscapes and remote traditional Tibetan villages. He
listens to stories about children with special characteristics, performs rituals and
rarely seen tests designed to determine the likelihood of reincarnation, and
eventually presents his chosen one to the Dalai Lama, who will make the final
decision.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
96
Tibetan
Year:
Catalog #:
Waking Life
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Overview:
Richard Linklater
Trevor Jack Brooks, Lorelei Linklater, Wiley Wiggins, Glover Gill,
Lara Hicks, Ames Asbell, Leigh Mahoney, Sara Nelson, Jeanine
Attaway, Erik Grostic, Bill Wise, Robert C. Solomon
1:39
Drama
20th Century Fox
2001
One of the most imaginative animated features ever made. This funny, ingenious
film explores the fascinating question: "Are we sleep-walking through our waking
state or waking-walking through our dreams?" Join Wiley Wiggins as he searches
for answers to life's most important questions in a world that may or may not be
reality.
ARTICLE:
________
Mann, Douglas. Buddhists, Existentialists, and Situationists: Waking Up in
Waking Life.
Journal of Film and Video 62.4 (2010)
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97
English
Year:
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Walking Pilgrims (Arukihenro)
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1:13
Documentary
2006
For a great number of people, the main motive for undertaking a pilgrimage
consists in the journey itself - wandering along a path leading away from the
familiar place and at the same time leading towards oneself. The road movie and
documentary Walking Pilgrims (Arukihenro) focuses on today's Japanese
wandering pilgrims, as they undertake the 88 Temples' Pilgrimage that circles the
Japanese island of Shikoku.
Over 1000 years old, the Shikoku Henro connects 88 predetermined sacred
places along a 1400 km route that circles Japan's fourth largest island, Shikoku.
The pilgrimage follows the path of the holy monk Kobo Daishi (774-835), founder
of Japanese Shingon Buddhism, who is said to have attained enlightenment on
his ascetic wanderings through the prefectures of Tokushima, Kochi, Ehime and
Kagawa.
Walking Pilgrims (Arukihenro) was shot over a period of nine months, while the
filmmakers themselves hiked along the entire route. Using ethnographic
methods, the film investigates the motivations of today's pilgrims, with input
from priests, academic experts and Shikoku residents. Using the pilgrimage as its
starting point, Walking Pilgrims (Arukihenro) gives insight into the religious and
socio-cultural roots of contemporary Japanese society.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
98
Japanese
Year:
Catalog #:
What Remains of Us
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1:17
Documentary
2004
What Remains of Us (original title: Ce qu'il reste de nous) is a Canadian
documentary film exploring the survival of the nonviolent resistance movement
in Tibet. The documentary was shot over eight years without the knowledge of
the Chinese authorities.
A young Tibetan from Qubec, Canada, enters her homeland for the first time
carrying a clandestine video message from the Dalai Lama to Tibetans inside
Tibet.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
99
Tibetan
Year:
Catalog #:
BFC Exclusive
Wheel of Time
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Werner Herzog
Dalai Lama, Werner Herzog
1:20
Documentary
Werner Herzog Filmproduktion
2003
'Wheel of Time' is acclaimed filmmaker Werner Herzog's gorgeously
photographed look at the largest Buddhist ritual in Bodh Gaya, India. It is said
that Buddha found enlightenment under a tree in Bodh Gaya and today,
Buddhist monks are ordained in this holy place. Herzog magically captures the
lengthy pilgrimage (which for some, is over 3,000 miles), the monk's creation of
the beautiful and intricate sand mandala (the wheel of time) along with many
secret rituals that have never been seen before on film. He delivers a personal
and introspective look at what Buddhism really means to its most ardent
followers, as well as giving outsiders an intimate look into a fascinating way of
life.
Languages:
Subtitles:
100
English
Year:
Catalog #:
BFC Exclusive
Why has Bodhi-Dharma left for the East?
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Yong-Kyun Bae
Hae-Jin Huang, Pan-Yong Yi, Won-Sop Sin, Su-Myong Ko
2:17
Drama
Image Entertainment
1989
In a remote monastery high up in the mountains, an old master, a young monk
and an orphaned boy devote themselves to their Buddhist teachings. As the
master faces death, he becomes more desperate to lead his disciples away from
the outside world and point them toward their quest for enlightenment. This
magnificent film, astonishingly rich in its formal beauty and affirmation of life, is
not only a cinematic gem but a transcendent evocation of the mystery and
humanity of Zen Buddhism. Selected by three international film critics as "One of
the Ten Best Films of All Time" in the 1993 Sight & Sound Critics Poll.
ARTICLES:
_________
Avila, Wanda. Enlightenment Through Film: Why Has Bodhi-Dharma Left for
the East?. Journal of Religion and Film 14.1 (2010)
Brinson, Meghan. Engaging Zenamatography: Why Has Bodhidharma Left for
the East?. Chrestomathy: Annual Review of Undergraduate Research at the
College of Charleston 3 (2004)
Ehrlich, Linda C. Closing the Circle: Why Has Bodhidharma Left for the East?.
Seoul Searching: Culture and Identity in Contemporary Korean Cinema. 2007.
Gillespie, Michael L. Picturing the Way in Bae Yong-Kyun's Why Has
Bodhidharma Left for the East?. Journal of Religion and Film 1.1 (1997)
Languages:
Subtitles: English
101
Korean
Year:
Catalog #:
The Wizard of Oz
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Victor Fleming, King Vidor
Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, Jack Haley,
Billie Burke, Margaret Hamilton, Charley Grapewin, Pat Walshe,
Clara Blandick, Toto, Gladys W. Allison
1:41
Drama
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
1939
Whisked away by a swirling tornado, 12-year-old Dorothy, her dog Toto, and
even her Kansas farmhouse, sail over the rainbow and into the dazzling land of
Oz. Filled with playful Munchkins, enchanted forests and endless surprises, this
dream-come-true world is one great adventure after another. But the most
wondrous adventure of all begins when Dorothy and her newfound friends go in
search of the kingdom's mysterious Wizard and the secret that will lead her
home.
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102
English
Year:
Catalog #:
Words of My Perfect Teacher
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1:43
Documentary
2008
From the World Cup in Germany to the remote Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan,
three students are on a quest they hope will lead to wisdom. The catch is ... the
teacher. Soccer obsessed, charismatic filmmaker, and citizen of the world,
Khyentse Norbu may be one of the world s most eminent Tibetan Buddhist
teachers, but it's a job description he slyly seems to reject at every turn.
Filmed in the UK, Bhutan, Canada, the US, and Germany.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
103
Tibetan
Year:
Catalog #:
BFC Exclusive
Zen
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2:07
Drama
2009
Directed by Takahashi Banmei, Zen is an elegant and fascinating look into the life
and times of 13th-century monk Dogen, founder of the Soto sect in Zen
Buddhism. Offering a fairly faithful depiction of what is known of the monk's life,
the film follows Dogen, handsomely portrayed by kabuki actor Nakamura
Kantaro, from an orphan child inspired by his mother's dying words to a young
monk wandering in China where he experiences his awakening. After reaching
enlightenment, he returns to Kyoto to spread his teachings of silent meditation,
attracting both dedicated followers and fierce detractors who cast him as a
heretic.
In his travels and teachings, Dogen encounters many different people. Some
guide him, some follow him, and some test him, but all become crucial figures in
his spiritual journey of peace and meditation. Zen's supporting cast includes Kora
Kengo (Snakes and Earrings) as a young monk gone astray, Uchida Yuki (Welcome
to the Quiet Room) as a prostitute and aspiring nun, and Fujiwara Tatsuya (Death
Note) as the shogun haunted by inner ghosts.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
104
Japanese
Year:
Catalog #:
Zen Buddhism: In Search of Self
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1:05
Documentary
2007
Following a tradition dating back over 1000 years, two dozen Buddhist nuns
gather for a ninety day period of meditation, fasting and contemplation deep in
the mountains of South Korea. With the singular goal of attaining enlightenment,
the women undertake a rigorous schedule of meditation, at one point sitting for
seven days without sleep. In this first ever documentary on the practice of Dong
Ahn Geo (Winter Zen Retreat), you'll be invited into the Baek Hung Buddhist
Temple to witness not only the nuns' strict meditation practice, but their daily
lives in which we see not only a deep spiritual discipline but an almost childlike
joy and simplicity. Since the Great Monk Hyecheol built Baek Hung Temple in the
10th century during the Silla Dynasty (AD 57-935), the temple has been known
for the most rigorous Cham Sun (Zen) practice. Forbidden until now, the camera
captures the austere beauty of the Korean countryside and the long secret
traditions of this Buddhist Zen retreat. This historic documentary was filmed from
November 29, 2001 to February 26, 2002 at Baek Hung Temple, Palgong
Mountain, Daegu, South Korea.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
105
Korean
Year:
Catalog #:
A Zen Life: D.T. Suzuki
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1:17
Documentary
2008
Review
Goldberg... approaches his subject with sensitivity and insight, which he backs
with solid research, excellent and rare archival footage and an array of impressive
interviews. --Robert Avila, San Francisco Film Society/Indie Wire
Review
Some strictly orthodox Zen masters may have grumbled at his temerity in
attempting to explain the unexplainable mystery of their doctrine. But even they
had to admit that he became Zen's most successful and widely respected
missionary outside Japan, and that if anyone could communicate Zen to the
West, Dr. Suzuki was the man... He radiates... a special serenity that makes him a
magnificent living example of the doctrine he preaches. --Winthrop Sargeant, The
New Yorker, 1957
Languages:
Subtitles: English
106
Japanese
Year:
Catalog #:
The Zen Mind
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1:00
Documentary
2006
The Zen Mind is a journey across Japan to explore the practice of Zen. We reveal
the daily routine of a zen monk and take you inside the walls of the zen
monastery and into a world never imagined by outsiders. Step inside the zendo
or meditation hall, where the monks sit in zazen - searching for the middle path
to enlightenment - it is a long hard journey. Every aspect of zen is uncovered -
from a zen center in the middle of the bustling streets of Tokyo, to the mountains
above Kyoto.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
107
Japanese
Year:
Catalog #:
Zen Noir
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1:11
Drama
2004
A nameless 'noir' detective, still mourning the loss of his wife, investigates a
mysterious death in a Buddhist temple, but his logical, left-brained crime-solving
skills are useless in the intuitive, non-linear world of Zen.
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108
English
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Angry Monk: Reflections on Tibet
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Luc Schaedler
1:37
Documentary
2005
Gendun Choephel is a legendary figure in Tibet. Believed to be the reincarnation
of a famous Buddhist lama, this promising young monk turned his back on
monastic life and became a fierce critic of his country's religious conservatism,
cultural isolationism and reactionary government. After leaving the monastery in
1934, and fueled by his intellectual curiosity and free-spirited nature, Choephel
traveled throughout Tibet and India in order to understand the true history of his
country.
Both a personal and political portrait of this pioneering and visionary intellectual,
Angry Monk features rare archival footage, Choephel's paintings, and
contemporary scenes of sites he visited, along with interviews with Tibetan
historians, scholars, writers, and his wife.
Today Choephel is a revered figure in his homeland, and an influential symbol of
hope for those seeking political and spiritual reform in a free Tibet. Angry Monk
tells his story.
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Subtitles: English
109
Tibetan
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Cherry Blossoms
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Doris Drrie
2:04
Drama
2008
One of Germanys foremost filmmakers, award-winning Doris Drrie (Men,
Naked, Am I Beautiful?), directs this tender, emotionally intense and profoundly
moving story of marital love. Only Trudi knows that her husband Rudi is suffering
from a terminal illness. She decides not to tell him and convinces him to visit
their family in Berlin. Then, suddenly, Trudi dies. Rudi is devastated but vows to
make up for her lost life. And so he embarks on his last journey - to Tokyo - in the
midst of the cherry blossom festival, a celebration of beauty, impermanence and
new beginnings.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
110
German
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Ikiru
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Akira Kurosawa
2:23
Drama
1952
Considered by some to be Akira Kurosawas greatest achievement, Ikiru
presents the director at his most compassionateaffirming life through an
exploration of a mans death. Takashi Shimura portrays Kanji Watanabe, an aging
bureaucrat with stomach cancer forced to strip the veneer off his existence and
find meaning in his final days. Told in two parts, Ikiru offers Watanabes quest
in the present, and then through a series of flashbacks. The result is a
multifaceted look at a life through a prism of perspectives, resulting in a full
portrait of a man who lacked understanding from others in life.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
111
Japanese
Year:
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Into Great Silence
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Philip Grning
2:42
Documentary
Zeitgeist Video
2005
Nestled deep in the postcard-perfect French Alps, the Grande Chartreuse is
considered one of the worlds most ascetic monasteries. In 1984, German
filmmaker Philip Grning wrote to the Carthusian order for permission to make a
documentary about them. They said they would get back to him. Sixteen years
later, they were ready. Grning, sans crew or artificial lighting, lived in the
monks quarters for six months - filming their daily prayers, tasks, rituals and rare
outdoor excursions. This transcendent, closely observed film seeks to embody a
monastery, rather than simply depict one - it has no score, no voiceover and no
archival footage. What remains is stunningly elemental: time, space and light.
One of the most mesmerizing and poetic chronicles of spirituality ever created,
'Into Great Silence' dissolves the border between screen and audience with a
total immersion into the hush of monastic life. More meditation than
documentary, its a rare, transformative experience for all.
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Subtitles: English
112
French
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Jacob's Ladder
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Adrian Lyne
Tim Robbins, Elizabeth Pena, Danny Aiello, Matt Craven, Pruitt
Taylor Vince, Jason Alexander, Patricia Kalember, Eriq La Salle,
Ving Rhames, Brian Tarantina, Anthony Alessandro, Brent Hinkley
1:53
Drama
Carolco Pictures
1990
Tim Robbins is Jacob Singer, a man who lives in a nightmare. Wounded in
Vietnam, he's now back at home in New York City. Torn between the memories
of his son and terrifying wartime demons, Jacob is slowly losing his grip on reality.
His beautiful girlfriend (Elizabeth Pena) only adds confusion to his life, drawing
him into a web of sexual intrigue; but ultimately, it's his friend Louis (Danny
Aiello, who turns out to he the only one Jacob can truly count on. Based in part
on The Tibetan Book of the Dead.
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113
English
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Jesus in India
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1:37
Documentary
2008
Edward T. Martin begins a seekers quest across 4000 miles of India in search of
answers about where Jesus was during the Hidden Years from ages 12 to 30.
The New Testament is silent on those years, however in India there is an ancient
tradition that young Jesus joined a caravan and took the Silk Road to the East,
where He lived with both Hindus and Buddhists before returning to begin His
ministry.
To what extent are these traditions based on evidence, and why does the Pope
of Hinduism now insist that Jesus was in India?
Why does Professor Elaine Pagels of Princeton University, a world-renowned
Biblical scholar, say we cannot rule this out? Scholars and religious authorities are
joined in this film by the Dalai Lama and an Apostolic Nuncio of Pope John Paul II.
You will hear all sides, and you will be shocked and surprised by some of the
answers offered for the Bibles silence about JESUS IN INDIA.
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Subtitles:
114
English
Year:
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BFC Exclusive
Jigoku
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Nobuo Nakagawa
Shigeru Amachi, Utako Mitsuya, Yoichi Numata, Hiroshi Hayashi,
Jun Otomo, Akiko Yamashita, Kiyoko Tsuji, Fumiko Miyata,
Torahiko Nakamura, Kimie Tokudaiji, Akiko Ono, Tomohiko Otani
1:39
Drama
Shintoho Studios
1960
Shocking, outrageous, and poetic, 'Jigoku' ('Hell', a.k.a. 'The Sinners of Hell') is the
most innovative creation from Nobuo Nakagawa, the father of the Japanese
horror film. After a young theology student flees a hit-and-run accident, he is
plagued by both his own guilt-ridden conscience and a mysterious, diabolical
doppelganger. But all possible escape routes lead straight to hell--literally. In the
gloriously gory final third of the film, Nakagawa offers up his vision of the
underworld in a tour de force of torture and degradation. A striking departure
from traditional Japanese ghost stories, 'Jigoku', with its truly eye-popping, and
-gouging, imagery, created aftershocks that are still reverberating in
contemporary world horror cinema.
Jigoku (1960), a theatrical, surreal depiction of Hell by the father of Japanese
horror Nobuo Nakagawa is Naraka, a rebirth based on strong states of hatred
cultivated in previous lives.
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Subtitles: English
115
Japanese
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Mother Ganga
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0:55
Documentary
2003
The film portrays a pilgrimage, starting at the Bay of Bengal where the Ganges
enters the sea (Ganga Sagar), to Gangotri and Gomukh in the Himalayan
Mountains where the Ganges appears. Along the journey, one can see images
from significant places of pilgrimage such as Mayapur, Jaipur, Varanasi, Bodgaya,
Haridwar, Rishikesh, Gangotri, and others. The film depicts the love and devotion
the people of India have been exhibiting for thousands of years in the worship of
Gangamayi. The commentary consists of narratives and related stories found in
the Vedas describing the Ganges spiritual origin, purifying power, descent to the
material world, personal feature, etc. This film also contains footage capturing
the atmosphere of ancient worship ceremonies, magnificent temples, impressive
mystic yoga practise, etc.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
116
Hindi
Year:
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Pay It Forward
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Mimi Leder
Kevin Spacey, Helen Hunt, Haley Joel Osment, Jay Mohr, James
Caviezel, Jon Bon Jovi, Angie Dickinson, David Ramsey, Gary
Werntz, Colleen Flynn, Marc Donato, Kathleen Wilhoite
2:03
Drama
Warner Bros. Pictures
2000
Just imagine. You do a favor that really helps someone and tell him or her not to
pay it back, but to pay it forward to three more - and on and on into a global
outpouring of kindness and decency. Impossible? Junior high student Trevor
McKinney won't accept that.
