Movie spotlight
The Message of the Tibetans
In 1963, for the first time, the Dalai Lama allowed a Westerner, Desjardins, to film the heart of the Tibetan tradition. These two films were originally shown on French television in the 1960's and are a wonderful testimony, revealing some of Tibet's foremost masters as they were then. It includes footage of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, the Sixteenth Karmapa, Dudjom Rinpoche, Ling Rinpoche, Chatral Rinpoche, Sakya Trizin, and the yogis Apo Rinpoche and Lopon Sonam Zangpo. "These portraits of the legendary Tibetan masters are not simply a unique historical record, not only a stunning and moving inspiration for now and for the future, but an extraordinary testimony, a treasure." Sogyal Rinpoche.
Insights
Plot Summary
This short documentary offers a glimpse into the spiritual and cultural life of Tibetans, focusing on their religious practices and daily existence. It explores the unique traditions that have been preserved over centuries in the high-altitude region. The film aims to convey the essence of Tibetan Buddhism and its influence on the people's way of life.
Critical Reception
As a short documentary from 1966, "The Message of the Tibetans" is not widely reviewed by mainstream critics in the way feature films are. Its reception is primarily gauged by its historical value and its effectiveness in documenting Tibetan culture at the time. It is often noted for its candid portrayal of a way of life that was soon to face profound upheaval.
What Reviewers Say
Provides an essential historical record of Tibetan life before major political changes.
Offers a simple yet profound visual insight into Buddhist practices and daily routines.
Valuable for its ethnographic documentation of a unique culture.
Google audience: Information not available.
Fun Fact
This documentary was filmed before the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1959 and the subsequent diaspora, making its depiction of Tibetan life particularly poignant and historically significant.
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