BUDDHISTDOOR IN ENGLISH
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Title: Shaolin ("Shaolin")
Director: Benny Chan
Year: 2011
Country: China
Language: Chinese
Genre: action
Length: 131 minutes
Tradition: Buddhism
Subject: martial arts
Synopsis: The plot is set in China during a period of political and military turmoil, focusing on Hou Jie, an ambitious and proud warlord. After facing a betrayal that costs him his family, Hou Jie seeks refuge in a Shaolin temple. There, he adopts the principles of Buddhism and martial arts, allowing him to become a wiser and more compassionate person.
Title: Shinran: Path to Purity ("Shinran: Path to Purity")
Director: Rentarō Mikuni
Year: 1987
Country: Japan
Language: Japanese
Genre: drama
Duration: 140 minutes
Tradition: Japanese Buddhism
Thematic: addresses themes of faith, personal transformation and the search for spiritual purity.
Synopsis: The film centers on the life of Shinran, an influential 13th century Japanese Buddhist monk. The story chronicles his spiritual journey and his development of the Jōdo Shinshū school of Buddhism, which focuses on devotion to Amida Buddha as the path to enlightenment.
Title: Shugendō Now ("Shugendō Now")
Director:
Year: 2010
Country: Japan
Language: Japanese
Genre: documentary
Duration: Buddhism
Tradition: Japanese Buddhism
Thematic: search for authenticity and understanding of universal interdependence
Synopsis: Immersive documentary that takes the viewer to remote mountains of Japan, where practitioners of the ancient art of Shugendō embark on a path of asceticism and transformation. This syncretic practice combines elements of shamanism, Shintoism, Taoism and Tantric Buddhism, and focuses on the search for truth through intense rituals and meditations. As devotees climb sacred mountains, they purify their senses and revitalize their energy, finding a deep connection with nature and all living beings.
Title: Siddhartha ("Siddhartha")
Director: Conrad Rooks
Year: 1972
Country: USA
Language: English
Genre: drama, philosophy
Length: 89 minutes
Tradition: Buddhism
Theme: The film deals with issues of self-discovery, renunciation and the search for inner truth, providing a philosophical reflection on existence and spirituality.
Synopsis: Inspired by Hermann Hesse's famous novel, this film narrates Siddhartha's spiritual journey, during which he meets various characters that impact his path, such as a wise boatman, a prosperous merchant and the courtesan Kamala.
Title: Sisters of Ladakh
Director: Ricardo Lobo
Year: 2003
Country: India
Language: English
Genre: documentary
Duration: 52 minutes
Tradition: Buddhism
Subject: the role of women in Buddhism and life in women's monasteries.
Synopsis: This documentary examines the daily life of Buddhist nuns in a nunnery in Ladakh, a Himalayan region located between Tibet and India. Through interviews with various nuns, it considers questions about Buddhism and the position of women in society.
Title: Sky Dancer
Director: Jody Kemmerer
Year: 2011
Country: USA
Language: Tibetan
Genre: documentary drama, biography
Duration: 45 min
Tradition: Tibetan Buddhism
Synopsis: This is a documentary that explores the daily life and teachings of one of the great teachers of Tibetan Buddhism. In a world where ethnic and political tensions divide people, the film takes us into a community where Chinese and Tibetan students study together and are treated as equals.
Title: Souls of Zen ("Souls of Zen")
Director: Tim Graf
Year: 2012
Country: Germany
Language: German
Genre: documentary
Duration: 1 hour and 29 minutes
Tradition: Zen Buddhism
Thematic: "Souls of Zen" investigates how these spiritual and cultural traditions of Japan affect the way the Japanese cope with and overcome trauma and loss, highlighting the resilience and calmness that characterize their reaction to adversity.
Synopsis: The Japanese response to the March 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami has been described by Western media as "stoic." This behavior is deeply influenced by Buddhist traditions, which are an integral part of the code of conduct in Japan.