Haley Joel Osment plays Trevor, who starts a chain reaction of goodness for his
social studies project in this bittersweet and uplifting talk directed by Mimi Leder,
based on the novel by Catherine Ryan Hyde and also starring Academy Award
winners Kevin Spacey and Helen Hunt. How much impact can one heartfelt idea
have? Do yourself a favor and find out: see Pay it Forward.
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117
English
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The Quantum Activist
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1:17
Documentary
2009
Dr. Amit Goswami, Ph.D, a pioneer of this revolutionary new perspective within
science shares with us his vision of the unlimited potential of consciousness as
the ground of all being, and how this revelation can actually help us to live
better.
The Quantum Activist tells the story of a man who challenges us to rethink our
very notions of existence and reality, with a force and scope not felt since
Einstein.
This film bridges the gap between God and Science. The work of Goswami, with
stunning precision and without straying from the rigors of quantum mechanics,
reveals the overarching unity inherent in the worlds major religions and mystical
traditions.
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118
English
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Rivers and Tides
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Thomas Riedelsheimer
Andy Goldsworthy
1:30
Documentary
Roxie Releasing
2001
In the timeless tradition of Winged Migration and Koyaanisqatsi, the
theatrical phenomenon RIVERS AND TIDES depicts the magical relationship
between art and nature while painting a visually intoxicating portrait of famed
artist Andy Goldsworthy. Gorgeously shot and masterfully edited, the film follows
the bohemian free spirit Goldsworthy all over the world as he demonstrates and
opens up about his unique creative process. From his long-winding rock walls and
icicle sculptures to his interlocking leaf chains and multicolored pools of flowers,
Goldsworthys painstakingly intricate masterpieces are made entirely of materials
found in Mother Naturewho threatens and often succeeds in destroying his art,
sometimes before its even finished.
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119
English
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Shin Don
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2:30
Drama
2005
Shin Don was a Buddhist priest who enjoyed King Gongmins confidence. Though
he was a Buddhist priest, he relied on political power more than compassion or
loving kindness in order to survive the troubled times. He was an innovative
philosopher who both despised and worshipped all the established ideas. While
some people considered him a man blinded by greed for power, others believed
that he was a true social reformer who struggled to revive Goryeo during a
period of turmoil. Religion was his ideal; however, it was also his tool of seizing
political power and winning popular support.
Disc contains episodes 1-3. This is a historical drama,
prior background knowledge may be necessary.
Further episodes available upon request.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
120
Korean
Year:
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Shower
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Zhang Yang
Wu Jiang, Quanxin Pu, He Zeng, Xu Zhu
1:34
Drama
Sony Pictures Classics
1999
When successful businessman Da Ming is summoned by his younger brother to
come home to his father's old-style bathhouse in Beijing, he can't wait to return
to his fast-paced modern life. But time amongst the crazy cast of characters that
frequent the bathhouse gives him a new appreciation for traditional old ways.
When a tragic event causes sudden change, Da Ming must choose between the
prosperous life he's made for himself and his responsibility to his family and his
heritage.
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Subtitles: English
121
Mandarin
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The Story of India
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1. Beginnings, Jeremy Jeffs
Michael Wood
1:30
Documentary
Maya Vision International
2008
In this captivating six-part adventure, Wood chronicles the history of the
subcontinent, the incredible richness and diversity of its peoples, cultures and
landscapes, the intense drama of its past and the originality and continuing
relevance of its ideas.
Episode 1 - "Beginnings"
Episode 2 - "The Power of Ideas"
DISC ONLY CONTAINS EPISODES 1-2
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122
English
Year:
Catalog #:
Throne of Blood
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Akira Kurosawa
Toshir Mifune, Isuzu Yamada, Takashi Shimura, Akira Kubo,
Hiroshi Tachikawa, Minoru Chiaki, Takamaru Sasaki, Kokuten
Kodo, Kichijiro Ueda, Eiko Miyoshi, Chieko Naniwa, Nakajiro
Tomita
1:49
Drama
Toho
1957
One of the most celebrated screen adaptations of Shakespeare, Akira Kurosawa's
'Throne of Blood' reimagines 'Macbeth' in feudal Japan. Starring Kurosawa's
longtime collaborator Toshiro Mifune and the legendary Isuzu Yamada as his
ruthless wife, the film tells the tale of a valiant warrior's savage rise to power and
his ignominious fall. With 'Throne of Blood', Kurosawa fuses one of Shakespeare's
greatest tragedies with the formal elements of Japanese Noh Theater to make a
'Macbeth' that is all his own - a classic tale of ambition and duplicity set against a
ghostly landscape of fog and inescapable doom.
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Subtitles: English
123
Japanese
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Transparent Lama
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1:04
Documentary
2006
The film presents one of the great Tibetan Buddhism teachers of the Karma
Kagyu order, Lama Lopen Tseche Rinpoche. The movie covers material from two
countries: Nepal - where he was a abbot of a monastery in his final years, and
Bhutan - his country of birth.
His first western students Ole and Hannah Nydahl share the memories about
their spiritual teacher Tseche Rinpoche.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
124
English
Year:
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BFC Exclusive
The Visitor
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Thomas McCarthy
Richard Jenkins, Haaz Sleiman, Danai Gurira, Hiam Abbass, Marian
Seldes, Maggie Moore, Michael Cumpsty, Bill McHenry, Richard
Kind, Tzahi Moskovitz, Amir Arison, Neal Lerner
1:44
Drama
Overture Films
2007
THE VISITOR stars Richard Jenkins in a "perfect performance" as Walter, a
disaffected college professor who has been drifting aimlessly through his life.
When, in a chance encounter on a trip into New York, Walter discovers a couple
has taken up residence in his apartment in the city, he develops an unexpected
and profound connection to them that will change his life forever.
As challenges arise for his tenants Tarek and Zainab, Walter finds himself
compelled to help his new friends, and rediscovers a passion he thought he had
lost long ago.
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125
English
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Wild Strawberries
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Ingmar Bergman
Victor Sjstrm, Bibi Andersson, Ingrid Thulin, Gunnar
Bjrnstrand, Jullan Kindahl, Folke Sundquist, Bjrn Bjelvenstam,
Naima Wifstrand, Gunnel Brostrm, Gertrud Fridh, Sif Ruud,
Gunnar Sjberg
1:32
Drama
Svensk Filmindustri
1957
The film that catapulted Ingmar Bergman to the forefront of the world cinema is
the director's richest, most humane movie. Traveling to receive an honorary
degree, professor Isak Borg (Masterfully played by the veteran Swedish director
Victor Sjstrm) is forced to face his past, come to terms with his faults, and
accept his approaching death. Through flashbacks and fantasies, dreams and
nightmares, 'Wild Strawberries' captures a startling voyage of self-discovery and
renewed belief in mankind.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
126
Swedish
Year:
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Windhorse
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Paul Wagner, Thupten Tsering
1:37
Drama
New Yorker Video
1998
Based on true events, WINDHORSE focuses on the lives of two siblings and their
cousin who as young children witnessed their Tibetan grandfather brutally
murdered over his resistance of Chine aggression.
Eighteen years later, the memory of losing their grandfather has affected each of
the kids differently. On the verge of pop stardom, Dolkar has assimilated herself
comfortably into Chinese culture while her disgusted brother Dorjee's hatred of
the Chinese has turned him into an embittered vagrant.
Their cousin Pema has since retreated to the solace of life as a Buddhist nun
until, like her grandfather before her, she too risks her life by defying Chinese
rule in Tibet.
When Dolkar and Dorjee are called to help Pema, the brutal realities of Chinese
occupation in Tibet strike the family once again - this time they must join forces
to do everything in their power to help stop it.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
127
Tibetan
Year:
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Alice in Wonderland
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Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson, Hamilton Luske
Kathryn Beaumont, Ed Wynn, Richard Haydn, Sterling Holloway,
Jerry Colonna, Verna Felton, J. Pat O'Malley, Bill Thompson,
Heather Angel, Joseph Kearns, Larry Grey, Queenie Leonard
1:15
Drama
RKO Radio Pictures, Inc.
1951
The surprises begin when a daydreaming Alice encounters a White Rabbit who is
frantically running late. She chases him and falls into the magical, madcap world
of Wonderland with a kaleidoscope of off-the-wall characters - including
Tweedledee and Tweedledum, the Cheshire Cat, and the manic Mad Hatter, who
invites her to a memorable tea party! The crowning confrontation begins when
Alice meets the notorious Queen Of Hearts and her enchanted deck of playing
cards. Tricked into a curious game of croquet, Alice, and her patience, end up on
trial. Is there no escape from this whimsical escapade?
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128
English
Year:
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Babel
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Alejandro Gonzlez Irritu
Morocco Cast, Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Mohamed Akhzam, Peter
Wight, Harriet Walter, Trevor Martin, Matyelok Gibbs, Georges
Bousquet, Claudine Acs, Andre Oumansky, Michael Maloney
2:23
Drama
Paramount Pictures
2006
Pain is universal... but so is hope. From acclaimed Director Alejandro Gonzlez
Irritu comes the third film in his trilogy, 'Babel', a critically celebrated and
emotionally gripping film about the barriers that separate humankind.
A tragic accident in Morocco sets off a chain of events that will link four groups of
people who, divided by cultural differences and vast distances, will discover a
shared destiny that ultimately connects them. Brad Pitt, Cate Blancettand Gael
Garca Bernal lead an outstanding international ensemble cast in this
breakthrough film.
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129
English
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Ayurveda: The Art of Being
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Pan Nalin
1:42
Documentary
Kino on Video
2001
Under a timeless South Asian sky, fingers expertly probe flesh, bones and hands.
Healer Brahmanand Swamigal is practicing Ayurveda, the "science of life", one of
the oldest holistic medical systems in the world. Originating in India more than
5,000 years ago, and spreading to Tibet, China and Japan, this uncanny
intersection of science, medicine and magic is only now receiving serious study in
the West.
Founded on the belief that human disease is cured by restoring an imbalance of
individual life energies, Ayurveda supports diverse forms of treatment. Intuitively
manipulating nerves that can either cure or kill, a healer displays amazingly
intimate pressure point mastery. One wizened practitioner grinds precious stones
into priceless medicinal powders while another shrugs off payment and
brusquely dispenses treatment like a crusty country doctor.
Whether documenting the catastrophic loss of potentially cancer curing herbs or
detailing the mounting scientific evidence supporting Ayurveda's efficacy,
AYURVEDA: THE ART OF BEING retains an affecting sense of wonder. In the end,
the film simply and persuasively observes that "Hope is nature's way of enabling
us to survive so that we can discover nature itself."
Languages:
Subtitles: English
130
Hindi
Year:
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The Clone Returns Home
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1:50
Drama
GoldView
2009
An astronaut dies on a mission, but never fear he's got a clone, which has
been imprinted with his memories. Unfortunately, the upload malfunctions and
the clone fixates on a tragic memory from the dead astronaut's youth, setting off
a chain of events that will result in tragedy and a profound exploration of what
it means to be human, and have a soul.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
131
Japanese
Year:
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Dead Man
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Jim Jarmusch
Johnny Depp, Gary Farmer, Lance Henriksen, Michael Wincott,
Mili Avital, Iggy Pop, Crispin Glover, Eugene Byrd, Michelle Thrush,
Jimmie Ray Weeks, Mark Bringleson, Gabriel Byrne
2:01
Drama
1995
William Blake set out on an exciting journey to start his life over in a new town
with a new job. He never could have prepared himself for what was to come.
Through a mysterious chain of events, he becomes involved in a love triangle that
ends in a double murder--with him as the suspect. Alone and scared, he tries to
escape, but soon discovers that he is being hunted down by men who have been
paid to find and kill him, and befriends a Native American loner, who teaches him
to face the dangers that follow a "dead man."
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Subtitles:
132
English
Year:
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Donnie Darko
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Richard Kelly
Jake Gyllenhaal, Holmes Osborne, Mary McDonnell, Maggie
Gyllenhaal, Daveigh Chase, James Duval, Katharine Ross, Drew
Barrymore, Jena Malone, Noah Wyle, Patrick Swayze, Beth Grant
1:53
Drama
New Market
2001
Troubled adolescent, Donnie Darko, receives a disturbing vision that the world
will end in 28 days. With the help of various characters, including a 6 foot rabbit
called Frank, he slowly discovers the mysterious physical and metaphysical laws
that govern his life and that will lead up to the destruction of the universe.
Languages:
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133
English
Year:
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Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
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Michel Gondry
Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Gerry Robert Byrne, Elijah Wood,
Thomas Jay Ryan, Mark Ruffalo, Jane Adams, David Cross, Kirsten
Dunst, Tom Wilkinson, Ryan Whitney, Debbon Ayer
1:48
Drama
Alliance Atlantis
2004
This is the story of a guy, Joel, who discovers that his long-time girlfriend,
Clementine, has undergone a psychiatrist's experimental procedure in which all
of her memory of Joel is removed, after the couple has tried for years to get their
relationship working fluidly. Frustrated by the idea of still being in love with a
woman who doesn't remember their time together, Joel agrees to undergo the
procedure as well, to erase his memories of Clementine.
The film, which takes place mostly within Joel's mind, follows his memories of
Clementine backwards in time as each recent memory is replaced, and the
procedure then goes on to the previous one, which is likewise seen, and then
erased. Once the process starts, however, Joel realizes he doesn't really want to
forget Clementine, so he starts smuggling her away into parts of his memory
where she doesn't belong... which alters other things about his memories as well.
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134
English
Year:
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Silence
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Masahiro Shinoda
2:09
Drama
Eureka! Video
1971
Adapted from the renowned novel by Shusaku Endo, Masahiro Shinodas 1971
film Silence (Chinmoku, co-written with Endo) explores the violent cultural
conflict amid the arrival of Jesuit missionaries in seventeenth-century Japan.
Shinodas excellent direction coupled with a pensive score by the legendary
Toru Takemitsu gives cinematic expression to inner spiritual paradox, and
imbues with religious mystery a landscape that seems already sentient with wind,
rain, and light.
Two Portuguese priests disembark upon an anonymous Japanese shore. Under
cover of nightfall, they seek to infiltrate those Christian sects driven underground
by a ruthless magistracy, and re-establish the foothold of the Church on the
isolated island-nation. Soon, however, the priests find themselves drawn into the
mire of persecution, and gradually learn the truth behind the ominous
disappearance of another Catholic missionary decades earlier
Languages:
Subtitles: English
135
Japanese
Year:
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BFC Exclusive
Memento
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Christopher Nolan
Guy Pearce, Carrie-Anne Moss, Joe Pantoliano, Mark Boone
Junior, Russ Fega, Jorja Fox, Stephen Tobolowsky, Harriet Sansom
Harris, Thomas Lennon, Callum Keith Rennie, Kimberly Campbell,
Marianne Muellerleile
1:56
Drama
Newmarket Capital Group
2000
Leonard suffers from a rare brain disorder - the inability to form any new
memories. He can remember in detail everything that happened before his
injury, but anyone he has ever met or anything he has ever done since that
fateful night, simply vanishes. Who are his friends? Who are his enemies? What is
the truth? In Leonard's world, he answers to these questions shift and change
from second to second. And the more he tries to figure out what is ture and real,
the deeper he sinks into a multi-layered abyss of uncertainty and surprises.
Languages:
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136
English
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Valley of Flowers
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Pan Nalin
1:56
Drama
2006
A greatest Asian love story, an unforgettable tale about passion, death and
reincarnation. A mesmerizing Himalayan epic that spans two centuries, from the
Silk Route of the early 19th century to the bustling metropolis of modern-day
Tokyo.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
137
Hindi
Year:
Catalog #:
BFC Exclusive
Owl and the Sparrow
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Stephane Gauger
Cat Ly, Le The Lu, Nguyen Hau, Nguyen Kim Phuong, Pham Thi
Han
1:38
Drama
2007
On the bustling streets of Saigon, three very different people all seeking
connection are about to collide. A beautiful flight attendant looking for love. A
zookeeper hiding within his animal kingdom to nurse a broken heart. And the
young flower-selling runaway who brings them together. But to avoid the
authorities and a strict uncle tracking her down, she will need all of her
cleverness and determination if she is going to grab any chance at lasting
happiness.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
138
Vietnamese
Year:
Catalog #:
Aparajito
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Satyajit Ray
Kanu Bannerjee, Karuna Bannerjee, Pinaki Sengupta, Smaran
Ghosal, Santi Gupta, Ramani Sengupta, Ranibala, Sudipta Roy,
Ajay Mitra, Charuprakash Ghosh, Subodh Ganguli, Mani Srimani
1:50
Drama
Sony Pictures Classics
1957
Following Apu and his family to the city, Ray explores the crowded streets and
busy waterfront, introducing us to a gallery of unforgettable images and
characters. But when tragedy strikes Apu's family, the boy becomes a man and
must choose between the life his father chose -- a life of duty and
disappointment -- or a life of his own.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
139
Hindi
Year:
Catalog #:
BFC Exclusive
Blessings: Nuns of Tibet
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1:30
Documentary
2010
Blessings: The Tsoknyi Nangchen Nuns of Tibet tells the story of 3000 nuns living
in the remote nomadic region of Nangchen in Eastern Tibet who practice an
ancient yogic tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. Despite near extinction during the
destruction of the Cultural Revolution, these remarkable spiritual practitioners
have emerged to rebuild their monasteries by hand - stone by stone. Now, their
tradition of wisdom and compassion is once again vital and growing. In 2005,
Tsoknyi Rinpoche III led a small group of western students to meet the Nangchen
nuns. Blessings is the story of this extraordinary journey. A unique meeting of
East and West, the film is an inspiration to anyone seeking a spiritual path
through the challenges of 21st century life.
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140
English
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Brain Story
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4:54
Documentary
2000
Why do we think and feel as we do? For years man has sought to understand the
workings of the mind. Now, with advances in modern-day technology and
developments in neuroscience, a whole new world of brain research is opening
up.
