Movie Guys: ‘Kundun’ a spiritual saga, Scorsese-style

Jeff

Friday, Jan. 16, 1998 | 9:20 a.m.

* Starring: Tanzin Tsarong, Tsewang Jigme Tsarong, Gyatso Lukha and Tencho Gyalpo.

* Screenplay: Melissa Mathison.

* Director: Martin Scorsese.

* Rated: PG-13 for violence and adult themes.

* Running time: 135 minutes.

* Playing at: ACT III Sunset Station, ACT III Boulder Station.

Synopsis: In 1937, a small boy from a simple family in Tibet was recognized as the 14th reincarnation of the Buddha of love and compassion. "Kundun" chronicles his early life, from childhood through the Chinese invasion and his journey into exile.

Jeff: What makes a great film director? Big numbers at the box office? Legions of adoring fans? Respect among his peers? A trunk full of awards? The ability to create a body of work without dispute?

I believe it's a combination of many components, but overall, it's a desire to confront a subject matter that holds a personal meaning, a vision, for the artist involved. Martin Scorsese is such a director: Distinctive, unconventional, passionate. No one understands filmmaking like Scorsese.

We are accustomed to his past offerings of popular films such as "Goodfellas" and "Casino," to mention only a few, and if you notice, between those commercial successes, he ventured into endeavors unlike his previous fare, such as "The Age of Innocence" and "The Last Temptation of Christ." Scorsese again demonstrates his versatility and mastery with "Kundun."

Dave: Extremely well put, Jeff. It is truly incredible how Scorsese's attention to detail lends itself to his talents as a filmmaker. Every film the acclaimed director ever embraced shows the creative vision and passionate drive that is so prevalent in his filmography, and "Kundun" is certainly no exception.

Documenting the 14th Dalai Lama's early years until his exile from Tibet in 1959 is an interesting choice for Scorsese to take on. The film is really about faith, and the strength of one person or one group's faith when threatened by the cruelties and oppression of the outside world.

Jeff: The story is also told from a child's point of view and gives us a look inside a society that has remained virtually unchanged for thousands of years, and unknown to the Western world. We are experiencing this new world along with the Lama for the first time. The question remains: Will audiences warmly receive a film about spiritual enlightenment -- a subject matter that contains scarcely any confrontations?

"Kundun" is unlike our previous venture into Tibetan culture earlier this year with "Seven Years in Tibet." Unlike the Brad Pitt character's search for himself, "Kundun" explores the life of a boy, his adjustment to his new-found position and his responsibility to his people. Scorsese's brilliance and obsession with detail and accuracy caused him to cast all unknown Tibetan actors in all of the Tibetan parts. Unlike other actors, they understand the meaning of the Lama and his place in their existence. This adds to the realism, the credibility, and the respect for the life of the Dalai Lama.

Dave: Of course we can not overlook screenwriter Melissa Mathison ("E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial"), who researched the history and interviewed the Dalai Lama. She reveals the young Dalai Lama's spiritual commitment against the harsh political truths of the Chinese government. In one scene, Chairman Mao (Robert Lin) gives the adult Dalai Lama (Tenzin Thuthob Tsarong) the advice that "religion is poison." The advice, however, is more of a foretelling of the Tibetan future, since Tibet is eventually taken over by an anti-religious society in the Maoist government of the Chinese communists.

The story's leisurely pace is due to the fact that it is not narratively structured. But the history, mixed with beautiful imagery by cinematographer Roger Deakins and the powerful score by Philip Glass, will give you an interesting perspective into the spiritual culture of the Dalai Lama.

Jeff: The final piece in this tribute to the most holy man in Eastern religion is the significance of the mandala, or sand painting, which Scorsese uses throughout the film to illustrate the predictions of the fate of the Tibetan people. All of the components come together in a mystical and thought-provoking display, masterminded by the most visionary director of our generation.

"Kundun" teaches us about ourselves, and, most of all, a better way of living.

MOVIE BUZZ

* ShoWest show-off: Actor Matt Damon will be honored as the "Male Star of Tomorrow" on March 12 at the ShoWest convention here in Las Vegas. Damon co-wrote and stars in "Good Will Hunting" with friend Ben Affleck. He's already received multiple Golden Globe nominations and will be seen next in this summer's "Saving Private Ryan," a World War II drama directed by Steven Spielberg. The award will be presented during the annual convention of the North American Theater Owners. Last year's "Male Star of Tomorrow" was ex-football player Howie Long ("Firestorm"). We hope Matt has better luck.

* Uneven 'Sphere': After several test screenings of Barry Levinson's ("Wag the Dog") film "Sphere" fared somewhat poorly, cast and crew are reportedly going back to shoot a new ending for the sci-fi film. The Warner Bros. feature is based on the Michael Crichton novel of the same name. It deals with the discovery of a possible space craft at the bottom of the ocean. Despite the re-shoots, the film is still expected to open Feb. 13.

