Kundun

Directed by Martin Scorsese
12
25 December 1997    2h 14m    Box Office: US$5.7MDrama, Biography,
7.076%78%6.8
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 of Tibet. The Dalai Lama escaped to India in 1959 and has been living in exile in Dharamsala ever since.

Where to Watch Kundun

  • Tenzin Thuthob TsarongDalai Lama (Adult)
  • Tencho GyalpoMother
  • Tsewang Migyur KhangsarFather
  • Gyurme TethongDalai Lama (Age 12)
  • Robert LinChairman Mao
  • Tulku Jamyang Kunga TenzinDalai Lama (Age 5)
  • Tenzin Yeshi PaichangDalai Lama (Aged 2)
  • Tenzin TopjarLobsang (5-10)
  • Tenzin LodoeTakster
  • Geshi Yeshi GyatsoLama of Sera
  • Losang GyatsoThe messenger
  • Sonam PhuntsokReting Rinpoche
  • Gyatso LukhangLord Chamberlain
  • Losang SamtenMaster of the Kitchen
  • Jigme TsarongTaktra Rimpoche
  • Tenzin TrinleyLing Rimpoche
  • Namgay DorjeeKashag/Nobleman #1
  • Phintso ThondenKashag/Nobleman #2
  • Chewang Tsering NgokhangLayman #1
  • Jamyang TenzinNorbu Thundrup

Kundun Ratings & Reviews

  • 0 17 April 2026
    Kundun is on YouTube due to the Chinese government's censorship. I don't really like biopics or movies on historical events because they are often told inaccurately. There is a philosophical conversation between Mao, his generals, and the Dalai Lama, followed by the Dalai Lama's self-exile to avoid arrest. I don't know if any other group of people has ever dealt with annexation the way the Tibetan Buddhist leaders. The slow-burning nature of monastic life often sacrifices the narrative momentum people expect from historical biopics. It rejects the "Great Man" narrative arc typical of Hollywood and even highlights some of the Dali Lama's shortcomings as a kid. The movie is a bit dull, but I guess that should be expected as it's about Buddhist monks.

Kundun Trivia

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