Understanding our minds is becoming a reality. Guided by top neuroscientist
Susan Greenfield, Brain Story attempts to answer the question What is my mind
and who am I? We talk to philosophers, clinicians, neurosurgeons and their
patients to discover quite what a finely balanced and complex machine the brain
is.
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141
English
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BFC Exclusive
Buddha Wild
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1:20
Documentary
2006
Award winning documentary directed and presented by Anna Wilding. A
beautiful and moving film that is a refreshing and entertaining synthesis of
Eastern and Western culture. Buddha Wild explores our lives as we strive to live
in one with nature, our environment, and explores what really goes on behind
the monastery doors, through a group of remote monks adapting to the Western
world. This engaging movie touches on hot-button issues like the roles of women,
racism, politics, the environment, and celibacy. Special Features include
interviews, and an appearance by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Languages:
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142
English
Year:
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Colors of Compassion
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0:49
Documentary
2004
This film documents the first retreat for people of color to be given by
Vietnamese Zen master, teacher, scholar and poet Thich Nhat Hanh. It takes
place at Deer Park Monastery in spring, 2004. The film highlights interviews with
participants and monastics as they reflect on the dharma and its meaning in their
lives. Issues such as discrimination, alienation, and displacement, all of which give
rise to anger and suffering, are discussed in candid and heartfelt interviews.
Languages:
Subtitles:
143
English
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BFC Exclusive
Devotion of Matthieu Ricard
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1:07
Documentary
2009
Nearly forty years ago Matthieu Ricard left his native France and a promising
career in cellular genetics to become a monk in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition in
Nepal. He is now a translator, photographer and bestselling author and an active
participant in scientific research on the effects of meditation on the brain. He is
involved in a number of humanitarian projects in Tibet and Nepal, where he
resides.
This intimate portrait journeys with Matthieu as he continues the work of his late
teacher, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, in the Himalayas, and as he serves as
translator for the Dalai Lama in Europe and participates in scientific research
there. His vivid photography and accessible stories of a monk s life in the
Himalayas feature throughout.
Filmed on location in Europe, Tibet, India and Nepal, with footage and
photographs from Tibet by Matthieu Ricard
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144
English
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Down The River
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0:52
Drama
2004
Elegantly composed, dreamlike and ethereal, Down the River is a stunning little
treat from Thailand. Infused with Buddhist theology, the film tells the story of
two best friends Krit and Vin. Down the River (Tam Sai Nam) depicts Buddhist
Philosophy through an old Thai poem style, as it softly conveys the main
character's feeling by mixing these with beautiful cinematography. Krit wants
their relationship to be more, but Vin wants a wife and children. Vin's brain can't
embrace his homosexual side as Krit has. Krit goes to gay bars, Win hangs out
with the straight people, but all these two men have on their minds is each other.
Krit and Vin love to hike in the woods, and Krit keeps a book where he presses
flowers as memories of their walks. With scenes juxtaposed in a non-linear
fashion the story, as it is, is of a hike Vin and Krit take with two women. Krit
wants this to be an "intimate moment" with Vin, but Vin is still scared. When
they do kiss and make love it's as sweet as any lovemaking scene we've seen.
With scenes of Buddhist prayer shot in an ancient Thai Temple, there's a feeling
that God is watching over these two young men in love.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
145
Thai
Year:
Catalog #:
BFC Exclusive
Fearless
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Peter Weir
Jeff Bridges, Rosie Perez, Isabella Rossellini, Loyd Catlett, Debra
Monk, Rance Howard, Tom Hulce, John Turturro, Benicio Del Toro,
Deirdre O'Connell, John de Lancie, Spencer Vrooman
2:02
Drama
Warner Bros.
1993
San Francisco architect Max Klein can see clearly now. He's been transformed
ever since he stared death in the face - and discovered he was unafraid.
Fearless, the vivid story of how a near-death experience impacts the lives of
three people. Max, more wildly alive and taking more risks than ever since
surviving a plane crash. Laura struggles to find in Max the man she married. And
fellow crash survivor Carla: alive, yet devastated by a grievous loss. It seems that
no one can heal her pain. But then she meets the one person who fearlessly
knows how.
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146
English
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Fire Under the Snow
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1:15
Documentary
2008
Palden Gyatso, a Buddhist monk since childhood, was arrested by the Chinese
Communist Army in 1959. He spent the next 33 years in prison for the "crimes" of
peaceful demonstration and refusal to denounce his apolitical teacher as an
Indian spy. He was tortured, starved and sentenced to hard labor. He watched his
nation and culture destroyed, his teachers, friends and family displaced, jailed or
killed under Chinese occupation.
Fire Under the Snow reaches back to Palden's birth in 1933 and follows him
through the Orwellian nightmare that began with the Chinese invasion. We cut
back and forth between the past and Palden's present as an activist, living in
exile. Our P.O.V. becomes a "third eye" hovering over Paldens current life,
haunted by his memories of the past. We explore the escalating cycle of
interrogation and physical violation during his years in prison that ended decades
later with Palden's escape from Tibet and a cathartic meeting with His Holiness
the Dalai Lama.
The film also investigates the basis of Palden's resilience. He claims that faith in
Buddhism helped him survive the 33 years of his imprisonment. Furthermore, he
insists that he is not angry with the Chinese. He believes these atrocities befell
him due to "karma."
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147
English
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Fires on the Plain
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Kon Ichikawa
Eiji Funakoshi, Osamu Takizawa, Mickey Curtis, Hikaru Hoshi,
Mantaro Ushio, Masaya Tsukida, Ko Sukida, Yoshihiro Hamaguchi,
Asao Sano, Shin Date, Yoshio Inaba, Jun Hamamura
1:45
Drama
Daiei Studios
1959
An agonizing portrait of desperate Japanese soldiers stranded in a strange land
during World War II, Kon Ichikawa's Fires on the Plain is a compelling descent
into psychological and physical oblivion. Denied hospital treatment for
tuberculosis and cast off into the unknown, Private Tamura treks across an
unfamiliar Philippine landscape, encountering an increasingly debased cross
section of Imperial Army soldiers, who eventually give in to the most terrifying
craving of all. Grisly yet poetic, Fires on the Plain is one of the most powerful
works from one of Japanese cinema's most versatile filmmakers.
Fires on the Plane (1959) represents Preta: Hungry Ghost Realm. Perhaps the
most fitting one for its respective plane- the marooned Japanese soldiers in the
Philippines walk the plain like zombies, slowly dying of starvation and resorting
to cannibalism, looking for the salvation in something as insignificant as a
distant bonfire.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
148
Japanese
Year:
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The Fountain
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Darren Aronofsky
Hugh Jackman, Rachel Weisz, Ellen Burstyn, Mark Margolis,
Stephen McHattie, Fernando Hernandez, Sean Patrick Thomas,
Donna Murphy, Ethan Suplee, Richard McMillan, Lorne Brass,
Abraham Aronofsky
1:36
Drama
Warner Bros. Pictures
2006
Yesterday, today, tomorrow. Past, present, future. Through time and space, one
man embarks on a bold 1000-year odyssey to defeat humankind's most
indomitable foe: Death.
Hugh Jackman plays that man, devoted to one woman and determined to protect
her from forces that threaten her existence. His quest leads him to a Tree of
Life...and to an adventure into eternity. Darren Aronofsky directs, continuing his
string of imaginative, involving filmmaking with a tale alive with ideas and filled
with astonishing vistas.
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149
English
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Ganglamedo
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1:37
Drama
2006
Ganglamedo is a 2006 musical movie from Tibet, directed by Dai Wei, written by
Tashi Dawa. The movie is about one of the most popular Tibetan folk songs,
Ganglamedo ("Snow lotus"), about two girls and two men. The story begins sixty
years ago, in Tibet. A local girl, who sings the Ganglamedo, calls herself by same
name. She is in love with a Tibetan man, Acuo, and they plan to marry. She
disappears the night before the marriage is to take place.
Sixty years later, a Chinese singer, An Yu, comes to Tibet to find her lost voice.
She meets young Tibetan man Anzha, who helps her get to Lake Namucuo. One
day An Yu meets an old woman, Lamu, and discovers she is Ganglamedo.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
150
Tibetan
Year:
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BFC Exclusive
God and Buddha
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1:30
Documentary
2003
In this fascinating and unusual conversation, writer and physician Deepak Chopra
talks to religion professor Robert Thurman about the connections and differences
between two of India's most important philosophical beliefs: Vedanta and
Buddhism. Chopra explores the foundation of Vedanta, while Thurman -- the
father of actress Uma Thurman -- provides the Buddhist point of view in this
meeting held in 1999 at New York City's Tibet House.
Languages:
Subtitles:
151
English
Year:
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BFC Exclusive
God Man Dog
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1:59
Drama
2008
Follows the daily lives of different people, observing the reserved way they go
about their lives: a well off married couple from Taipei who have become more
and more estranged and have slowly fallen silent since the birth of their child; a
fruit dealer from the countryside and his wife who try together to battle his
alcohol problem; a young woman who works out her aggressions through
kickboxing; a young boy who roams around, and a lonely man who delivers
massive statues of the Buddha. Some of these people take surprising turns while
some of them cross each other's paths and fates.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
152
Mandarin
Year:
Catalog #:
BFC Exclusive
The Hungry Ghosts
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1:45
Drama
2009
According to Buddhists, hungry ghosts are the dead who cannot bid farewell to
the living. They are a metaphor for spiritual hunger which we often try to satisfy
by chasing the superficial and material. This directing debut by Michael Imperioli
is filled with hungry ghosts. A group of New Yorkers, of different ages, races and
backgrounds, hunger for emotional, sensual, and spiritual fulfillment. Their
intersecting and colliding paths reflect the zeitgeist of our times, in which the
desperation of the West smacks up against the religious teachings of the East.
Languages:
Subtitles:
153
English
Year:
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Journey into Buddhism
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4:15
Documentary
2007
This trilogy of visually stunning documentaries are cinematic pilgrimages to the
spiritual wonders and wisdom of Southeast Asia and Tibet. Journey into the living
traditions, lost civilizations and luminous landscapes of this vibrant part of the
world. Discover its radiant treasures of art, architecture and music. Explore the
universal ideals of wisdom, compassion, and inner peace at the very heart of
these ancient Buddhist cultures
Dharma River: Laos, Thailand & Burma
Prajna Earth: Cambodia, Bali & Java
Vajra Sky Over Tibet: Central Tibet
Languages:
Subtitles:
154
English
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Miracle of Goddess Kuan Yin
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1:39
Drama
2004
Hong lives simply with his wife and his daughters Ngek and Gim. However the
Japanese invade Thailand. The village is bombed and Hong's house goes up in
flames even after she has prayed to the "Goddess of Mercy" to prevent that from
happening. Ngek almost loses her faith in religion and the "Goddess of Mercy" as
she has met her every night in her dreams and had long discussions seeking
advice on her problems and fears. Many years later the two girls become
attractive women. While Gim gets a boyfriend named Ling and has a normal life
approved by her parents, Ngek is interested in Somsak and gets pregnant with
twins. She is thrown out of the house by her father. Somsak and her try to start a
new life with the help of the "Goddess" and with her help get a successful
clothing business running. Her life changes from bad to good as she continues
her dream world meetings with the "Goddess" and she plans her life according to
the advice she is given. However her father dies. She get cancer and is advised to
become a monk and pray. To help her husband becomes a monk as well. Can
their faith in religion cure her illness? Can they ever be happy again?
Languages:
Subtitles: English
155
Thai
Year:
Catalog #:
BFC Exclusive
Naked in Ashes
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1:43
Documentary
2006
The bearers of a 5,000 year old legacy, the yogis give up everything to seek self
realization. A young boy undergoes a secret initiation. On pilgrimage through the
Himalayas he journeys to the holiest festival on earth.
Languages:
Subtitles:
156
English
Year:
Catalog #:
Not in God's Name
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0:57
Documentary
2010
Trapped in religious riots in Delhi, filmmaker Paula Fouce follows the Dalai Lama
on a journey to understand religious intolerance. NOT IN GOD'S NAME shows
how the world is ravaged by extreme divisions between religions. We examine
the similar values of all faiths, and their potential for drawing us together to
share a common ground. Featuring Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, Robert
Thurman Ph. D., Joseph Prabhu Ph. D., Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, Dr. Karan
Singh, Ph. D., Georg Feuerstein, Ph. D., Michael Bernard Beckwith, and leaders of
many faiths.
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Subtitles:
157
English
Year:
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Onibaba
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Kaneto Shindo
Nobuko Otowa, Jitsuko Yoshimura, Kei Sato, Jukichi Uno, Taiji
Tonoyama, Somesho Matsumoto, Kentaro Kaji, Hosui Araya,
Fudeko Tanaka
1:43
Drama
Toho
1964
Deep within the wind-swept marshes of war-torn medieval Japan, an
impoverished mother and her daughter-in-law eke out a lonely, desperate
existence. Forced to murder lost samurai and sell their belongings for grain, they
dump the corpses down a deep, dark hole and live off of their meager spoils.
When a bedraggled neighbor returns from the skirmishes, lust, jealousy, and rage
threaten to destroy the trios tenuous existence, before an ominous, ill-gotten
demon mask seals the trios horrifying fate.
Tiryag-yoni a.k.a. Animal Realm is reflected in Onibaba (1964, dir. Kaneto
Shindo), a gritty tale of survival and animal lust in feudal era Japan.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
158
Japanese
Year:
Catalog #:
Please Give
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1:30
Drama
2010
Kate and Alex, a married couple who run a successful business reselling
estate-sale furniture, live in Manhattan with their teenage daughter, Abby.
Wanting to expand their two-bedroom apartment, they buy the unit next door,
planning to knock the walls out. However, before doing so, they have to wait for
the occupant, Andra, a cranky elderly woman, to die. The wait becomes
complicated when the family develops relationships with Andra and her two
grown granddaughters.
Nicole Holofcener infuses her story of love, death, and liberal guilt with a rare
balance of humor and complexity that stems from her uncanny ability to
understand peopletheir motivations, interactions, and contradictions. Her
characters go to great pains to navigate a world of moral confusion; we want to
feel good about ourselves, but we never feel quite good enough. In avoiding
judgment, she offers a funny and philosophical reflection on the give and take of
modern life.
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Subtitles:
159
English
Year:
Catalog #:
Reincanation of Golden Lotus
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Clara Law
Joey Cho-Yin Wong, Wilson Chun-Yin Lam, Lap-Man Sin, Eric
Chi-Wai Tsang
1:31
Drama
Mega Star Video Distribut
1989
A woman living in modern Hong Kong experiences flashbacks of an earlier life, in
which she was a Chinese beauty named Golden Lotus (Joey Wang). Slowly, the
events from her previous existence begin to re-enact themselves in the modern
world. In both incarnations, Lotus is abused by the men in her life.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
160
Mandarin
Year:
Catalog #:
BFC Exclusive
Secret Sunday
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1:47
Drama
2010
According to his mother's request, Nat, a young architect, unwillingly takes a
journey to visit 9 different temples in order to clean up his bad karma. He is
accompanied by Poon, his beautiful columnist girlfriend, and Sujitto, a young
novice monk. All three characters have different purposes for taking this trip. But
later they discover that they were put together for an unforeseeable reason. The
karma of one person can effect the karma of others as well. Horrifying acts done
in their previous lives reveal themselves as the journey goes by. The more they
try to clean up Nat's bad karma by making merit, the closer they get to them.
This journey is going to change their faith forever. How is Nat going to clean up
his own mess? Would Nat be forgiven? How can an act of making merit
overcome relentless vengeance?
Languages:
Subtitles: English
161
Thai
Year:
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BFC Exclusive
Secret Sunshine
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2:22
Drama
Art Service Korea
2007
The fragile mind beset by a mercilessly harsh reality is represented by Shin-ae, a
piano teacher who is already struggling to stand on her own feet emotionally
after the death of her husband. To escape from her predicament, she moves to
Milyang,her late husband's hometown. In Milyang ("Secret Sunshine"), Shin-ae
has a brief chance to brighten up her depressing life when she meets Jong-chan,
a local car repair shop owner. Jong-chan falls in love with her and helps her settle
down smoothly in Milyang.
But their romance does not get a chance to develop further when Shin-ae's son is
kidnapped and she has no one to turn to. She tries everything she can to get her
son back, but life is cruelly indifferent to her wishes again.
In utter despair, she seeks Solace at a local church and finds her troubled soul
beginning to heal when she devotes herself to Christianity.
At this seemingly religious moment, director Lee questions the purpose of
religion. The answer seems perplexingly mixed. For a kidnapper now behind bars,
religion is indeed a reason to keep living. For Shin-ae, God should know when to
intervene. For when Shin-ae visits the kidnapper in prison, he calmly tells her that
he sought and received forgiveness from God and is now perfectly at peace.
Shin-ae is not, and her religious conviction turns into a sense of betrayal and
hopelessness.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
162
Korean
Year:
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Secrets of the Mind
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0:57
Documentary
2001
In Secrets of the Mind we gain insights through various tragedies that have
affected others, thanks to the logic and insights of Professor Ramachandran
regarding what he calls the most complex organized matter in the universe.
Dr. Vilayanur Ramachandran, an eloquent neuroscientist, is fascinated by
patients who have unusual abilities or defects in the way they perceive the world.
These include such puzzling phenomena as the phantom pain experienced in a
missing, amputated limb, or the inability to recognize a familiar face following a
stroke. From these strange cases, Ramachandran is building a novel vision of how
the brain works. In "Secrets of the Mind," NOVA dramatizes the intimate stories
of Ramachandran's encounters with his extraordinary patients.
