Kundun 1997

The film unfolds in a linear timeline, spanning the years 1937 to 1959, primarily set in Tibet with brief scenes in China and India. The story begins with the quest for the 14th mindstream emanation of the Dalai Lama. Following a vision by Reting Rinpoche, the regent of Tibet, a group of lamas, disguised as servants, discovers a promising young boy born into a farming family in Amdo, near the Chinese border.

To determine if this child is indeed the chosen one, the lamas conduct a test where he must identify objects that belonged to the previous Dalai Lama. The child successfully passes this challenging test and is subsequently taken to Potala Palace in Lhasa, where he is destined to be installed as the Dalai Lama upon reaching adulthood.

As their journey progresses, the child feels a deep sense of homesickness and fear, but Reting comforts him by recounting the tale of the first Dalai Lama, affectionately referred to as “Kundun.” As time goes on, the boy matures, evolving not only in age but also in wisdom and understanding. A power struggle ensues, leading to Reting’s imprisonment and tragic death, after which the Dalai Lama begins to assume a more active role in both governance and religious matters.

Simultaneously, the Chinese communists, having recently claimed victory in their revolution, are asserting that Tibet is traditionally part of Imperial China and express a desire to re-integrate it into the newly-established People’s Republic of China. Despite Tibet’s desperate appeals to various nations, including the United Nations, the United States, the United Kingdom, and India for help, the situation takes a dire turn when Chinese Communist forces invade Tibet. Initially presenting a facade of assistance, the Chinese quickly turn oppressive as the Tibetans resist their efforts to reorganize and reeducate their society.

In the face of ongoing atrocities against his people, the Dalai Lama decides to meet with Chairman Mao Zedong in Beijing. During their meeting, Mao outwardly sympathizes with the Tibetan plight but later reveals his true sentiments, declaring that “religion is poison” and branding Tibetans as “poisoned and inferior” due to their beliefs. Upon returning to Tibet, the Dalai Lama learns of further horrors inflicted upon his people, prompting them to nullify their treaty with China and initiate guerrilla warfare.

When the Chinese express their intention to kill him, the Dalai Lama’s family and his Lord Chamberlain persuade him to flee to India. After consulting the Nechung Oracle for guidance on the safest escape route, the Dalai Lama and his entourage don disguises and stealthily exit Lhasa under cover of darkness. Their grueling journey is fraught with danger, as they are relentlessly pursued by the Chinese. During this time, the Dalai Lama becomes gravely ill and experiences two profound visions, first believing that their journey to India will be auspicious, and similarly, that their eventual return to Tibet will hold promise.

Ultimately, they reach a small mountain pass at the Indian border. As the Dalai Lama approaches the guard post, an Indian soldier greets him, saluting and asking, “Are you the Lord Buddha?” The Dalai Lama responds with the film’s poignant closing line: > “I think that I am a reflection, like the moon on water. When you see me, and I try to be a good man, you see yourself.” Upon arriving at his new home, he unpacks his telescope and steps outside, setting it up to gaze towards the Himalayas—and towards Tibet. The film concludes with the powerful lines on screen: “The Dalai Lama has not yet returned to Tibet. He hopes one day to make the journey.” These words gracefully dissolve into the darkness as the credits roll.