Do not go upon what has been acquired by repeated hearing; nor tradition; nor rumor; nor what is in a scripture; nor surmise; nor axiom; nor specious reasoning; nor bias towards one’s beliefs; nor upon another's seeming ability; nor upon the consideration, 'The monk is our teacher.' When you yourselves know: 'These things are good; these things are not blamable; these things are praised by the wise; undertaken and observed, these things lead to benefit and happiness,' enter on and abide in them.
Wednesday, 5 August 2009
Review: Zen - ("Dogen, The Movie")
This isn't a full review, just a quick recommendation really.
'Zen' is a drama based on the life of Japanese Zen Master Dogen. Overall, I enjoyed it very much. Beautifully shot and well acted, although for me it was let down slightly by a couple of CGI scenes, especially one where Dogen attains enlightenment and flies into the sky on a huge lotus flower. I also suspect that much of the character drama and many of the characters were invented to create a story that works as a movie. There is a scene in which a Dogen advises a woman with a dying child to visit the every household in which no one has ever died. This is a parable I've heard attributed to both Buddha and Jesus, but not Dogen. It is peppered with some of Dogen's sayings - enough to get a flavour of his teachings.
It wasn't easy for me to get hold of a copy - I had to get it imported from Hong Kong, but for me it was a must-see.
7/10
The preview is here: Zen
And there is a more substantial review here: Religious film lacks thrill of temptation
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Thanks, I'll definitely grab a copy of this.
ReplyDeleteMe, too. Kyle: Mail me Justin's copy of the film after you've seen it.
ReplyDeleteThe Asian movies has something that Hollywood doesn't has. maybe it's the language :) I'm not living even close to HK, but I'll try to get this movie somehow :) thank for the review!
ReplyDeleteSeems to be a good movie really, the thing is the japaneses are not a very good actors, if you want a japanese movie have been see it around the world it have to be very good movie with an excellent plot.
ReplyDeleteThe Japanese Zen Master Dogen, is one of the best movies that I have ever read,I would like to download the trailer because I have never watched it !
ReplyDelete