Languages:
Subtitles:
163
English
Year:
Catalog #:
Shaolin: Wheel of Life
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1:24
Documentary
2001
For more than 1,500 years, the Shaolin monks from China's Henan Province have
applied the discipline of martial arts as a unique manifestation of their religion,
performing feats of astonishing physical prowess and mental concentration
within their Ch'an (Zen) Buddhist practice. Originally a means of daily exercise
and a form of meditation, the fighting actions evolved into what is now known
throughout the world as Kung Fu. Now, GREAT PERFORMANCES presents an
exciting theatrical performance featuring the ordained Soldier Monks of the
Shaolin Temple. With music, lighting, and a stage set evoking the ancient East,
SHAOLIN: WHEEL OF LIFE tells the story of the monks' early struggle to establish
and protect their temple in a performance that celebrates their history, religion,
and tremendous physical and mental skills.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
164
Mandarin
Year:
Catalog #:
Shinran
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1:48
Drama
2008
This movie is a wonderful presentation of the most important aspects of Jodo
Shinshu Buddhism. Passages from Tannisho or from the letters of Shinran
(Mattosho) are put into dialogue form so that we can better savour them. Events
from Shinrans life are also accurately presented so that newcomers can thus
have a picture of who was Shinran Shonin (1173-1262), the Founder of Jodo
Shinshu school.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
165
Japanese
Year:
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BFC Exclusive
Stay
Director:
Starring:
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Overview:
Marc Forster
Ewan McGregor, Ryan Gosling, Kate Burton, Naomi Watts,
Elizabeth Reaser, Bob Hoskins, Janeane Garofalo, B. D. Wong,
John Tormey, Jose Ramon Rosario, Becky Ann Baker, Lisa Kron
1:39
Drama
20th Century Fox
2005
A suicidal college student and his doctor enter a twisted world of supernatural
horror in Stay. Henry Lethem (Ryan Gosling) plans to kill himself in three days,
unless psychologist Sam Foster (Ewan McGregor) can stop him. Henry's been
hearing disturbing voices and experiencing horrifying visions, but where does
imagination end and reality begin? Sam suddenly finds he's losing his own grip on
reality, as he, too, is thrust into a hellish place between life and death. With the
help of his girlfriend (Naomi Watts), Sam races to unlock the terrifying secret
behind Henry's waking nightmare before it's too late!
Languages:
Subtitles:
166
English
Year:
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Sun Behind the Clouds
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1:19
Documentary
2010
In The Sun Behind the Clouds: Tibets Struggle for Freedom, Tibetan filmmaker,
Tenzing Sonam, and his partner, Ritu Sarin, take a uniquely Tibetan perspective
on the trials and tribulations of the Dalai Lama and his people as they continue
their struggle for freedom in the face of determined suppression by one of the
worlds biggest and most powerful nations. The filmmakers had intimate access
to the Dalai Lama and followed him over the course of an eventful year, which
included the 2008 protests in Tibet, the international response to it, the Beijing
Olympics, and the breakdown in talks between his representatives and the
Chinese government.
Set against this backdrop, the film explores the interplay between the personal
and the historic, spirituality and politics, and the tension between the Dalai
Lamas efforts to find a peaceful solution to the Tibet situation based on
compromise and dialogue, and the impatience of a younger generation of
Tibetans who are ready to take a more confrontational course.
Languages:
Subtitles:
167
English
Year:
Catalog #:
The Sword of Doom
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Kihachi Okamoto
Tatsuya Nakadai, Yuzo Kayama, Michiyo Aratama, Toshir Mifune,
Yko Naito, Tadao Nakamaru, Ichir Nakaya, K Nishimura,
Kamatari Fujiwara, Kei Sato, Yasuzo Ogawa, Ryosuke Kagawa
2:01
Drama
The Criterion Collection
1966
Tatsuya Nakadai and Toshiro Mifune star in the story of a wandering samurai
who exists in a maelstrom of violence. A gifted swordsman - plying his trade
during the turbulent final days of Shogunate rule - Ryunosuke (Nakadai) kills
without remorse, without mercy. It is a way of life that ultimately leads to
madness. The Criterion Collection is proud to present director Kihachi Okamoto's
swordplay classic 'The Sword of Doom', the thrilling story of a man who chooses
to devote his life to evil.
Ashura/Demigod Realm is represented by Kihachi Okamoto's bloody samurai
epic Sword of Doom (1966). Ashura is filled with jealousy, struggle and combat
stemming from being envious of Deva Realm. As Tatsuya Nakadai's merciless
swordman hacks away in a violent purgatory, the film is a perfect match.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
168
Japanese
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Ashes of Time Redux
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Wong Kar Wai
Leslie Cheung, Tony Leung Ka Fai, Brigitte Lin, Carina Lau, Tony
Leung Chiu Wai, Maggie Cheung, Charlie Yeung, Collin Chou, Jacky
Cheung, Bai Li
1:34
Drama
Sony Pictures Classics
1994
The story centers on Ouyang Feng, a heartbroken and cynical man who spends
his days alone in the desert, connecting expert swordsmen with those seeking
revenge and willing to pay for it. As Ouyang narrates his tale, interweaving the
stories of his unusual clients, old friends and future foes, he begins to realize the
mistakes of his own past, and how his fear of rejection may have led him to a life
of exile.
ARTICLE:
________
Choi, Heawon. Oblivion Beyond Forgetting: a Buddhist Reflection on Suffering
in Ashes of Time. Journal of Religion and Film 14.2 (2010)
Sinkwan Cheng. Comparative Philosophies of Tragedy: Buddhism, Lacan, and
Ashes of Time. MLN 123.5 (2009)
Languages:
Subtitles: English
169
Cantonese
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Catalog #:
Inception
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Christopher Nolan
Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page, Tom Hardy,
Ken Watanabe, Dileep Rao, Cillian Murphy, Tom Berenger, Marion
Cotillard, Pete Postlethwaite, Michael Caine, Lukas Haas
2:28
Drama
Warner Bros. Pictures
2010
Acclaimed filmmaker Christopher Nolan directs an international cast in this sci-fi
actioner that travels around the globe and into the world of dreams. Dom Cobb
(Leonardo DiCaprio) is the best there is at extraction: stealing valuable secrets
inside the subconscious during the mind's vulnerable dream state. His skill has
made him a coveted player in industrial espionage but has also made him a
fugitive and cost him dearly. Now he may get a second chance if he can do the
impossible: inception, planting an idea rather than stealing one. If they
succeed, Cobb and his team could pull off the perfect crime. But no planning or
expertise can prepare them for a dangerous enemy who seems to predict their
every move. An enemy only Cobb could have seen coming.
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170
English
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21 Grams
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Alejandro Gonzlez Irritu
Sean Penn, Naomi Watts, Benicio Del Toro, Charlotte Gainsbourg,
Melissa Leo, Clea DuVall, Danny Huston, Carly Nahon, Claire Pakis,
Nick Nichols, John Rubinstein, Eddie Marsan
2:05
Drama
Alliance Atlantis
2003
The emotionally and physically charged lives of three people, a college professor
(Sean Penn), an ex-con (Benicio Del Toro) and a young mother with a reckless
past (Naomi Watts), collide unexpectedly in this gripping suspense thriller.
Fate brought them together. Now vengeance will take them to the heights of
love, the depths of revenge and the promise of redemption.
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171
English
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After Life
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Kore-eda Hirokazu
Arata, Erika Oda, Susumu Terajima, Takashi Nait, Kyko Kagawa,
Kei Tani, Taketoshi Nait, Toru Yuri, Yusuke Iseya, Sayaka Yoshino,
Kazuko Shirakawa, Kotaro Shiga
1:58
Drama
TV Man Union
1998
From the award-winning director Koreeda Hirokazu (Maborosi) comes a
remarkably touching film exploring the profound human need to discover
meaning in everyday life.
Many films have offered insight into the unexplainable realm of the after life. In
Koreeda's thought-provoking vision, the newly deceased find themselves in a way
station somewhere between Heaven and Earth.
With the help of dedicated caseworkers, each soul is given three days to choose
one cherished memory from their life that they will relive for eternity. As the film
reveals, recognizing happiness and finding a life's worth of meaning in a single
event is no simple task. If Heaven is only a single memory from your life, as
Koreeda suggests, 'which memory would you choose?'
Languages:
Subtitles: English
172
Japanese
Year:
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BFC Exclusive
Aogeba Totoshi
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1:22
Drama
2006
Aogeba Totoshi deals with the issues of mortality and death through the eyes
of a lonely student who has an morbid and albeit naive fascination with death.
His teacher, Koichi (played by popular TV personality and media commentator
Terry Ito) is also grappling with the issue of mortality as he deals with the
impending death of his ailing father, who has decided to spend his final days in
the family home. As the story progresses, Koichi finds unexpected solace from his
grief by letting his troubled student visit and meet with his father in the hopes
that he will understand the meaning of life and death.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
173
Japanese
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BFC Exclusive
Bodhisattva, Superstar
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1:23
Documentary
2010
Bodhisattva, Superstar, a new film by multimedia artist Michael Trigilio, confronts
American popular culture's habit of addressing the subject of religion with
alternating degrees of deluded piety or flippant scorn. Popular culture's
treatment of Buddhism often is ensnared by the language of marketing, using
Buddhist language or images to sell shampoos, candy bars, or self-help recipes of
one kind or another.
Bodhisattva, Superstar is a documentary insofar as it features Buddhist authors,
chaplains, monks, and scholars speaking about the nature of Buddhism in
America. However, the film also relies on an apparently scripted character
(played by actress Deanna Erdmann) who navigates her own emotional
landscape of wonder, wandering, and contemplation. Trigilio refers to this form
as "allegorical documentary." As pop-cultural myths about Buddhism are
deconstructed in the film, so, too, is the nature of authority and authorship
within the film itself.
As the film careens towards its end -- and as the filmmaker becomes a subject of
interrogation and investigation -- the audience peers into the subjective process
of authorship, a system itself as complicated as the film's subject matter.
Bodhisattva, Superstar compels audiences to come to terms with the idea that
Buddhism is an anti-authoritarian religion and encourages them to discern for
themselves what to accept and what to reject from the film in front of them.
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174
English
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BFC Exclusive
Brilliant Moon
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0:00
Documentary
2010
Brilliant Moon: Glimpses of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche chronicles the life of the
writer, poet, and meditation master, one of Tibet's most revered 20th-century
Buddhist teachers. Known as the instructor of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and
the Royal Family of Bhutan, his life and teachings were an inspiration to all who
encountered him. Richard Gere and Lou Reed provide the narration for his
dangerous journey out of China and the subsequent spread of his influence
around the world.
Brilliant Moon was filmed in Tibet, India, Bhutan, the United States and Nepal,
and uses animation, rare archival footage and interviews with some of Tibet's
great thinkers, to tell his moving life story, from birth to death to rebirth.
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175
English
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Every War Has Two Losers
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0:32
Documentary
2009
Every War Has Two Losers is based on the journals of poet and conscientious
objector, William Stafford. Stafford refused to fight in World War Two as he
believed that war was not the answer. The film draws from Staffords journals to
present another point of view on warmaking and its ability to create security. For
all those who think war is envitable, Stafford said 'No'. That war is a choice
among choices and there are other methods of reconciliation to be pursued
before the bullets fly.
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176
English
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Facing Death
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0:53
Documentary
2010
How far would you go to sustain the life of someone you love, or your own?
When the moment comes, and you're confronted with the prospect of "pulling
the plug," do you know how you'll respond?
In Facing Death, FRONTLINE gains extraordinary access to The Mount Sinai
Medical Center, one of New York's biggest hospitals, to take a closer measure of
today's complicated end-of-life decisions. In this intimate, groundbreaking film,
doctors, patients and families speak with remarkable candor about the
increasingly difficult choices people are making at the end of life: when to
remove a breathing tube in the ICU; when to continue treatment for patients
with aggressive blood cancers; when to perform a surgery; and when to call for
hospice
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177
English
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Megane
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1:46
Drama
2007
Among the most memorable things about Megane are an empty white beach, a
luminous turquoise sea, and a verdant country road. Descending on this
paradise, Taeko, a buttoned-up, bespectacled woman dragging a very large
suitcase, checks into a tiny seaside inn. Expecting to be left alone, she's put off
when the hotel's proprietor, Yuji, sits down to eat with her. She's even more
disgruntled when Sakura, a placid, revered older woman, takes the liberty of
entering Taeko's room to wake her up! But seeking haven at another hotel
proves farcical, and Taeko sheepishly returns to her unconventional hosts.
Relieved, she gradually tunes into their simple community and cultivates what
Yuji calls "the talent to be here."
There's a lot of talk about the 'visceral power of film.'But Megane takes a step
further, manifesting a process whereby the viewer can partake in the characters'
peace. As Yuji and Sakura prepare exquisite meals and practice playful exercises
on the sand, we, like Taeko, begin to yield to their pace and absorb their
benevolence. As all engage in 'twilighng', a pasme involving staring into space,
we, too, find that our breathing deepens, our gaze relaxes. Watching Megane
becomes a meditation.
A soulful journey rife with subtle "aha" moments, Megane is minimalist and quiet
but never didactic or serious. Like a good Buddhist teacher, its unexpected
humor delights and thaws us.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
178
Japanese
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BFC Exclusive
Monkey King at Spider Cave
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0:48
Drama
2009
Monkey King at Spider Cave, inspired by an episode from Journey to the West,
the beloved 16th Century Chinese epic, unfolds an adventure of a Buddhist High
Priest and his animal disciples in their quest to bring the Buddhist scriptures to
China. Their journey is relentlessly endangered by mythical demons and
monsters this time by demonic spider women and an evil alchemist. Journey to
the West is a frequent subject of operas and cartoons throughout Asia. The most
famous and beloved of characters from the epic is Sun Wu Kong, The Monkey
King, popular for being cunning and acrobatic, but with a playful and childish
attitude that hides great wisdom.
ARTICLE:
________
Bradeen, Ryan, and Jean Johnson. Using Monkey to Teach Religions of China.
Education About Asia 10.2 (2005)
Languages:
Subtitles: English
179
Mandarin
Year:
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BFC Exclusive
The Nature of Existence
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1:33
Documentary
2010
Why do we exist and what are we supposed to do about it? What started the
Universe and was it a mistake? Does God exist and why does he seem so
interested in our sex lives?
I wrote the toughest 85 questions I could think of, about our purpose and the
nature of existence, and then asked hundreds of people all over the globe, such
as: Indian holy man Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (The Art of Living), evolutionary biologist
Richard Dawkins (The God Delusion), 24th generation Chinese Taoist Master
Zhang Chengda, Stanford physicist Leonard Susskind (co-discoverer of string
theory), wrestler Rob Adonis (founder of Ultimate Christian Wrestling),
confrontational evangelist Brother Jed Smock, novelist Orson Scott Card (Enders
Game), director Irvin Kershner (Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back), Stonehenge
Druids Rollo Maughfling & King Arthur Pendragon and many more How would
YOU answer?
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180
English
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Priest
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Antonia Bird
Linus Roache, Tom Wilkinson, Cathy Tyson, Robert Carlyle, James
Ellis, Lesley Sharp, Robert Pugh, Christine Tremarco, Paul Barber,
Rio Fanning, Jim R. Coleman, Bill Dean
1:38
Drama
Miramax Films
1994
The deeply held religious convictions of an idealistic young priest are challenged
when he must face extraordinary events within his own congregation. Soon, he is
forced to make the impossible choice between keeping faith and exposing the
truth!
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181
English
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Shugendo Now
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0:00
Documentary
2009
This feature documentary is an experiential journey into the mystical practices of
Japanese mountain asceticism. In Shugend (The Way of Acquiring Power),
practitioners perform ritual actions from shamanism, Shint, Daoism, and
Tantric Buddhism. They seek experiential truth of the teachings during arduous
climbs in sacred mountains. Through the peace and beauty of the natural world,
practitioners purify the six roots of perception, revitalize their energy and
reconnect with their truest nature all while grasping the fundamental
interconnectedness with nature and all sentient beings.
More poetic than analytical, this film explores how a group of modern Japanese
people integrate the myriad ways mountain learning interacts with urban life.
ARTICLE:
________
McGuire, Mark Patrick. Making a Space for Hope: Representing the Creative
Reinvention of Japanese Mountain Asceticism in the Documentary Shugendo
Now. Crosscurrents September (2011)
Languages:
Subtitles: English
182
Japanese
Year:
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This Transient Life
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2:23
Drama
1970
The son and daughter of a wealthy Japanese merchant embrace the modern era
and turn their backs on the traditions of their elders. The young woman eschews
kimonos for miniskirts, and the long haired son ends up sleeping with her when
the duo dons traditional religious masks. A Buddhist priest says nothing of her
pregnancy when she is married off to the son of a faithful servant. The parents
have pegged the servant's son to be the one who seduced their daughter. The
son of a noted sculptor tries but fails to kill the incestuous brother and ends up
killing himself. The brother goes to work for the sculptor and ends up sleeping
with both the sculptor and his wife...
FILM CONTAINS SOME NUDITY. VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED
Languages:
Subtitles: English
183
Japanese
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BFC Exclusive
Uncle Boonmee Who Recalls His Past Lives
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1:54
Drama
2010
The film centers on the last days in the life of its title character. Together with his
loved ones including the ghost of his dead wife and his lost son who has
returned in a non-human form Boonmee explores his past lives as he
contemplates the reasons for his illness
Languages:
Subtitles: English
184
Thai
Year:
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Yi Yi
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Edward Yang
Wu Nianzhen, Issey Ogata, Elaine Jin, Kelly Lee, Jonathan Chang,
Chen Xisheng, Ke Suyun, Michael Tao, Xiao Shushen, Adrian Lin,
Yupang Chang, Tang Ruyun
2:53
Drama
1+2 Seisaku Iinkai
2000
With the runaway international acclaim of this film, Taiwanese director Edward
Yang could no longer be called Asian cinema's best-kept secret. Yi Yi swiftly
follows a middle-class family in Taipei over the course of one year, beginning with
a wedding and ending with a funeral. Whether chronicling middle-aged father
NJ's tenuous flirtations with an old flame or precocious young son Yang-Yang's
attempts at capturing reality with his beloved camera, Yang imbues every
gorgeous frame with a deft, humane clarity. Warm, sprawling, and dazzling, this
intimate epic is one of the undisputed masterworks of the new century.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
185
Mandarin
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12 Lotus
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2:00
Drama
2005
"12 Lotus" is the name of a poignant song in 12 chapters, which also narrates the
troubled life and times of a girl called Lotus (Lianhua). Since young, she wished to
sing the song to Guanyin (Avalokiteshvara) Bodhisattva - out of gratitude
perhaps, for she was the beacon of hope in her life, to whom she would pour all
her woes.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
186
Mandarin
Year:
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BFC Exclusive
Around the World in 80 Faiths
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1:00
Documentary
2009
Around the World in 80 Faiths is a British television series which was first
broadcast by the BBC on 2 January 2009. The series is presented by the Anglican
vicar, Pete Owen-Jones, who is researching the various faiths from around the
world.
