How entertaining? ★★★☆☆
Thought provoking? ★★☆☆☆ 10 April 2011
This article is a review of UNMISTAKEN CHILD. |
“You must find his reincarnation. When you face the child you’ll recognise him.”
Martin Scorsese’s KUNDUN – about the current Dalai Lama – is a modern masterpiece and my favourite from his impressive body of work. I asked Scorsese once which film he would use from his back catalogue to teach, and he even stated KUNDUN. The first part of that picture is about the search for the reincarnation of His Holiness; and UNMISTAKEN CHILD is primarily about the search for the rebirth of one of Buddhism’s great modern religious leaders, Geshe Lama Konchog – “one of the most revered Tibetan Masters of our time”.
Martin Scorsese’s KUNDUN – about the current Dalai Lama – is a modern masterpiece and my favourite from his impressive body of work. I asked Scorsese once which film he would use from his back catalogue to teach, and he even stated KUNDUN. The first part of that picture is about the search for the reincarnation of His Holiness; and UNMISTAKEN CHILD is primarily about the search for the rebirth of one of Buddhism’s great modern religious leaders, Geshe Lama Konchog – “one of the most revered Tibetan Masters of our time”.
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Opening with the following, “According to Buddhist teachings, after death we are involuntarily reincarnated back into existence.... For 700 years, Tibetans have observed the tradition of seeking out their reincarnated Masters, known as Rinpoches – The Precious Ones.” Geshe Lama Konchog (also called Geshe-La) passed away in October 2001 at the age of 84. He appears to have been greatly respected. The direction of the smoke during his cremation, the footprint pattern pointing East in the remains, and the pearl relics in the ashes, were significant signs of his reincarnation. His Heart Disciple, Tenzin Zopa, is given the job of finding his new form to continue Geshe-La’s good deeds. If you are spiritual-minded this will engage you; whereas if you are sceptical about organised religion you will probably view this film as superstitious nonsense.
UNMISTAKEN CHILD is international in scale, concerning Nepal, Tibet, India and Taiwan, lending a grandeur straight away. It seems part detective tale, adventure story and spiritual journey. We witness Tenzin Zopa;s quest with the beauty and harsh landscapes in the background. His helicopter trip into the valley, where there is a strong indication of where Geshe-La’s rebirth may be found, is stunning. Zopa is looking for a one/one-and-a-half year old. This young monk seems kind and dedicated. He wonders if he is up to the task. The pace is meditative without being tedious. As there is no voice-over guiding our opinions, we are left to ponder this undertaking. Is it a sign of divinity on Earth? Is it a fool’s errand? Is the belief more important than the actual conclusiveness of the result? The film ends up being about two peoples’ journeys. The gentleness of proceedings provides a context for pondering some interesting philosophical questions.
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