* 'Super' ads: Every year, people flock to their TVs to watch the Super Bowl, for two reasons: To watch the game itself, and to see what clever new commercials make their debut. In recent years, movie studios have teased audiences with spots for potential blockbusters months before their scheduled release. Last year, ads for "The Lost World," "Men in Black" and "The Fifth Element" stirred up buzz. This year's broadcast will be no different. Movie fans can look forwrd to teasers for "Sphere," "Lost in Space," "The Mask of Zorro" and "Armageddon."

NEW ON VIDEO

"Career Girls" (Miramax Home Video; Rated R; VHS/Laserdisc; Grade, A-): If you are unfamiliar with British writer/director Mike Leigh, this is the ideal film with which to familiarize yourself with his unique, theatrical style of storytelling. "Career Girls" unfolds through a string of coincidences over a weekend reunion between two college friends (Katrin Cartlidge and Lynda Steadman).

The reunion sparks memories of their school days as they compare and contrast with their present lives. Granted, the film is not as heavy-hearted and sentimental as Leigh's Oscar-nominated "Secrets & Lies," but the chemistry between the characters is just as rich in sincerity. Inspiring performances by both Cartlidge (the quick-witted and abrasive Hannah) and Steadman (the insecure Annie) allow Leigh to expose the strength and vulnerability in their relationship. In "Secrets & Lies," we witnessed the struggles within families; in "Career Girls," we see the same can be true for friendship.

"Buddy" (Columbia Tristar Home Video; Rated PG; VHS/Laserdisc; Grade, F-): Go ape with Rene Russo in this inspiring and fun family adventure about a woman who opens her arms, her home and her heart to a household of the cutest creatures you've ever seen, including the adorable baby gorilla Buddy!

STOP! HOLD ON! This is the propaganda from the studio.

"Buddy" is pure evil. If watching a group of chimps, dressed up like people, sitting at a dinner table, throwing food at each other, is your idea of a good time, then go ahead and rent "Buddy." If you enjoy massive headaches and the loss of motor skills, then rent "Buddy." If you savor sharp pains in your eye sockets, numbness in your lower limbs and air bubbles in your bloodstream, then rent "Buddy." If you enjoy life and you religiously listen to The Movie Guys, and you're in the mood for an ape movie, then pass on "Buddy" and rent "Congo."

You have been warned.

VIEWPOINT

A few weeks ago, we announced our top 10 films of 1997. Well, you didn't think we would forget to tell you about our worst films of 1997, did you? Our lists are different, which reflects on which of The Movie Guys has taste and which one doesn't (read that any way you like). But you be the judge. Here is The Movie Guys Top 10 Worst Films of 1997:

* Jeff: "McHale's' Navy," "Speed 2: Cruise Control," "How to Be a Player," "Event Horizon," "Buddy," "Father's Day," "Jungle 2 Jungle," "Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation," "The Sixth Man," "The Postman."

* Dave: "Gone Fishing," "Most Wanted," "Speed 2: Cruise Control," "8 Heads in a Duffle Bag," "Jungle 2 Jungle," "Playing God," "Excess Baggage," "Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation," "Beverly Hills Ninja," "Event Horizon."

If you had to stomach some of these films as we did over the last year, just remember what The Movie Guys do if it starts to smell like a newly fertilized lawn in the theater ... get up and go. Hey, it's our job, but there's no reason you should have to stay. Time wasted at a bad movie is time you will never get back in your life.

NAME THAT FLICK

Again, we had an overwhelming response to the quote of the week: "Well, boys, we've got three engines out, we got more holes in us than a horse trader's mule, radio's gone and we're leaking fuel, and if we was flying any lower, why, we'd need sleigh bells on this thing."

That was from the Stanley Kubrick classic "Dr. Strangelove: Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb." It was correctly answered first by Matt Pirozzolo, who also commented: "Come on, Guys! This one was too easy." So you can all thank Matt for us picking a much harder quote for this week. Who said this, and in what film: "Would you buy furniture from a place called 'Unpainted Huffhines' "?

Be the first person to ID it by calling us at 225-9026 or e-mailing us at movieguys5@aol.com, and we'll put your name in lights, right here in this column. Be sure to spell your name and leave your daytime phone number.

And remember: The snack bar closes in 15 minutes.

Thank you -- The Management.

THE MOVIE GUYS, starring Jeff Howard and Dave Neil, appears every Friday in the SUN (additional material provided by Thomas Feeney). You can also read their capsule reviews of movies in Scope magazine; listen to their reviews every Friday at 7 p.m. on their radio show "Quiet on the Set" on KVBC 105.1-FM; and watch their reviews every Friday on Channel 3's 11 p.m. newscast. Plus, check them out online at: www.lasvegassun.com/sun/sunlife/movies.

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