Episode Two: The Far East
* Faith 12: Buddhism, The Naked Man festival - Visits the Buddhist fertility
festival at Okayama, Japan.
* Faith 13: Hindu street shrine - Visits a busy, popular Hindu shrine in
downtown Bangkok used by Buddhist worshippers.
* Faith 14: Theravada Buddhism - Interviews a monk of Theravada Buddhism,
describing its importance in Thailand.
* Faith 15: Confucianism - Looking at the Confucian religion within communist
China.
* Faith 16: Chinese Taoism - Interviews a solitary Taoist monk on Mount Hua,
China about Taoism.
* Faith 17: Reflects on the rise of Pentecostalism in South Korea and visits the
Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul, recognized by the Guinness Book of World
Records as having the world's largest congregation.
* Faith 18: Korean Shamanism - Visits a shaman in rural South Korea and
reflects on the possible revival of Korean shamanism.
Plus more....
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187
English
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BFC Exclusive
Ashes and Snow
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Gregory Colbert
Laurence Fishburne, Ken Watanabe, Enrique Rocha
1:00
Documentary
Flying Elephants Productions
2005
Gregory Colbert has used both still and movie cameras to explore extraordinary
interactions between humans and animals. Colbert believes that nature doesn't
have a style; it has a voice. The film aims to lift the natural and artificial barriers
between humans and other species, dissolving the distance that exists between
them. Colbert chose to film animals in their native habitats to create films that
can be viewed as works of art or as poetic field studies.
The title Ashes and Snow suggests beauty and renewal, while also referring to the
literary component of the exhibition-a fictional account of a man who, over the
course of a yearlong journey, composes 365 letters to his wife. The source of the
title is revealed in the 365th letter.
Languages:
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188
English
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Dying at Grace
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Allan King
2:28
Documentary
Alan King Associates
2003
An extraordinary, transformative experience, Allan King's Dying at Grace is
quite simply unprecedented: five terminally ill cancer patients allowed the
director access to their final months and days inside the Toronto Grace Health
Centre. The result is an unflinching, enormously empathetic contemplation of
death, featuring some of the most memorable people ever captured on film.
Languages:
Subtitles:
189
English
Year:
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Mandala
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2:18
Drama
1971
In a motel near the Sea of Japan, two university students from Kyoto, Shinichi -
an ex-activist and Hiroshi - a trotskyist and an individualist at the same time, and
their girlfriends are exchanging partners. Shinichi and his girlfriend are attacked
by two followers of the owner of the motel on the seashore, and then experience
a queer pleasure. After having returned to Kyoto, they go back to the seashore so
as to learn about the incident and meet the owner, who turns out to be the
leader of a small community. They follow him to a village in the mountains,
where he is creating a sort of Utopia based on the idea of primitive communism,
which has auto-sufficient agriculture and eroticism as its principles. In Kyoto, the
other couple worry about their disappeared friends, and also go back to the
seashore. There, they are attacked by the members of the community and are
brought to the village. Shinichi and Hiroshi, sometimes with the leader, longly
discuss various notions and thoughts such as Utopia, time, revolution and
charisma. Shinichi, who no longer believes in the future, is attracted by the
community, whereas Hiroshi, who believes in eternal revolution, rejects its
thought. And during their opposition, an incident triggers off the rapid collapse of
the community...
Languages:
Subtitles: English
190
Japanese
Year:
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BFC Exclusive
Memories Of Tomorrow
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2:02
Drama
Panorama Distributions
2007
The film begins by showing the inevitable outcome of the events of the film: the
viewer is shown a scene of a man who is disabled by Alzheimer's Disease, set in
the year 2010. The story then begins proper by switching back to an earlier stage
in the life of the man, Masayuki Saeki in 2004. Masayuki Saeki is a brilliant and
successful advertising company executive. Saeki is shown to be a prime example
of an ideal Japanese white collar worker. He is strict, well organised, hard
working, devoted to his job, and sets very high standards for himself and his
subordiates. However he is soon shocked to realise that he is failing to meet up
to his perfect standards. He starts inexplicably forgetting things - appointments,
details of his work, and his knowledge of the layout of Tokyo. Following this he is
diagnosed with alzheimer's disease, to which he reacts with great anger, disbelief
and despair. What follows through the rest of the film is a tragic, emotional and
very human portrayal of the suffering and the decline of this once powerful,
soaring man to that of a pitiful state that resembles a second childhood as the
disease wears him down. As the years pass, his memory worsens. He leaves work,
and lives at home being cared for by his devoted wife Emiko. Inevitably tensions
surface between Masayuki and his wife and daughter, and it reaches the point
where Emiko's life revolves around taking care of her debillitated husband.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
191
Japanese
Year:
Catalog #:
BFC Exclusive
Night of the Living Dead
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George A. Romero
Duane Jones, Judith O'Dea, Russell Streiner, Karl Hardman,
Marilyn Eastman, Keith Wayne, Judith Ridley, Kyra Schon, Charles
Craig, Bill Heinzman, George Kosana, Frank Doak
1:36
Drama
Ovriton Home Video
1968
The Ultimate in Horror. A Cult Classic that has stood the test of time.
The first zombie movie of its kind, George A. Romero's "Night of the Living Dead"
is an instant cult classic. A simple, peaceful countryside is being terrorized by
killer zombies with only one thing on their minds - destroy all humans. A small
stronghold of survivors must hold the zombies at bay outside and old,
abandoned house for any future hope of humanity. Filled with spine-tingling,
edge of your seat suspense, "Night of the Living Dead" is a masterpiece of thrills
and horror that will leave you afraid to turn out the lights.
ARTICLE:
________
Moreman, Christopher M. "A Modern Meditation on Death: Identifying
Buddhist Teachings in George A. Romeros Night of the Living Dead,"
Contemporary Buddhism 9 (No. 2, 2008): pp. 151165.
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192
English
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Poem
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2:03
Drama
1972
The last chapter of Jissoji's Ero-Buddhist trilogy, the other two are Mujo (1970)
and Mandara (1971).
The young houseboy in Uta wakes up every night to patrol the house of a teacher
with a flashlight. He leads an austere life of meditation and he focuses his
devotional attention on writing inscriptions for tombstones. In one of his tours he
sees something he shouldn't have. The pervert pleasure of portraying him as a
pillar of moral behaviour for the duration of the film is to see the downfall. As the
teacher and his elder brother conspire to take over the mountain property of
their grandfather and turn it over to realtors for a profit, Renge spends his time
shuddering helpless, on his knees.
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Subtitles: English
193
Japanese
Year:
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BFC Exclusive
Running On Karma
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Johnnie To, Ka-Fai Wai
Andy Lau, Cecilia Cheung, Siu-Fai Cheung, Wong Chun, Karen Tong
1:33
Drama
Mei Ah
2003
The great Johnnie To (The Mission, Running Out Of Time, The Heroic Trio) directs
this intriguing murder mystery with a touch of Zen. Andy Lau (Infernal Affairs,
The Duel), in his most daring role to date, is Biggie, a huge, muscular Buddhist
monk who knows kung fu and somehow has "Karma"--the ability to see things
before they happen. Biggie's unusual characteristics soon arouse the interest of
policewoman Yee (Cecilia Cheung), who begins to fall in love with him. But when
Biggie's karma foresees Yee's impending death from murder, he has to do
everything in his power to stop fate.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
194
Cantonese
Year:
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BFC Exclusive
Shaolin
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2:10
Drama
2011
Set during the early years of the Chinese republic, when feuding warlords waged
constant wars to expand their power, young army leader Hao Jie (Andy Lau) and
his sworn brother Huo Lung find little resistance invading the township of
Dengfeng. The nearby Shaolin Temple opens its doors to the wounded and
disciples Jing Neng, Jing Kong and Jing become masked Robin Hoods at night to
help the poor. The young and arrogant Hao Jie then challenges the Shaolin
masters when he learns they are helping his enemies. Hao Jie wins his duel and
becomes even more arrogant.
Nevertheless, the mighty Hao Jie experiences a swift and sudden fall, when he is
betrayed by Huo Lung and finds himself at the doorsteps of the Shaolin Temple
seeking help. While recuperating, Hao Jie learns the Shaolin style of martial arts
and begins to find inner peace. An epic battle then awaits when Huo Lung attacks
the Shaolin Temple ...
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Subtitles: English
195
Mandarin
Year:
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Soldier of Conscience
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1:26
Documentary
2009
Every soldier wrestles with his conscience over killing. Although most decide to
kill, some refuse. Made with official permission from the U.S. Army, SOLDIERS OF
CONSCIENCE reveals that far more soldiers decide not to kill than we might
expect.
Narrated by Emmy winner Peter Coyote, SOLDIERS OF CONSCIENCE profiles
eight American soldiers: four who decide not to kill and become conscientious
objectors, and four who believe in their duty to kill if necessary. The film reveals
how everyone from West Point grads to drill sergeants, Abu Ghraib interrogators
to low ranking reservist-mechanics, grapples with the morality of killing in war,
not as a philosophical problem, but as soldiers experience it a split-second
decision in combat that can never be forgotten or undone. Including
never-before-seen footage of basic training and the war in Iraq, SOLDIERS OF
CONSCIENCE is a realistic yet optimistic look at war, peace and the power of the
human conscience.
Languages:
Subtitles:
196
English
Year:
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The Anniversary
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0:28
Drama
2003
A simple Buddhist rite of remembrance frames this short dramatic work from
talented young Vietnamese-American filmmaker Ham Tran. Beautifully filmed by
Before Night Falls cinematographer Guillermo Rosas, the film skillfully cuts
between cruel childs play and the brutality of real warfare. The story offers a
surprising view of human suffering even under war conditions, and Buddhism is
presented not as an escape but as mindful reflection on this suffering. With a
glimpse of the devastation in Vietnam and its aftermath, The Anniversary invites
parallels between the violent situations there and the current state of global
affairs.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
197
Vietnamese
Year:
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BFC Exclusive
The Undertaking
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0:50
Documentary
2007
Thomas Lynch, 58, is a writer and a poet. He's also a funeral director in a small
town in central Michigan where he and his family have cared for the dead -- and
the living -- for three generations. For the first time, Lynch agreed to allow
cameras inside Lynch & Sons, giving FRONTLINE producers Miri Navasky and
Karen O'Connor rare, behind-the-scenes access -- from funeral arrangements to
the embalming room -- to the Lynches' world for this film, The Undertaking.
The Lynch family believes that the rituals of a funeral are more than mere
formalities. "Funerals are the way we close the gap between the death that
happens and the death that matters," Lynch contends. "A good funeral gets the
dead where they need to go and the living where they need to be."
Languages:
Subtitles:
198
English
Year:
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Todaiji
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0:27
Documentary
2010
NHK's BEGIN Japanology, hosted by Peter Barakan, invites you into the world of
Japanese culture, both traditional and modern, explaining how traditions evolved
and the part they still play today in people's everyday lives.
Synopsis: Todai-ji (Eastern Great Temple),is a Buddhist temple complex located in
the city of Nara, Japan. Its Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsuden), the largest wooden
building in the world,houses the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha
Vairocana, known in Japanese simply as Daibutsu .
Languages:
Subtitles:
199
English
Year:
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BFC Exclusive
What is Reality?
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0:50
Documentary
2011
There is a strange and mysterious world that surrounds us, a world largely hidden
from our senses. The quest to explain the true nature of reality is one of the great
scientific detective stories.
Clues have been pieced together from deep within the atom, from the event
horizon of black holes, and from the far reaches of the cosmos. It may be that
that we are part of a cosmic hologram, projected from the edge of the universe.
Or that we exist in an infinity of parallel worlds. Your reality may never look quite
the same again.
Languages:
Subtitles:
200
English
Year:
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BFC Exclusive
Buddha Mountain
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1:45
Drama
2010
Three young, inseparable friends while away the sweaty summer together in the
provincial capital; Ding Bo, Fei Zao, and Nanfeng. Needing to find new
accomodation, the three answer an advertisment by retired Beijing Opera
performer Chang Yueqin, a lonely widow who is still grieving from her son's death
in a car accident a year ago move into two rooms in her top-floor apartment.
They go out one day to Guanyin Shan (Buddha Mountain), where they help repair
a small Buddhist temple. Gradually, relations change between Chang and the
youngsters start to improve, and Chang attains a new peace of mind. But then
Nanfeng falls out with Ding Bo when she sees him making out with a girl at a
party.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
201
Mandarin
Year:
Catalog #:
BFC Exclusive
A Chinese Tall Story
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Jeffrey Lau
Nicholas Tse, Charlene Choi, Bingbing Fan, Bo-lin Chen, Isabella
Leung, Kenny Kwan, Steven Cheung, Wai-Man Chan, Goo-Bi GC,
Kara Hui, Yiu-Cheung Lai, Tats Lau
1:43
Drama
Emperor Motion Pictures
2005
Tang monk Tripitaka and his three disciples - Monkey king Sun Wukong, Pig monk
Zhu Wuneng, and Sand monk Sha Wujing arrive at Shache City. During their stay
in the city, the three disciples are captured by the Root of All Evils. Tripitaka
saved by the Golden Pole and tries to find a way to save them. He meets a young
lizard imp Meiyan. Meiyan falls in love with Tripitaka at first sight and devotes
herself to trailing him. In this journey, Tripitaka meets a Princess Xiaoshan, she
promises Tripitaka to save his disciples. Tripitaka decides to leave with the
Princess. Meiyan is heartbroken, but she finally discovers her own identity as a
galactic warrior. She eventually helps the Princess in defeating the enemy and
rescues Tripitaka and his disciples. After the battle, Meiyan surrenders to the
Celestial Court for judgment. Torn between passion and righteousness, Tripitaka
rebels against the heavens to rescue the gallows - bound Meiyan. A benevolent
Buddha is moved and pardons the two, on condition that they embark on a
journey to the west to accomplish the Eighty-One tasks to redeen themselves as
well as to save the world.
ARTICLE:
________
Bradeen, Ryan, and Jean Johnson. Using Monkey to Teach Religions of China.
Education About Asia 10.2 (2005)
Languages:
Subtitles: English
202
Cantonese
Year:
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BFC Exclusive
Echoes of the Rainbow
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1:57
Drama
BIG Pictures
2010
Its the spring of 1969 and the world will have to wait another six months before
Neil Armstrong sets foot on the moonbut our young hero Big Ears is running
through the streets of Hong Kong with a goldfish bowl on his head, pretending to
be an astronaut. Big brother Desmond is a gold-medal track star and ace student
who plays guitar and nurtures a nascent romance with soft-spoken Flora.
Meanwhile, their parents work their fingers to the bone running a tiny
neighborhood shoe store. Their dream is simple: All they want is for their
children to have a better life than they didand this mood of nostalgic optimism
and yearning is reflected perfectly by the 60s pop ballads wafting from big
brothers transistor radio. But the sunny tone soon darkens as the family is beset
by a slumping economy, social unrest and the onset of Hong Kongs annual
typhoonspresaging an even more wrenching family tragedy. This wonderful,
bittersweet saga is almost epic in scale, evoking good times and bad, love and
loss, with sincerity, humor and tenderness.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
203
Cantonese
Year:
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BFC Exclusive
The Funeral
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Juzo Itami
2:04
Drama
Art Theatre Guild
1984
The film shows the preparations for a traditional Japanese funeral. It mixes grief
at the loss of a husband and father with wry observations of the various
characters as they interact during the three days of preparation.
The Funeral was the writing and directing debut of Itami Juzo, and was an
enormous success in Japan. It won five Japanese Academy Awards, including Best
Film, Best Director and Best Actor (Tsutomu Yamazaki). It was nominated in a
further five categories and also came first in the annual Kinema Junpo critics' poll.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
204
Japanese
Year:
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BFC Exclusive
Get Low
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Aaron Schneider
Robert Duvall, Sissy Spacek, Bill Murray, Lucas Black, Gerald
McRaney, Bill Cobbs, Scott Cooper, Lori Beth Edgeman, Linds
Edwards, Andrea Powell, Chandler Riggs, Danny Vinson
1:43
Drama
Sony Pictures Classics
2009
Robert Duvall is Felix Bush, the "Hermit of Caleb County," a man so haunted by
his secrets that he has lived in quiet desolation in the Tennessee backwoods for
over 40 years. Realizing that he is near his own mortality, Bush decides to have a
"living funeral party," inviting people to tell their stories about him. Enlisting the
help of Frank Quinn and Buddy Robinson, Bush goes through a process of
self-discovery, allowing him to deal with his past secrets, including ones involving
old flame (and new widow) Mattie.
