Kundun (1997)

  • PG-13
  • 12/11/1997 (US)
  • Drama, History
  • 2h 14m

The destiny of a people lies in the heart of a boy.

Overview

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. The Dalai Lama escaped to India in 1959 and has been living in exile in Dharamsala ever since.

Melissa Mathison

Screenplay

Martin Scorsese

Director

Cast

Tenzin Thuthob Tsarong's headshot

Tenzin Thuthob Tsarong

Dalai Lama (Adult)
Tencho Gyalpo's headshot

Tencho Gyalpo

Mother
Tsewang Migyur Khangsar's headshot

Tsewang Migyur Khangsar

Father
Gyurme Tethong's headshot

Gyurme Tethong

Dalai Lama (Age 12)
Robert Lin's headshot

Robert Lin

Chairman Mao
Tulku Jamyang Kunga Tenzin's headshot

Tulku Jamyang Kunga Tenzin

Dalai Lama (Age 5)
Tenzin Yeshi Paichang's headshot

Tenzin Yeshi Paichang

Dalai Lama (Aged 2)
Tenzin Topjar's headshot

Tenzin Topjar

Lobsang (5-10)

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