Title: Spring Summer Fall Winter Winter... And Spring ("Primavera, verano, otoño, invierno... y primavera")
Director: Kim Ki-duk
Year: 2003
Country: South Korea
Language: Korean
Genre: drama
Length: 103 minutes
Tradition: Zen Buddhism
Thematic: deals with spiritual development, redemption and the cyclical nature of existence.
Synopsis: The story examines the life cycle through a Buddhist monastery floating on a lake. It is structured around the seasons of the year, each symbolizing a different phase in the protagonist's life. The tranquil and visually stunning setting enhances the film's contemplative and philosophical tone, offering a reflection on the transience and continuity of life.
Title: States of Grace
Director: Helen S. Cohen and Mark Lipman.
Year: 2014
Country: USA
Language: English
Genre: documentary
Duration: 74 minutes.
Tradition: Buddhism
Theme: healing, transformation and the resilience of the human spirit.
Synopsis: Recounts the experience of Dr. Grace Dammann, a physician who has dedicated her life to caring for AIDS patients. Her life is turned upside down after a head-on accident on the Golden Gate Bridge, which causes her serious injuries. The documentary follows her extensive and arduous recovery process, both physically and emotionally, as she faces the challenges of adjusting to her new situation. The documentary relates to Buddhism primarily through the perspective and personal practices of Dr. Grace Dammann.
Title: Supermonk ("Supermonk")
Director: Shenang Gyamjo Tamang
Year: 2018
Country: Nepal
Language: Nepali
Genre: documentary
Duration: 18 minutes
Tradition: Buddhism
Theme: cultivation of Buddhist values
Synopsis: The journey of an eleven-year-old monk who discovers how to incorporate the Buddha's teachings of compassion and joy in an unusual way.
Title: Svaha: The Sixth Finger
Director: Jang Jae-hyun
Year: 2019
Country: South Korea
Language: Korean
Genre: suspense and mystery
Length: 122 minutes
Tradition: Buddhism
Subject: Investigation of suspected religious groups and their possible illegal activities
Synopsis: Park specializes in revealing the activities of suspicious religious cults. He is hired to observe the cult called Deer Mount. In parallel, police captain Hwang leads the investigation of a murder, in which the main suspect is linked to the Deer Mount cult. The story unfolds between the search for the truth and the inquiry into the beliefs and practices of this group, unveiling dark secrets that link both cases.
Title: Tashi and the Monk ("Tashi and the Monk")
Director: Andrew Hinton & Johnny Burke
Year: 2014
Country: Bhutan
Language: dzongkha
Genre: documentary
Duration: 39 minutes
Tradition: Buddhism
Theme: Promotion of Buddhist values
Synopsis: A man founds a special community for abandoned children, with the aim of providing them with the joys and experiences typical of childhood. Through this initiative, he seeks to cultivate Buddhist values and provide a loving and nurturing environment for the children.
Title: Ten Questions for the Dalái Lama ("Ten Questions for the Dalái Lama")
Director: Rick Ray
Year: 2006
Country: USA
Language: English
Genre: documentary
Duration: 1 hour 25 minutes
Tradition: Tibetan Buddhism
Theme: Dalái Lama
Synopsis: The documentary follows Rick Ray as he travels through India in order to interview Tenzin Gyatso. Throughout the narrative, the film alternates between the present and recent episodes from the past, taking advantage of various stages of the journey to explore Tenzin Gyatso's personal history, the process of electing a Dalai Lama and Gyatso's journey into exile.
Title: The American Rinpoche
Director: Nikki Appino
Year: 2014
Country: USA
Language: English
Genre: documentary
Duration: 55 minutes
Tradition: Tibetan Buddhism
Synopsis: Presents the life of Gelek Rinpoche, a former Tibetan monk who became a citizen of the United States. Originally from mythical Shangri-la, his life has been remarkable, spanning different continents, traditions and cultures. Through historical images of ancient Tibet, taken by Rinpoche's father in the 1930s and 1940s, the film investigates the connection between his work as a spiritual teacher today and the influence of Tibetan myths and practices on Americans seeking guidance in an increasingly complex world.