Languages:
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205
English
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Goddess of Mercy
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1:37
Drama
1967
With her elegant classic persona, Li Li-hua was the ideal performer for period
aristocratic and imperial roles. The Goddess Of Mercy is a good example of her
strong empathy and noble presence. The youngest daughter of a brutal king, the
princess openly disapproves of the floggings and cruel treatment her royal family
heaps on the peasants. As a result, the heartless king turns on his own daughter
forcing her into exile. This humanistic tale will inspire and hearten even the most
cynical viewer.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
206
Mandarin
Year:
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BFC Exclusive
Incense
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0:00
Drama
2003
The film is shot from the Buddhist's perspective, emphasizing the modern
lifestyle's emptiness and lack of spirituality. One main ideal of Buddhism is the
elimination of all attachment to the material worlf in order to achieve
enlightenment. The city dwellers replace enlightenment with material goods. Not
only are they dispirited, but Buddhism itself becomes lost and empty. Ning Hao
represents Buddhism in shots of a scarecrow in a cold, empty, snow-covered
field. Later, the Buddha statue's head is placed on a scarecrow body, smybolizing
the hollowness of the new Buddhism. In the capitalist economy, Buddhism is
commericalized and becomes a hollow commodity produced for the paying
masses, who buy it in a desperate need for spiritual fulfillment.
ARTICLE:
________
Lin, Xiaoping. Nin Hao's Incense: a Curious Tale of Earthly Buddhism. Chinese
Ecocinema: in the Age of Enviromental Challenge. 2010
Languages:
Subtitles: English
207
Mandarin
Year:
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BFC Exclusive
The Invention of Lying
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Ricky Gervais, Matthew Robinson
Ricky Gervais, Jennifer Garner, Jonah Hill, Louis C.K., Jeffrey
Tambor, Fionnula Flanagan, Rob Lowe, Tina Fey, Donna Sorbello,
Stephanie March, Ruben Santiago-Hudson, John Hodgman
1:39
Drama
Warner Bros. Pictures
2009
In a world where the human race has never evolved the ability to lie, a man who
suddenly discovers how will change the world. With this superpower, he can get
anything he wants. Well, nearly everything.
Ricky Gervais (Extras, BBC's The Office) displays his hilariously deadpan
acting talents in a comedy invention he co-wrote and co-directed.
Languages:
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208
English
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Master of Zen
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1:35
Drama
1994
This is the story of a man named Dharma and his remarkable spiritual journey to
China. Dharma was the third prince in the Kingdom of Hiong Chi in India. A
potential successor to the throne, Dharma devoted himself to Buddhism rather
than inherit his family's kingdom. Later on, Dharma went to China to spread the
teachings of Buddha; and he arrived at Shaolin, where he imparted his martial
arts knowledge to the Shaolin disciples.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
209
Mandarin
Year:
Catalog #:
Nang Nak
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Nonzee Nimibutr
Intira Jaroenpura, Winai Kraibutr
1:40
Drama
Kimstim
1999
Nang Nak is a haunting supernatural legend from Thailand. It tells the
heartbreaking story of Nak, a loving wife whose affection for her husband Mak is
quite powerful.
Sperated by war, Mak finally returns home to find Nak has given birth to a son.
The reunion seems idyllic until Mak gradually awakens to the horrifying truth that
both his wife and child died long ago...
ARTICLE:
________
Fuhrmann, Arnika. Nang Nak (Ghost Wife): Desire, Embodiment, and Buddhist
Melancholia in a Contemporary Thai Ghost Film. Discourse 31.3 (2009)
Languages:
Subtitles: English
210
Thai
Year:
Catalog #:
BFC Exclusive
Rikyu
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Hiroshi Teshigahara
Rentaro Mikuni, Yoshiko Mita, Tsutomu Yamazaki, Kyoko Kishida,
Tanie Kitabayashi, Sayaka Yamaguchi, Ryo Tamura, Koshiro
Matsumoto, Kichiemon Nakamura, Yasosuke Bando, Akira Kubo,
Keishi Arashi
1:56
Drama
Shochiku
1989
Sen-no Rikyu, a Buddhist priest, brought the art of the tea ceremony (often said
to embody the essence of Japanese culture) to perfection four centuries ago.
Living in one of the most turbulent moments in Japanese history, Rikyu gained
unexpected political influence as the confidant and cultural mentor to the
powerful warlord, Hideyoshi Toyotomi. Rikyu's relationship with Hideyoshi is a
story that has taken on epic proportions in Japanese cultural history. The film
illustrates the classic struggle between art and politics, and between the impulse
to create and the impulse to destroy.
Like England's Thomas Beckett and Sir Thomas More, Rikyu was a spiritual
mentor whose integrity eventually offended his powerful master, who demanded
his death.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
211
Japanese
Year:
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BFC Exclusive
The Heart of Mount Koya
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1:02
Documentary
2004
A rare glimpse and look at some of the actual practices and recorded ceremonies
held at Okuno-in, the mausoleum of Kukai, surrounded by an immense graveyard
(the largest in Japan), located on Mt. Koya-san.
A visual and audio meditative tour through a fasinating and eye-opening
experience of tradtional Japanese Buddhist practice.
Liturgical Japanese only
NO ENGLISH dubbing or subtitles.
Languages:
Subtitles:
212
Japanese
Year:
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BFC Exclusive
The Novice
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0:30
Drama
2009
The story focuses on a 14 year old; Pey, who has committed a crime Pa-Hin
(throwing rocks at oncoming cars) with his partner, Tee. In order to keep the
news low, his mom decides that Pey must be ordained to become a buddhist
novice to escape from the crime he committed as monks cannot be arrested.
While Pey remains unnoticed as a criminal by the law, his actions at a sanctuary
disturbs a ceremony which was performed in order to "feed" the ghosts of the
punished youth. Also, it is here where he has flashbacks of the night he caused
his father's accident (and death) by throwing rocks at his car, mistaking him for a
normal driver. While seeking repentance, was being punished by an invisible
presence hurl rocks at him until he becomes severely disfigured. He attempts to
call his mother for help but she only hears a high pitched cry. Pey is then
transformed into on the punished ghosts for his crime.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
213
Thai
Year:
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BFC Exclusive
Wake Up!
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0:55
Documentary
1992
Zen Master Seung Sahns teaching documentary Wake up! On the Road with a
Zen Master -
A professional and entertaining documentary that captures Zen Master Seung
Sahns energy while presenting the core of his teaching. Wake Up! is not only a
rare portrait of an unusual and provocative teacher, but also an introduction to
Zen Buddhism today. Wake Up! was shot on location during a teaching trip in
Europe by award-winning independent filmmaker Brad Anderson from Boston.
Languages:
Subtitles:
214
English
Year:
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BFC Exclusive
Land of Disappearing Buddha
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0:52
Documentary
1977
If the Buddha of India met the Buddha of Japan, would they recognize each
other? To find out, this program talks to the staff in a Tokyo restaurant who keep
regular Zen meditation schedules as part of their job, then on to the classical Zen
calligraphy, swordfighting, archery and tea ceremony.
Three great Rinzai Zen Masters of the 20th century appear in this video: Mumon
Yamada (19001988), Omori Sogen (19041994) and Kobori Roshi Nanrei
Sohaku (19181992)
Mumon Yamada has authorized for the first and the only time in history, that
camera can film the sanzen ( stritly private encounter of Master and student
where student gives his answer to a koan )
-this episode of "The Long Search" also shows others religions and practices in
Japan, like Pure Land Buddhism, Shinto, Soka-Gakkai, Tea ceremony, Archery,
Caligraphy etc.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
215
Japanese
Year:
Catalog #:
BFC Exclusive
BBC - A Year in Tibet
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2:00
Documentary
2008
Intimate documentary series following a year in the life of the society living in
and around Gyantse, Tibets third largest town.
Monks Behaving Badly:
In the Pel Kor monastery, the director Choephel discovers that some
irreplaceable statues have been stolen and the theft gives the local Communist
Party an excuse to put in a government 'work team' to weed out monks they
think are behaving badly. Lhakpa heads north in search of a lucrative job on a
building site, and Butri gets an unpleasant surprise as she approaches her
retirement.
A Tale of Three Monks:
Deputy head lama Tsultrim has to juggle running the monastery whilst complying
with a myriad of government restrictions. Young monk Tsephun lives and works
with his master Dondrup, a curmudgeonly old lama. Tsephun helps his master
with the day-to-day jobs of cleaning and tidying; in return, Dondrup teaches
Tsephun the sutras and scriptures, an essential part of becoming a monk.
Languages:
Subtitles:
216
English
Year:
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Being in the World
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1:21
Documentary
2010
We quickly move beyond the Greeks and then beyond Descartes' mentalist
notion ("I think therefore I am") of reality to Martin Heidegger's conception:
reality and meaning exist where minds interact with the world.
We see humans at work and at play: juggling, doing high-precision Japanese
carpentry, flamenco, and cooking gumbo. While we watch them work and
struggle to introspect and talk about their art and their craft, we also hear Hubert
Dreyfus and his students reflect on Heidegger and his philosophy.
Our artisans confess that they cannot explain in rational terms how they do what
they do. The being is in the doing. Interviews and action intertwine to make a
challenging philosophy clear to the lay viewer.
Languages:
Subtitles:
217
English
Year:
Catalog #:
Buddha's Warriors
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0:45
Documentary
2008
Expanding upon her award-winning investigative series God's Warriors, CNN chief
international correspondent Christiane Amanpour reports in a new documentary
that
examines the nexus of politics and faith. For Buddha's Warriors, Amanpour
explores
a new generation of Buddhists who are actively engaged in political struggle.
These believers of love, kindness and nonviolence struggle to remain true to their
beliefs while at the same time confronting severe political and cultural
oppression.
In Buddha's Warriors, Amanpour investigates the roots of the conflict between
Chinese authority and ethnic Tibetans. Nearly 50 years ago, the Dalai Lama fled
Tibet after a failed uprising against communist rule. Tibetans say that all but
13 of 6,000 Buddhist monasteries were destroyed under Chairman Mao's Cultural
Revolution from 1966 to 1976. Those that have been rebuilt are now under the
close, watchful eye of the Chinese government. Monks there say that they are
forced to denounce the Dalai Lama and swear allegiance to China.
Languages:
Subtitles:
218
English
Year:
Catalog #:
BFC Exclusive
Cave in the Snow
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0:52
Documentary
2002
Why and how did an Englishwoman Dian Perry, daughter of a fishmonger from
Londons East End, become a Buddhist legend and a champion for women to
attain spiritual enlightenment? What was it she was looking for?
From a very early age, I believed we were inherently perfect. I asked everybody;
what is perfection? How do we attain it? This deep yearning for perfection led
her to commit her life to attain enlightenment in the body of a woman.
Enlightenment: the highest state of evolution a humankind could every achieve.
The second westerner to be ordained as a Tibetan Buddhist nun, Jetsunma
Tenzin Palmo secluded herself in a cave in the Himalayas where she spent 12
years doing intensive spiritual practices. She faced unimaginable cold,
avalanches, blizzards, wolves, grew her own food--and was very happy.
Languages:
Subtitles:
219
English
Year:
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BFC Exclusive
Crazy Wisdom
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1:26
Documentary
2011
Crazy Wisdom is the long-awaited feature documentary to explore the life,
teachings, and "crazy wisdom" of Chogyam Trungpa, Rinpoche, a pivotal figure in
bringing Tibetan Buddhism to the West. Called a genius, rascal, and social
visionary; 'one of the greatest spiritual teachers of the 20th century,' and 'the
bad boy of Buddhism,' Trungpa defied categorization.
Raised and trained in the rigorous Tibetan monastic tradition, Trungpa came to
the West and shattered our preconceived notions about how an enlightened
teacher should behave - he openly smoked, drank, and had intimate relations
with students - yet his teachings are recognized as authentic, vast, and
influential. Twenty years after his death, with unprecedented access and
exclusive archival material, Crazy Wisdom looks at the man and the myths about
him, and attempts to set the record straight.
Languages:
Subtitles:
220
English
Year:
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Extreme Pilgrim
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1:00
Documentary
2008
Extreme Pilgrim is a British television series presented by the Anglican vicar, Pete
Owen-Jones who is researching the path of enlightenment and spirituality which
he sees as having been lost by those in West.
The first episode in the series see Peter travelling to the Shaolin Monastery of
Henan Province, central China. The Shaolin Monastery, the ancestral home of all
martial arts, and considered to be his most physically demanding phase of Pete's
search as he looks into the teachings of the Indian Buddhist, Bodhidharma.
Once there, he is introduced to meditation and follows a "punishing" regime of
physical exercise. After becoming disenchanted with what he see as a "branding"
of life at the monastery and an inability to achieve the levels of meditation
required, he travels to a mountain temple located in Sangwan. After a period of
time, he manages to feel the stillness of mind he requires through breathing and
movement and concludes that he has attained a level of Zen.
Languages:
Subtitles:
221
English
Year:
Catalog #:
BFC Exclusive
How to Live a Simple Life
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3:00
Documentary
2010
Inspired by his experiences in 'Around the World in 80 Faiths', part-time vicar
Peter Owen Jones returns to credit-crunch Britain and to the realisation that
modern life has become a frenzy of spending and working. He yearns for a life of
simplicity and meaning - a deeper connection to both nature and people.
Filmed over the course of nearly a year in his beautiful Sussex parishes, this
three-part series follows Peter as he tries to turn his back on consumerism.
In a radical experiment following the Rule of St Francis of Assisi, he has travelled
across southern England without money. On the road, Peter glimpses the secret
of a simple life. But can he apply the lessons of his road trip back in his parishes?
And for how long can he live without money? And what are the limits to peoples'
generosity? But amidst the trials and tribulations, Peter finds new ways of giving
back, and in the process he discovers a new model of living simply for us all.
Languages:
Subtitles:
222
English
Year:
Catalog #:
BFC Exclusive
I AM
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1:16
Documentary
2010
I AM is an utterly engaging and entertaining non-fiction film that poses two
practical and provocative questions: whats wrong with our world, and what can
we do to make it better?
In I AM, Director Tom Shadyac steps in front of the camera to recount what
happened to him after a cycling accident left him incapacitated, possibly for
good. Though he ultimately recovered, he emerged with a new sense of purpose,
determined to share his own awakening to his prior life of excess and greed, and
to investigate how he as an individual, and we as a race, could improve the way
we live and walk in the world.
Languages:
Subtitles:
223
English
Year:
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Invitation to Korean Buddhism
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0:00
Documentary
2006
Korean Temples and Nature:
Today as usual, a temple in the mountains awakens with the sound of a Dharma
drum. The Dharma drum is the sound not only for waking up monks who live in
the temple, but also for waking up all the beings living on Earth.
World Cultural Heritage Sites:
Seokguram Hermitage, Bulguksa Temple and Haeinsa Temple are representative
of the rich Korean Buddhist tradition.
Daily Life in Korean Temples:
Korea is known as the place where the tradition of Seon (Zen) Buddhism has
remained the purest in the world.
Experiencing Korean Buddhism:
Lay people who attend TempleStay programs can experience a different kind of
happiness and joy.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
224
Korean
Year:
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BFC Exclusive
Kukai
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2:59
Drama
1984
A grand scale historical saga! Transcending the last thousand years of time, the
legendary Kukai's great journey is revisited!
Kukai: he turned his gaze sharply into the form of all phenomena, and pursued
the depths of their origination. The current production starring Kinya Kitaoji is a
historical drama of a giant, Kukai, whose accomplishments were far reaching in
influencing Japan's development.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
225
Japanese
Year:
Catalog #:
BFC Exclusive
Ran
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Akira Kurosawa
Tatsuya Nakadai, Akira Terao, Jinpachi Nezu, Daisuke Ryu, Mieko
Harada, Yoshiko Miyazaki, Takeshi Nomura, Hisashi Igawa, Peter,
Masayuki Yui, Kenji Kodama, Toshiya Ito
2:43
Drama
Herald Ace
1985
With Ran, legendary director Akira Kurosawa reimagines Shakespeare's King
Lear as a singular historical epic set in sixteenth-century Japan. Majestic in
scope, the film is Kurosawa's late-life masterpiece, a profound examination of the
folly of war and the crumbling of one family under the weight of betrayal, greed,
and the insatiable thirst for power.
ARTICLES:
_________
Nordin, Kenneth D. Buddhist Symbolism in Akira Kurosawa's Ran: a
Counterpoint to Human Chaos. Asian Cinema Fall/Winter (2005): 242254.
Print.
Short, Daniel F. Hell as the Here-and-Now: Images of Human Travail in 12th
Century Emaki and Kurosawa's Ran. Kinema: A Journal for Film and
Audiovisual Media. Web. 26 Mar. 2012
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Subtitles: English
226
Japanese
Year:
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Seven Wonders of the Buddhist World
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1:04
Documentary
2011
In this fascinating documentary, historian Bettany Hughes travels to the seven
wonders of the Buddhist world and offers a unique insight into one of the most
ancient belief systems still practised today.
Buddhism began 2,500 years ago when one man had an amazing internal
revelation underneath a peepul tree in India. Today it is practised by over 350
million people worldwide, with numbers continuing to grow year on year.
In an attempt to gain a better understanding of the different beliefs and practices
that form the core of the Buddhist philosophy and investigate how Buddhism
started and where it travelled to, Hughes visits some of the most spectacular
monuments built by Buddhists across the globe.
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227
English
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Sutra of Bodhisattva Ksitigarbhas
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0:00
Drama
2008
ALCOO digital entertainment company is China's possession of a bright
professional animation film production team. Since 2002, the community support
has been committed to the classic cartoon of Buddhist culture and public
production. Animation works have been completed MTV "Manjushri mantra - a
miracle," "treasure trunk Dharani printed the story," "the story of Jizo the light
head to save the mother," and so on. Being prepared and will soon make the
Buddhist animation of "Amitabha Sutra", "the story of Jizo sequel,"
"Bodhisattva's Story". The film began production in 2006 from the first film, "light
head to save the mother," completed in 2007 the "two kings" and "the interests
of Jizo knowledge products", completed in 2008, "Brahmin woman," "death
benefit", "Wuni felony and seamless hell." Total length of 103 minutes six
animation, production cycle up to two and a half years, by Amand and Yung Yung
screenwriter, director, only a dozen people to lead a small team, to overcome
difficulties, devote themselves to hard work to complete.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
228
Mandarin
Year:
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BFC Exclusive
The Gateless Gate
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0:46
Documentary
2008
The Gateless Gate is a place where one need to look deep within themselves and
return to the real essence of self. It is both a type of Buddhist practice and a site
for practice. Whether it be for 3 months or 6 months, you will not be allowed out
of this monastic life. The Gateless Gate practice is practiced extensively in Korea,
China, and India. This program portrays the Gateless Gate practice, and makes
one look within themselves to penetrate the gate within their minds.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
229
Korean
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BFC Exclusive
Women of Tibet: A Quiet Revolution
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0:57
Documentary
2007
A Quiet Revolution begins on March 12, 1959 when 15,000 unarmed Tibetan
women took to the streets of Lhasa to oppose the violent occupation of their
country by the Communist Chinese army.
