Kundun

rated - HOT! HOT! HOT!

Beautiful..... no, beatific! Another masterpiece from Scorsese, the Grand Master.

If you think it strange that a man known for violent films about the Mafia in the big city should make a stunning, lyrical and mystical film like this, think again. This is also the Scorsese of The Age of Innocence and The Last temptation of Christ. This is the man who began to train for the priesthood, and whose work is infused with his sense of the divine, of religion. And this is a man who is a master of the visual medium, at the height of his powers. Of course he should make this film.

I don't want to write about this film. I want to see it again. Writing seems the wrong medium to describe Kundun. You simply must see it.

The score by Phillip Glass is stunning - spiritual, mysterious, but not what you expect, and certainly not clichéd. The cinematography is marvellous. The actors are natural and charming. But be warned: Scorsese is not rushing here, and he's not spoon-feeding either. He takes his time and he wants to put you into a trance. He certainly succeeded with me. Some of the critics have said that the film is a bit of a bore. They're seriously missing the point, but I do see how you might feel bored if you don't go with an open mind and willing to let the film wash over you. I was lucky - I went in a very relaxed state, and the film just entered me and spoke to me on an almost subconscious level. I think this was just what Scorsese wanted to achieve. I got more out of the film because of the way I went into it, and that's what I recommend - see the film when you are relaxed, and don't worry too much about understanding it. Leave all that to Scorsese, the master.