Title: The Buddha Collapsed Out of Shame
Director: Hana Makhmalbaf
Year: 2007
Country: Iran
Language: Persian
Genre: drama
Length: 81 minutes
Tradition: Buddhism
Themes: it addresses issues such as war, education, childhood innocence and the effects of religious extremism on everyday life.
Synopsis: The plot follows Baktay, a six-year-old Afghan girl living in the Bamiyan region, where the Taliban destroyed the iconic Buddha statues. Motivated by her neighbor Abbas, who attends school, Baktay decides she also wants to learn to read and write. However, her path to education is fraught with challenges, from a shortage of resources to confrontation with other war-playing children, reflecting the violence that surrounds them.
Title: The Buddha: The Story of Siddhartha
Director: David Grubin
Year: 2016
Country: USA
Language: English
Genre: documentary
Duration: 120 minutes
Tradition: Buddhism
Subject: examines the life and teachings of Siddhartha Gautama and his influence on today's world.
Synopsis: The film chronicles the life of Siddhartha Gautama, from his childhood as a prince to his transformation into the Buddha. Through interviews with experts, images of Buddhist art and historical accounts, the essential principles of Buddhism and their relevance in the contemporary context are analyzed. In addition, the documentary includes reflections on how the Buddha's teachings can offer answers to the personal and global challenges we face today.
Title: The Burmese Harp
Director: Kon Ichikawa
Year: 1956
Country: Japan
Language: Japanese
Genre: drama
Length: 116 minutes
Themes: war, peace, redemption and the search for humanity in times of conflict.
Synopsis: Set in the final days of World War II, the film tells the story of a platoon of Japanese soldiers in Burma. Mizushima, a harp-playing soldier, is separated from his unit and embarks on a spiritual journey after witnessing the devastation and suffering caused by the war. While posing as a Buddhist monk, he faces a moral dilemma between his duty to his comrades and his desire to devote his life to burying the dead.
Title: The Civilization of Maxwell Bright
Director: David Beaird
Year: 2005
Country: USA
Language: English
Genre: drama
Length: Approximately 108 minutes
Tradition: Buddhism
Themes: redemption, love, spirituality, and the impact of Buddhism on a person's life.
Synopsis: The film tells the story of Maxwell Bright, a man with a strong character and misogynistic attitudes, who decides to "acquire" an obedient wife from China to serve him. However, his new wife, Mai Ling, is a woman of deep spirituality and Buddhist faith. Through her patience and wisdom, Mai Ling begins to influence Maxwell, leading him to reflect on his way of life and his beliefs. Their relationship begins a journey of self-discovery and redemption for Maxwell as he learns about authentic love and inner peace.
Title: The Cup
Director: Khyentse Norbu
Year: 1999
Country: Bhutan
Language: dzongkha
Genre: comedy
Length: 93 minutes
Tradition: Tibetan Buddhism
Themes: culture, globalization, youth, passion for soccer, and life in a Buddhist monastery.
Synopsis: The film narrates the experiences of a group of young Tibetan monks residing in a remote monastery in India who develop an enthusiasm for soccer, especially for the World Cup. The protagonist, Orgyen, is a young monk with a mischievous character who, together with his companions, does everything possible to watch the World Cup matches, even if this goes against the rules of the monastery. The story deals with the conflict between tradition and modernity, offering a humorous and touching insight into the influence of popular culture on monastic life.
Title: The Departure
Director: Lana Wilson
Year: 2017
Country: USA
Language: English
Genre: documentary
Length: 87 minutes
Tradition: Zen Buddhism
Themes: life, death, spirituality, suicide prevention, and the search for meaning.
Synopsis: The documentary follows Ittetsu Nemoto, a Japanese Zen Buddhist priest who is dedicated to helping suicidal people find new meaning in their lives. Through workshops and counseling sessions, Nemoto offers emotional and spiritual support to those in crisis. However, as he dedicates himself to saving others, Nemoto faces his own personal and health challenges, forcing him to reflect on the balance between his mission and well-being.
