The Tibetans refer to the Dalai Lama as 'Kundun', which means 'The Presence'. He was forced to escape from his native home, Tibet, when communist China invaded and enforced an oppressive regime upon the peaceful nation. The Dalai Lama escaped to India in 1959 and has been living in exile in Dharamsala ever since.
Cinematography
Deakins shoots Tibet like living mandala—every frame sacred geometry.
Score
Philip Glass's repetitive hypnotism mirrors prayer wheel meditation.
Direction
Scorsese's most restrained work—zero Goodfellas energy, pure reverence.
Director
Martin Scorsese
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
China banned Scorsese from entering the country permanently after Kundun's release. Disney nearly abandoned distribution fearing market retaliation.
The Dalai Lama himself approved the script and blessed the production. Most Tibetan cast members were actual refugees or relatives of monks killed in the 1959 uprising.
US