For the first time on film, three generations of Tibetan women and His Holiness
the 14th Dalai Lama tell the story of one of the great movements of nonviolent
resistance in modern history.
From the streets of Lhasa to their principal refuge in Dharamsala, India, the
stories that live at the heart of this film offer an intimate and direct experience of
what it is to lose everything and begin anew.
Ama Adhe recounts 28 years spent in a Chinese prison and the deep faith that
allowed her to survive the ordeal as she teaches new generations of young
refugees. Dolma Tsering describes sacrifices her parents made as exiles so that
she might become first a teacher and then a member of Parliament, and Tseten
Choeden, born and raised in exile, ensures that her Tibetan birthright is passed
on to her own children as she wrestles with a culture in transition.
After 50 years in exile, His Holiness the Dalai Lama pays tribute to the courage of
these remarkable women and their ability to keep their cultural legacy intact for
generations to come.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
230
Tibetan
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BFC Exclusive
Buddha: The Great Departure
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1:51
Drama
2011
The first in a planned three-film adaptation of Osamu Tezuka's fictionalized
biography of Buddha, starting from Siddartha Gautama's youth as prince of
Shakya and gradual disillusionment. Meanwhile, a young boy attempts to escape
the life of a slave by becoming the military champion of the warlike kingdom of
Kosala, a nation with its eye on Shakya's wealth of natural resources...
Languages:
Subtitles: English
231
Japanese
Year:
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BFC Exclusive
The Chair of Monk Beopjeong
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1:15
Documentary
2011
The late Monk Beopjeong lived his whole life alone in a small temple in the
mountains with no possessions. This human documentary of Monk Beopjeong
from his childhood to his passing brings a person to his senses and gives limitless
courage and overwhelming hope to live through this dangerous life. Giving sense
of sharing, communication and mercy, Monk Beopjeong's lesson on no
possession has come alive on video and has fragrantly bloomed once again.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
232
Korean
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Griefwalker
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1:10
Documentary
2008
This documentary introduces us to Stephen Jenkinson, the leader of a palliative
care counseling team at Toronto's Mount Sinai Hospital. Through his daytime job,
he has been at the deathbed of well over 1,000 people. What he sees over and
over, he says, is "a wretched anxiety and an existential terror" even when there is
no pain. Indicting the practice of palliative care itself, he has made it his life's
mission to change the way we die - to turn the act of dying from denial and
resistance into an essential part of life.
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233
English
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Enlightenment
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1:26
Drama
2010
Orphans Woo-cheon and Michael have lived in the orphanage like brothers; they
get into a religious conflict that is not resolved. Against the wishes of Michael
who becomes a Catholic priest, Woo-cheon becomes a Buddhist monk. One day,
Woo-cheon leaves on a 2-day journey with master monk Cheongsong.
Woo-cheon gains enlightenment, helped by the kind teaching of Cheongsong,
and meets Michael again.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
234
Korean
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Ikkyu-san
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1:20
Drama
1975
Ikkyu is a little boy training to be a monk at Ankokuji Temple. Known for being
mischievous and a bit of a troublemaker, but also extremely smart, Ikkyu
constantly thinks of new ways to outwit his frustrated teachers, helping others at
the same time.
Ikkyu-san is an anime based on the historical Zen Buddhist monk Ikkyu that
follows his mischievous adventures as a child during his stay at Ankoku Temple.
In each episode, Ikkyu relies on his intelligence and wit to solve all types of
problems, from distraught farmers to greedy merchants.
CONTAINS 4 EPISODES. MORE EPISODES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
235
Japanese
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BFC Exclusive
Inside the Gate: An American Nun's Training Within Korean Buddhism
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1:57
Documentary
2012
Bhikkuni Seon Joon, Yale graduate and American Jogye Order Buddhist nun,
discusses the essential elements of Korean Buddhism and the daily life of women
training to become monastics in modern Korea through her personal experience
and photos.
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236
English
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My Reincarnation
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1:22
Documentary
2011
My Reincarnation is an epic father-son drama, spanning two decades and three
generations, about spirituality, cultural survival, identity, inheritance, family,
growing old, growing up, faith, meditation, religion, magic, dreaming, Buddhism,
Dzogchen and past and future lives. The film follows the renowned reincarnate
Tibetan spiritual master, Chgyal Namkhai Norbu, as he struggles to save his
spiritual tradition, and his Italian born son, Yeshi, who stubbornly refuses to
follow in his fathers footsteps...
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237
English
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Shikoku Pilgrimage (Japanology)
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0:28
Documentary
2012
The Shikoku Pilgrimage involves visiting 88 Buddhist temples spread across
Shikoku, the smallest of Japan's four main islands.The route is 1,200 kilometers
long, and to walk it takes around 50 days, although most people today ride in a
car or bus for at least part of the journey.The pilgrimage can be traced back to
Kukai, a 9th-century Buddhist high priest who reached enlightenment in the wilds
of Shikoku. These days, many older people undertake the pilgrimage as a way of
reflecting on their lives. Many young people do it to find out more about
themselves.
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238
English
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Tulku
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1:15
Documentary
2009
At age three, Gesar Tsewang Arthur Mukpo, son of renowned Tibetan Buddhist
teacher Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche and his British wife Diana, was identified as
the reincarnation of the late Jamgon Kongtrul of Sechen, one of his father's own
teachers in Tibet. Living in Boulder, Colorado and then Halifax, Nova Scotia, Gesar
balanced competing cultures and strikingly different definitions of self. His life
was far from that of an ordinary contemporary American or Canadian--his father
was a world famous Buddhist teacher and author--but there was no monastery
upbringing like that of perhaps the best known tulku, the Dalai Lama, or even like
his father. And after his father's untimely death, he was on his own with this
challenge...
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239
English
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With One Voice
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1:15
Documentary
2009
With One Voice brings together mystics from fourteen different spiritual
traditions to share their perspectives on the unifying truth that transcends all
religions. In this seventy-eight minute documentary, these awakened teachers
address profound questions about life and love, the existence of God, the path to
spiritual awakening and the way to true peace in the world.

Featuring interviews with:Ajahn Amaro, Joseph Goldstein, Bhante Gunaratana,
Joan Halifax Roshi, John Daido Loori, Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche, plus many
others!
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240
English
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The Gatekeeper of Enmyoin
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2:04
Documentary
2008
Teijun Ogawa, a proud and rare niso (female priest) of Japanese Shingon
Buddhist Sect, dies after telling her story to Reiko and Max, a Japanese couple
based in New York. She told them about her desolate life since she was given to a
temple at the age of seven, and her achievement of building the Enmyoin temple
single-handedly. But she refused to share her view as a womanas if the subject
was taboo. Upon hearing the arrival of a young heiress, as though guided by old
Teijun, the couple revisits Enmyoin.
The GateKeeper of Enmyoin is the product of their journey in search of Teijun's
unspoken feelings about her womanhood before and after her death. While the
dark reality of Teijuns female priesthood in the man-dominant rural Japanese
Buddhist culture is revealed, new mysteries of the untold parts of Teijuns life
emerge. The story is told through Reikos voice, which reflects her own journey of
trying to find freedom, balance and integration of her roles as a rebel, new
immigrant in the U.S., woman, wife, and mother. Soon the simple unfinished
portrait of Teijun develops into a genre-bending, personal detective
documentary with rich narrative flavor and spiritual sustenance.
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Subtitles: English
241
Japanese
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BFC Exclusive
Headshot
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1:40
Drama
2011
Present-day Thailand is rife with corruption. Tul, a straight-laced cop, is
blackmailed by a powerful politician and framed for a crime he did not commit.
Disillusioned and vengeful, he is soon recruited to become a hitman for a
shadowy group aimed at eliminating those who are above the law. But one day,
Tul is shot in the head during an assignment. He wakes up after a three-month
coma to find that he sees everything upside down, literally. Unaware of whether
the condition is medical or a result of karmic retribution, Tul begins to have
second thoughts about his profession. But when he tries to quit, roles are
reversed and the hunter becomes the hunted. Then he meets a girl that turns his
world even more upside down. Can Tul find redemption from the violence that
continues to haunt him?
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Subtitles: English
242
Thai
Year:
Catalog #:
Jesus & Buddha
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0:44
Documentary
Maybe we dont need to enter a monastery or go to the desert, but some form of
discipline may be necessary if we are to move beyond the self as the center of
identity and into the liberating vastness of the Buddha-field or the nourishing
wholeness of the Christ-reality.
Robert Kennedy, Chung Hyun Kyung and Paul Knitter lead us on an adventure
through the spiritually rich terrain where Buddhist and Christian paths meet. As
they share their experiences, we realize that the questions and struggles that
motivate them are our own. And their reflections throw the light back on us. We
can see better the prison of our ceaseless preoccupations, our obsessions, our
animosities. Perhaps our own notions of the spiritual path have been limited by
our need for answers and our desire for comfort?
In the end it becomes clear from these witnesses that this is not a journey that
depends on concepts and abstractions; rather, this journey is experiential, guided
by meditation practice and the growing insight that arises from it. We see that
for these travelers, the path they are pointing us to is infinitely spacious and
ultimately fulfilling it can hold all of our contradictions and questions as it
leads us further and deeper into the incomprehensible mystery that is this life.
DISCUSSION GUIDE:
__________________
Ankele, John, ed. Discussion Questions for Jesus and Buddha. Old Dog
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243
English
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BFC Exclusive
Our Life is Like Our Breath
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0:45
Documentary
2011
This inspirational documentary film describes daily life in the international forest
monastery, Wat Pah Nanachat in Thailand. The film is interspersed throughout
with the teachings of the great Thai Buddhist master Ajahn Chah. The viewer
comes to know about the meditation practice, philosophy, and customs of the
monks there through the eyes of a Swiss monk.
The filmmaker himself lived for some time amongst the mostly Western forest
monks and succeeds in showing, from an insider view, the spiritual practices at
the monastery.
One of the highlights of the film is the monks' jungle retreat in the far west of the
country, very near to the border with Burma. This malaria infested national park
is home to the famous river Kwai, which flows through it. The head of the
monastery, Ajahn Pasanno, a Canadian and environmental activist, is engaged in
the struggle to stop the last jungles of Thailand being cut down and cleared by
fire.
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244
English
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BFC Exclusive
The Outrage
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1:42
Drama
2011
Directed by Pantewanop Tewakul, the luscious period piece The Outrage
transplants Rashomon to the ancient kingdom of Lanna in northern Thailand.
Tewakul offers an intriguing remake of Kurosawa's classic story of a crime
presented from differing views that conceal the truth and reveal the dregs of
human nature.
While passing through the woods with his procession, a nobleman warrior gets
captured by a banditl, who is bewitched by the beauty of the warrior's wife. The
warrior is later found dead in the woods, but the culprit behind his killing is
unclear. The bandit, the wife, and the warrior's spirit all offer conflicting accounts
of what happened in the woods that fateful day. After the trial, a young monk, an
old man, and a woodcutter meet in a cave and discuss the incident, and yet
another conflicting truth emerges...
Languages:
Subtitles: English
245
Thai
Year:
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BFC Exclusive
Schooling the World
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1:05
Documentary
2010
If you wanted to change an ancient culture in a generation, how would you do it?
You would change the way it educates its children. The U.S. Government knew
this in the 19th century when it forced Native American children into government
boarding schools. Today, volunteers build schools in traditional societies around
the world, convinced that school is the only way to a 'better' life for indigenous
children. But is this true?
What really happens when we replace a traditional culture's way of learning and
understanding the world with our own? SCHOOLING THE WORLD takes a
challenging, sometimes funny, ultimately deeply disturbing look at the effects of
modern education on the world's last sustainable indigenous cultures.
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246
English
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BFC Exclusive
Taenghwa: Strokes of Light
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0:53
Documentary
2008
Taenghwa, a type of Buddhist painting, helped propagate Buddhism and has
served as an object of religion worship. Through our new program, we explore
the Buddhist spirit and immerse viewers in the many faces and philosophies of
Taenghwa - in how the art began during the Goryeo Era and developed with
time. Man-bong, a devout Buddhist who has become an intangible cultural asset,
demonstrates the process of creating Taenghwa. From the gathering of materials
to the sketching and, finally, the coloring, he walks viewers through the art's
procedure and significance. It's a process that unfolds along with the passing of
the seasons and spans a year.
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Subtitles: English
247
Korean
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BFC Exclusive
Taenghwa: Another Nirvana
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0:55
Documentary
2008
"Taenghwa: Another Nirvana" analyzes Buddhist paintings from Tibet, China,
Korea and Japan. It examines the nature and meaning of Thangka (Tibetan
Taenghwa) and a Tibetan lifestyle infused with such Buddhist traditions as
distinct wedding ceremonies and festivals. The program features the distinct
characteristics of Buddhist paintings from Chinese culture; pieces from the
Goryeo era (works that are internationally renowned for their artistic excellence);
and a Japanese Buddhism that focuses more on its statues than its paintings.
Finally, "Taenghwa" also spotlights paintings from the Goryeo era preserved now
in Japan. The works are considered aesthetic, cultural legacies and have been
cherished for more than 1,000 years.
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Subtitles: English
248
Korean
Year:
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BFC Exclusive
Ven. Jian Zhen
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1:40
Drama
2010
What kind of motivation and inspiration made master Jian-Zhen devote years,
exhausting his energy and money, to sailing to Japan in order to teach the
vinaya?
This animated film, follows master Jian-Zhen's footprints to learn from his
perseverance.
(The moon knows my aspiration of going abroad to pass on the torch; I will not
be stopped by obstacles, teaching Buddhism with a pure heart)
With five failing attempts, Master Jian-Zhen finally arrived at Japan at his sixth
trip. Even when losing his eyesight, he still held on to his aspiration. He opened a
new chapter of culture exchange between China and Japan. Not only that Master
Jian-Zhen laid the foundation for the vinaya sect of Buddhism, the Toshodai
Temple he built also became an architecture treasure. And he was honored as
the "Father of Japanese Medicine" for his contribution to Japanese medicine.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
249
Mandarin
Year:
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BFC Exclusive
The White Horse Temple
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0:50
Documentary
2007
White Horse Temple was built in 68 A.D., which was the first Buddhist temple
constructed by the government. So its recognized as the founder home of
Buddhism, that is, the birthplace of Buddhism. It is recognized as the first
Buddhist temple in China.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
250
Mandarin
Year:
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BFC Exclusive
Journey of a Dream
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1:21
Documentary
2011
JOURNEY OF A DREAM is a feature length documentary that will take audiences
on an epic, global journey into heavy metal music, exile, Buddhism and Tibetan
roots. Shenpenn Khymsars documentary debut is the first of its kind to
document the political and emotional struggle of life as a Tibetan refugee, who
got a chance to live the dream of possibilities in theWestern world through an
unconventional form of expression - Heavy Metal.
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Subtitles:
251
English
Year:
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BFC Exclusive
Samsara (2011)
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1:39
Documentary
2011
Expanding on the themes they developed in Baraka (BFC #7), Samsara explores
the wonders of our world from the mundane to the miraculous, looking into the
unfathomable reaches of mans spirituality and the human experience. Neither a
traditional documentary nor a travelogue, Samsara takes the form of a
nonverbal, guided meditation.
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252
Music Only
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Catalog #:
Old Plum Mountain: The Berkeley Zen Center
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1:05
Documentary
2011
Old Plum Mountain: The Berkeley Zen Center, Life Inside the Gate, tells the story
of the Berkeley Zen Center, one of the oldest, self-sustaining, lay practice centers
in the nation. Founded in 1967 by the late Shunryu Suzuki Roshi, and his student
Sojun Mel Weitsman, this uniquely American Zen Center offers to all, both lay
and priest, a safe and supportive place to engage in a path of spiritual
exploration. Told through the experiences of its membersas they practice Soto
Zen's ancient rituals, do mindful work, cook and serve food, and sit zazenthis
65-minute documentary describes how this practice has dramatically changed,
challenged, and sustained their lives.
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253
English
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BFC Exclusive
Mandala
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1:57
Drama
1981
The film follows the differing lives of two Buddhist monks in Korea. By following
their lives and their interaction throughout the film, Im Kwon-Taek creates a
contemplation of the nature of individualism, religious belief and enlightenment.
ARTICLE:
________
Wright, Dale S. Human Responsibility and the Awakening of Character in the
Buddhist Film Mandala. Literature & Theology 18.3 (2004)
Languages:
Subtitles: English
254
Korean
Year:
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BFC Exclusive
Kumare
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1:24
Documentary
2011
Kumar is a wise guru from the East who indoctrinated a group of followers in
the West. Kumar, however, is not real he is the alter ego of American
filmmaker Vikram Gandhi who impersonated a spiritual leader for the sake of a
social experiment designed to challenge one of the most widely accepted taboos:
that only a tiny 1% can connect the rest of the world to a higher power.
Concealing his true identity from everyone he meets, Kumar forges profound
and spiritual connections with people from all walks of life. At the height of his
popularity, Kumar unveils his true identity to a core group of disciples who are
knee-deep in personal transformation. Will they accept his final teaching? Can
this illusion reveal a greater spiritual truth? Kumare, at once playful and
profound, is an insightful look at faith and belief.