Title: The Dhamma Brothers
Director: Jenny Phillips, Anne Marie Stein, Andrew Kukura
Year: 2007
Country: USA
Language: English
Genre: documentary
Length: 76 minutes
Tradition: Buddhism
Subject: The documentary focuses on the practice of Vipassana meditation inside a maximum security prison in Alabama. It deals in depth with the transformative impact of this practice on inmates and how it influences their behavior and outlook on life.
Synopsis: "The Dhamma Brothers" documents the experience of a group of prisoners at Donaldson Prison who participate in a 10-day intensive course of Vipassana meditation. Through interviews and observations, the film shows how this practice offers them a new vision of introspection and inner tranquility, challenging the difficult conditions of the prison environment. The documentary highlights the emotional and psychological changes experienced by the inmates and raises questions about rehabilitation and the potential of meditation as a tool for personal transformation.
Title: The GateKeeper of Enmyoin
Director: Naoaki Maeda
Year: 2008
Country: Japan
Language: Japanese
Genre: documentary
Duration: 95 minutes
Tradition: Buddhism
Theme: The life and practices of a Buddhist monk who serves as the guardian of the Enmyoin temple. Focuses on Buddhist traditions and rituals, as well as the daily life of the monk and his interaction with the local community.
Synopsis: "The Guardian of Enmyoin" offers an intimate perspective on the life of a Buddhist monk in Japan, dedicated to preserving traditional practices and teachings at the Enmyoin temple. Through his daily routine and commitment to the community, the documentary highlights the importance of spirituality and cultural continuity in the modern world. The film highlights the challenges and rewards of living a life centered on service and meditation in the context of an ever-changing society.
Title: The Golden Land of Myanmar
Director: Cathy Korson
Year: 2014
Country: Myanmar
Language: Burmese
Genre: documentary
Duration: 1 hour and 3 minutes
Tradition: Buddhism
Subject matter: Preservation of Buddhist traditions in Suvananabhumi, Myanmar.
Synopsis: This film takes viewers to Suvananabhumi, the Golden Land in the Mon State of Myanmar (Burma). This land has remained a hidden treasure, untouched by the modern world. The film shows rare footage of its communities, countryside and ancient Buddhist pagodas, which have remained almost unchanged since Buddhism arrived over 2500 years ago. It is a sanctuary that protects the practice and principles of Buddhist doctrine, which remain as simple and sublime as in ancient times. Travel to this place of peace, tranquility and compassion for a unique insight into an ancient Buddhist land.
Title: The Great Pilgrim
Director: Jin Tiemu
Year: 2009
Country: China
Language: Chinese
Genre: documentary
Length: 98 minutes
Tradition: Buddhism
Themes: Buddhism, pilgrimage, spirituality, Tibetan culture.
Synopsis: The documentary explores themes of Buddhism, pilgrimage, spirituality and Tibetan culture, following the journey of Tibetan Buddhist devotees on their way to a sacred site. It highlights the pilgrims' devotion, resilience and search for enlightenment, as well as the strength they find in their faith and community. Through breathtaking landscapes and moments of reflection, it captures the essence of pilgrimage as an act of faith and personal transformation.
Title: The Last Dalai Lama ("The Last Dalai Lama")
Director: Mickey Lemle
Year: 2016
Country: USA
Language: English
Genre: documentary
Length: 82 minutes
Tradition: Tibetan Buddhism
Themes: the life and teachings of the Dalai Lama, the continuity of the Dalai Lama's lineage, and the political and spiritual challenges facing Tibet.
Synopsis: The documentary explores the life of the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, addressing both his spiritual contributions and his role as a political leader in exile. Through intimate interviews and personal reflections, the film focuses on the Dalai Lama's concerns about the future of Tibet and the possibility that he may be the last Dalai Lama. The film also highlights his focus on compassion, forgiveness and the search for inner peace.
