Kundun MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +3 Content: +3

KUNDUN is based on the true story of the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet, one of the most prominent Buddhist spiritual and political leaders of Tibet. It begins in 1937 when a two- year-old Tibetan boy is proclaimed to be the 14th reincarnation of the Buddha of Compassion. Known as Kundun, which means "Ocean of Wisdom", the young boy is trained to become the ruler of Tibet. When the Communist Chinese launch their invasion of Tibet in 1950, Kundun is hurriedly enthroned as the country's leader even though he is only a teenager. The film then chronicles the struggles of Kundun and his advisers to deal with the Communist invaders in a non-violent way and his eventual journey into India to set up an exile government. In KUNDUN, Director Martin Scorsese has created a cinematic masterpiece with a backdrop of magnificent scenery, rich visual imagery and sounds and believable characters. Although public information indicates the story is historically accurate, PREVIEW has not verified the authenticity of the story. But KUNDUN will likely hold audiences spell bound and do rather well at the box office.

Being centered around the life of the spiritual leader of Tibet and the Buddhist monks surrounding him, the film is to a large extent gentle and thoughtful. No foul language, nudity or sexual material is present. However, there are some shocking scenes of bloody, point blank shootings and in one scene the body of Kundun's deceased father is fed to vultures. The Buddhists monks are portrayed as wise and compassionate, but overall the religion is presented in a neutral documentary style. The Chinese are portrayed as ruthless, arrogant invaders who have no sympathy for the Buddhist religion. Buddhism itself is portrayed in a rather positive manner, but not exalted. However, some feel that Buddhism has served to oppress its followers, and nothing negative such as this is implied. With these precautions in mind, KUNDUN is morally well above most modern day films. It should be noted , however, that Kundun was produced by a Disney film company, and director Martin Scorsese also directed the blasphemous "The Last Temptation of Christ".

Preview Reviewer: John Evans
Distributor: Buena Vista Pictures Distribution, 3900 W. Alameda Blvd., Burbank, CA 91521