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Subtitles:
255
English
Year:
Catalog #:
Cloud Atlas
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Tom Tykwer, Andy Wachowski, Lana Wachowski
Tom Hanks, Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Halle Berry, Jim Broadbent,
Jim Broadbent, Hugo Weaving, Hugo Weaving, Jim Sturgess, Jim
Sturgess, Doona Bae, Doona Bae
2:52
Drama
Warner Bros Pictures
2012
Six stories spanning centuries. One soul. Tom Hanks and Halle Berry lead an
all-star cast in interwoven tales as time shifts between past, present and future.
As characters reunite from one life to the next, their actions generate
consequences. A killer evolves into a hero. An act of kindness inspires a
revolution. Cloud Atlas combines science fiction, drama, mystery, action and
romance into a film that's "utterly, wonderfully epic"
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256
English
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Catalog #:
Shaka (Buddha)
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Drama
1961
Inspired by Ben-Hur and The Ten Commandments, Daiei president Masaichi
Nagata chose no less than the life of Buddha as the subject of Japan's first 70mm
religious epic.
The film moves through the deity's life from his renunciation of his father's
fortunes and his lengthy meditation under the Bodhi tree, via the transformation
of prince Siddharta into Buddha, to the miracles he performs for the poor and
needy as his teachings spread across the land. The results are much as one would
expect: big sets, thousands of extras, and an all-star cast of Daiei's top stars.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
257
Japanese
Year:
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BFC Exclusive
The Cross and the Bodhi Tree
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0:44
Documentary
2001
This documentary film portrays the extraordinary spiritual journeys of Father
Franois Ponchaud, a French Catholic priest, and Mother Rosemary, an English
Anglican nun.
The priest and the nun lead very different lives. Fr Ponchaud translated the Bible
into Khmer and wrote the definitive history of the Catholic church in Cambodia.
M. Rosemary entered a life of silence and prayer in her twenties. She took a
sabbatical at Amaravati Buddhist Monastery in England, where she struck
enduring friendships. Both Ponchaud and Rosemary have faced difficult
questions posed by their head-on encounter with Buddhism.
Questions like, "Has your contact with Buddhism changed your thoughts on the
uniqueness of Jesus Christ? Can the Holy Spirit act through a Buddhist? Is
Buddhist meditation more passive that Christian Prayer?" Their answers are lucid
and humble. The result is a film which brings East and West closer together in a
profound and thought-provoking way.
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Subtitles:
258
English
Year:
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BFC Exclusive
Streams of Light: Shin Buddhism in America
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1:02
Documentary
2013
This documentary film explores the history of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism in America
through archival materials jointly maintained by the Buddhist Churches of
America and the Japanese American National Museum (JANM), as well as
interviews with priests who are actively serving temples in the United States.
Through the efforts of the Kaikyoshi priests who have served over the past
century, we see streams of the Dharma light that illuminates the past, present,
and future of the transmission of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism in America.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
259
English, Japanese
Year:
Catalog #:
BFC Exclusive
Souls of Zen
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1:29
Documentary
2012
This documentary presents perspectives on Buddhism as practiced by clergy and
millions of families in Japan today by drawing on ethnographic fieldwork about
prayer practice and mortuary rituals "on the ground". "Souls" of Zen thereby
refers to one of Japan's most enduring traditions - the commemoration of
ancestral spirits. We visit rural graveyards, urban temples, modern funeral halls,
and public events to trace the rapid change this tradition is undergoing in the last
decades and, most recently, in the wake of the tsunami.
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260
English
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Abraxas
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1:53
Drama
2010
Abraxas is the story of a Zen monk who finds himself torn between the spiritual
and secular life. The monk Jonen, played by comedian Suneo Hair, is a one-time
punk rock musician turned Buddhist monk with a wife and five-year old son.
Based on the novel by Akutagawa award-winning zen monk Genyu Sokyu, the
character of Jonen becomes a monk following in the footsteps of his fathera
tradition not unfamiliar to Japanese Zen, where temples are often passed down
in families from generation to generation. During a career day speech given at a
local high school, Jonen suffers a breakdown as he realizes that music is his
passion; the episode sends him in to a deep depression. Sympathetic to his crisis,
the chief monk encourages Jonen to do a live show. As the show nears, Jonen is
faced with several obstacles (including potential alienation from his family). This
film explores themes of familial and cultural expectations and how they fit in with
ones own personal calling.
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Subtitles: English
261
Japanese
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Catalog #:
BFC Exclusive
The Buddha's Forgotten Nuns
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0:33
Documentary
2013
Wiriya was raised a Buddhist, but like many women who wish to advance in their
practice, she came up against walls of sexism within the traditional Theravada
order.
Is Buddhism a religious movement based on equality? Or is it rooted in a male
dominated culture found in most other world religions? The Buddha himself
invited women to join his group of disciples as female monks or bhikkhunis
and allowed them to be ordained alongside men some 2500 years ago. What
happened?
In The Buddhas Forgotten Nuns Wiriya sets out to find out how the role of
women in Buddhism changed so drastically and why so few womens orders
remain today. She travels to Buddhist centres around the world, interviews nuns
and monks, and examines the cultural baggage that has accumulated around the
Buddhas teachings.
She discovers new paths being forged for women in Australia, the US and pockets
around the world and meets the men and women who are pulling down barriers
and pushing for change in the monastic world.
But will the Bhikkhuni movement expand beyond a few independent-minded
Western communities and gain momentum in still traditional male-oriented
cultures?
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262
English
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Reactor
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0:33
Documentary
2013
On March 11th, 2011 a 9.0 earthquake triggered a massive tsunami off the coast
of Japan. This disaster resulted in an estimated 15,878 deaths and trillions of
dollars in damage, including a partial meltdown at three reactors in the
Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.
In April 2012, Yogi, Buddhist teacher and activist Michael Stone arrives on a
pilgrimage to Japan in the wake of the tsunami and Fukushima meltdown to learn
how the Japanese are responding to the crisis. Michael speaks with local
residents, artists, activists, and researchers about life in the aftermath and
reflects on the old Zen traditions and cities of beautiful temples. How we can
embody the Bodhisattva vow in this time?
REACTOR is a short film that aims to uncover how and why we can let go of old
stories, and move towards personal and social awakening by bringing to light our
interconnectedness and showing us that our actions matter.
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263
English
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Alms & Vows
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Edward A. Burger
1:00
Documentary
2010
ALMS

Alms is a cinematic tour through a remote mountain Chan/Zen Buddhist

monastery in Southern China. Audiences are guided by the communitys Head
Chef (?? dianzuo) as he explains the traditional cultivation, distribution and ritual
offering of food in this traditional Buddhist community. We follow the gathering
of local fuels and farmed vegetables, and witness how living members of this
community work in harmony with elements of their physical environment to
provide the supportive infrastructure surrounding the Meditation Hall (??
Zendo/Chantang), where a group of cloistered monks devote themselves to
meditation practice.
VOWS

VOWS tells the story of monastic discipline in Chinese Buddhism with narration
by Ven. Ming Ying, Senior Prior of Bailin Monastery, and seven ordained monks
who recount their journeys from young layman to ordination day. Ven. Ming
Ying, formerly the Dean of Academic Affairs at Hebei Buddhist Academy,
comments on the historical struggle between lineage and adaptation as the
Buddhist monastic tradition took hold in the cultural landscape of China. He
offers a thought-provoking narrative on Buddhist discipline as a guide for both
monastic and layperson through the difficulties of everyday life in this world.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
264
Mandarin
Year:
Catalog #:
BFC Exclusive
3 Marks of Existence
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1:49
Drama
2012
M, a young man who wish to have a better life, has decided to go to India for
pilgrimage at the 4 main holy sites of the Buddha: Lumbini (the birth place),
Sarnath (where he delivered his first teaching), Bodh Gaya (the place of his
Enlightenment), and Kusinara (the place of Buddha's nirvana). But to complete
what his pilgrimage, M has to take another journey into his own mind, to face
the origin of his suffering, himself.
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Subtitles: English
265
Thai
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Catalog #:
BFC Exclusive
Doomsday Book - "The Heavenly Creature"
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0:00
Drama
2012
Park Do-won, a young technician employed by robotics corporation UR
International, is called out to check an RU-4 robot named In-myung employed at
a Buddhist monastery. In-myung has become Buddhist and claims to have
achieved enlightenment; the monks want to know whether he really is
enlightened or is just a robot with a technical glitch. Do-won gives In-myung a
clean bill of technical health but says he is unqualified to do any more. Later, UR
chairman Kang and his team led by research executive Min, arrive at the
monastery to decommission In-myung, on the grounds that he is an old series.
Do-won and Bodhisattva Hye-joo then try to save the robot from its imminent
demise.
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Subtitles: English
266
Korean
Year:
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In The Footsteps of Wonhyo
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0:45
Documentary
2014
The narrator, a retired Canadian writer and Buddhist, follows in the footsteps of
a beloved 7th Century Korean Buddhist saint Wonhyo who, according to popular
tradition, found enlightenment in a cave near Pyeongtaek after walking across
the peninsula. Scattered across the peninsula are temples linked to Wonhyo
through tradition and ancient stories. The narrator visits many of these temples
and others while on his journey and discusses with monks in the mountain
monasteries Wonhyos legacy and the key question, How do you practice to
reach enlightenment?
The end of the journey involves a visit to the cave where Wonhyo is reputed to
have meditated and a talk with a meditation master there. It will finish with a
ceremony involving drinking from skull-like vessels. Legend has it that Wonhyo
found enlightenment after drinking rotten water from a skull-cap. This
experience became the base of his realization that there is nothing clean and
nothing dirty; all things are made by mind. Wonhyo teaches us to live in
Buddhas mind by returning to the origin of One Mind. His One Mind philosophy
is of great relevance to the modern world which is characterized by division,
chaos and delusion.
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267
English
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Avalokitesvara
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1:57
Drama
2013
During the Tang Dynasty, Yu Xiufeng makes a ceramic statue of the Bodhisattva
Avalokitesvara to protect the young prince Li Yi. When the holy statue is finally
complete, Xiufeng stumbles across an orphan baby girl whom he decides to raise
as his own. He names her Little Lotus. Since she had appeared at the same time
as the statue, everyone assumes she must be an incarnation of Avalokitesvara in
the human realm. Twenty years later, Little Lotus has become an attractive
young woman who is always very compassionate because her adopted father
told her that anyone she meets on the street might just be her real mother or
father. Little Lotus is benevolent as the Bodhisattva. Then a Japanese monk,
Hui'e, is sent to China on a mission to bring the statue to Japan. With the help of
Little Lotus, he succeeds. But no sooner is the statue loaded onto the boat than a
fierce storm arises.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
268
Mandarin
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Catalog #:
BFC Exclusive
The Knowledge of Healing
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Franz Reichle
1:29
Documentary
First Run Features
1996
THE KNOWLEDGE OF HEALING is an illuminating examination of Tibetan
medicine, which has developed over two millennia into an amazingly successful
method of healing.
Unlike Western medicine, based on biochemistry, Tibetan medical thinking
(which is strongly rooted in Buddhist principles) views the human body as
governed by an elaborately organized system of energies flowing through a
network of channels. In the 12th century, the Gyshi (Knowledge of Healing) was
created, a text codifying this intricate system. After flourishing for centuries,
most Tibetan medical schools were destroyed by the Chinese in the 1950's and
1960's, and many physicians were executed.
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269
English
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A Bowl of Temple Food
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0:49
Documentary
Korean Broadcaster KBS TV Documentary on Korean Buddhist Culture, Temple
Stay Program, and Temple Food.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
270
English, Korean
Year:
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The Coffin
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1:11
Drama
2008
Inspired by a true Thai ritual of lying in coffins to get rid of bad luck and prolong
life, THE COFFIN is a supernatural thriller about a young man and a young woman
who decide to go through the ritual in Thailand.
Chris, a claustrophobic architect does it in the hope of saving his fiance whos
dying of terminal cancer. Sue, a nutritionist visiting Thailand from Hong Kong
does it to save her own life after being diagnosed with a lethal brain tumor - one
week before her wedding.
After the ritual, Chris and Sue experience what appear to be miracles in their
respective lives. But soon, they find themselves confronted by a series of bizarre
and terrifying incidents. With the help of a professor specializing in paranormal
cases associated with the ritual, they set out to exorcise the ghosts that haunt
them, and attempt to reverse the wheel of karma.
Thrilling, mysterious and ultimately moving, THE COFFIN is a spine-chilling horror
about the beauty of life and death, and coming to face to face with living and
dying. It was shot in six provinces across Thailand on actual locations including a
100-year-old temple, real cemeteries, inside active crematorium chambers and
an ancient meditation cave.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
271
Thai
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BFC Exclusive
Zen And War
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0:00
Documentary
In the first half of the 20th Century Japan waged a number of wars in which it
committed atrocities rivaling those of the Nazis during World War II. Brian
Victorias book Zen At War was published in 1998, detailing how Japanese
Buddhist monks and their religious organizations actively encouraged and
participated in Japans expansionist wars. They donated money and materials,
preached a doctrine of Imperial Way Buddhism, and even marched and fought
alongside the military.
Zen and War features contemporary Zen Buddhist teachers speaking of their
wartime predecessors collaboration for the first time on film. The impetus for
this film came from Ina Buitendijk, a Dutch woman whose husband suffered
severely under Japanese internment in Asia during the war. As a Zen Buddhist
practitioner she wrote letters to Zen monastic centers, asking how Buddhist
monks could have been involved in warfare. Leading Zen masters wrote back to
her sympathetically, acknowledging the suffering at the heart of her question.
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272
English
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BFC Exclusive
To The Land of Bliss
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0:47
Documentary
2002
To the Land of Bliss is an intimate portrayal of the Chinese Pure Land Buddhist
way of dying and living. In 1998, the filmmaker/anthropologist Wen-jie Qin
returned to her home region in Sichuan Province in southwest China to research
the post-Mao revival of Buddhism. During her fieldwork on the sacred mountain
Emei, an eminent monk named Jue Chang passed away. People in the community
laughed and cried at the departure of their beloved teacher. They gathered to
escort his body through a rite of fire and to observe his consciousness rise to a
paradise known as the Land of Bliss of Amita Buddha.
The filmmaker captured some of the wonders and mystery from her search with
these Chinese Pure Land Buddhists for the door to Amita Buddha, the Buddha of
Infinite Light and Infinite Life.
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273
English
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BFC Exclusive
KanZeOn
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1:26
Documentary
2011
A mysterious and engaging journey through sound, song, story, ritual,
performance, nature, tradition and Japanese Buddhisma fearless merging of
medieval and modern, beautifully filmed with a variety of cinematic techniques
on location in Japan KanZeOn is part documentary and part sensory exploration
of sound inviting the audience to immerse into an unconventional and
trans-formative world where a rarely seen view of Japanese culture is revealed
through ancient rituals and extraordinary musical spectacle.
Kanzeon is another way of saying Kannon (Chinese: Kuanyin), the embodiment
of compassion, and can also be written in Japanese as to see sounds
Languages:
Subtitles: English
274
Japanese
Year:
Catalog #:
BFC Exclusive
Bodhisattva: The 17th Gyalwa Karmapa
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1:00
Documentary
Mark Elliotts documentary, Bodhisattva, portrays the Seventeenth Gyalwa
Karmapa, one of the most important lamas in the world of Tibetan Buddhism, at
a unique moment in his trajectory as a teacher: his first visit to the West,
specifically, the United States. In this hour-long film, we meet not only the leader
of the Kagyu Lineage, but also a young man of extraordinary warmth, humanity,
and humor. The Karmapa speaks to packed auditoriums with a wisdom beyond
his years, and explores with delight the many facets of a new world, from
Coca-Cola to New York City, warmly engaging with all those he meets on his
travels.
What Bodhisattva reveals most clearly is the Karmapas disarming honesty and
genuine faith in his role as a bodhisattva, or one born to benefit others. The
film also tells us much about the fascinating question of transmission of religion,
or belief system, from one culture to the next. Bodhisattva includes many short
excerpts from teachings given on the tour, where the Karmapa addresses the
social and environmental problems facing humanity today.
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275
English
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BFC Exclusive
Tokyo Waka
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1:03
Documentary
2012
Tokyo is a digital metropolis and wellspring of spectacular pop culture, its
commercial crossroads carpeted with people day and night. Above them,
watching from perches on buildings and power lines, are more than 20,000
crows. As their numbers soared in recent years, Tokyo fought back: trapping
them, destroying nests, and securing trash. The crows adapted; they are among
the smartest of animals. The 13 million people of Tokyo now live alongside them
in a stalemate.
TOKYO WAKA tells this story, and a larger one as well. A Buddhist priest
comments on garbage as the remnants of desire; a gardener considers the
relentless persistence of nature amidst urban grit; a homeless woman talks about
forging community in her tent village deep in the corner of a city park. TOKYO
WAKA gives these smart, opportunistic crows their due, but the film is ultimately
an episodic and discursive poem about the life and culture of Tokyo, one of the
great cities of the world.
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Subtitles: English
276
Japanese
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BFC Exclusive
Saint Young Men (The Movie)
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1:30
Drama
2013
What if Jesus and Buddha were living on Earth in modern times? What if they
shared an apartment in Japan? Saint Young Men is a humorous animation series
about the daily lives of Jesus and Buddha, with each chapter focusing on some
element of modern life, such as Disneyland, rush hour on the train, Christmas,
the public pool, carnivals, and more.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
277
Japanese
Year:
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BFC Exclusive
Saint Young Men (OVA)
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0:41
Drama
2012
Original Video Animation
Jesus Christ and Gautama Buddha, the founders of Christianity and Buddhism
respectively, are living together as roommates in an apartment in Tachikawa,
Tokyo, while taking a vacation on Earth. The comedy often involves jokes about
Christianity, Buddhism, and the main characters' attempts to hide their identities
and understand modern Japanese society. Each chapter shows their lives during
an average day, and when they go sightseeing or visit amusement parks.
Languages:
Subtitles: English
278
Japanese
Year:
Catalog #:
BFC Exclusive