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Bookmark this pageSamsara (2001)
Director: Pan Nalin
Movie review
From Time Out Film Guide
After a three-year meditative retreat (it looks more like hibernation), Buddhist monk Tashi (Ku) rejoins monastery life. But desire stirs in his loins when he espies the beautiful Pema (Chung) during harvest prayers. Next thing he's renounced his vows - not to mention his clothes - and the two of them are rutting like rabbits. After all, Tashi reflects, Buddha himself knew earthly delights before choosing the path of enlightenment. But after being unfaithful to his wife, Tashi feels guilt and decides to return to the ascetic life - only to be confronted by Pema, who has strong feelings about being abandoned to bring up the kids alone. Shot in remote Himalayan locations (actually Ladakh), this plays like a massively extended remake of Conrad Rooks' Siddhartha: phoney spirituality plus softcore sex in a scenic package. No surprise to learn that the Indian director cut his teeth on National Geographic travelogues.Author: TR
User reviews of this film
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- Nadine said...
- Posted on Jun 16 2009 23:42 This review is an incorrect synopsys that dismisses the movie's stunning beauty and strong message, especially for women in the dharma
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- Emily Bott said...
- Posted on Mar 27 2008 19:00 The comment you type in this box will appear on the Endless movie. I'd rather have seen a good travelogue.site
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Cast & crew
Director: Pan Nalin
Producer: Karl Baumgartner, Christoph Friedel
Cast: Shawn Ku, Christy Chung, Neelesha BaVora, Sherab Sangey, Jamayang Jinpa full cast
Duration: 138 mins
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