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The Dalai Lama: Scientist 2019

Budget

$1M

Runtime

94 min

Language

english

English

This film follows the Dalai Lama's fascinating journey, exploring his unique perspective as a spiritual leader and his unexpected interest in science and technology. Through rare archival footage, the documentary reveals his lifelong pursuit of discovery and innovation. It offers a revealing look at this influential figure and the significant impact his insights have had globally.

This film follows the Dalai Lama's fascinating journey, exploring his unique perspective as a spiritual leader and his unexpected interest in science and technology. Through rare archival footage, the documentary reveals his lifelong pursuit of discovery and innovation. It offers a revealing look at this influential figure and the significant impact his insights have had globally.

Does The Dalai Lama: Scientist have end credit scenes?

No!

The Dalai Lama: Scientist does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of The Dalai Lama: Scientist

Explore the complete cast of The Dalai Lama: Scientist, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for The Dalai Lama: Scientist

See how The Dalai Lama: Scientist is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where The Dalai Lama: Scientist stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Echo Score

The Movie Echo Score

75

Overall, The Dalai Lama: Scientist offers an engaging look at its subject’s scientific curiosity but suffers from a narrower focus that limits broader context. Critics praise its immersive approach and sincere exploration of meditation research, but some note the film does not delve deeply into how scientific inquiry shaped the Dalai Lama’s personal journey. The documentary’s pacing maintains interest with affecting moments, yet the emphasis on concept over biography can feel uneven. In sum, it stands as a thoughtful but somewhat restricted portrait.

The Movie Echo Score Breakdown for The Dalai Lama: Scientist

75
Echo Score

Art & Craft

In terms of art and craft, The Dalai Lama: Scientist delivers an immersive visual style that supports its intellectual themes. The editing interweaves scientific discussions with serene natural imagery, and the production design highlights the intersection of tradition and inquiry. Direction maintains a steady rhythm, though the narrow focus sometimes limits broader visual dynamics. Overall, the film presents a competent but not adventurous artistic framework.

88
Echo Score

Character & Emotion

When it comes to character and emotion, the documentary portrays the Dalai Lama with warmth and sincerity. His gracious demeanor and moments of light humor convey a genuine emotional resonance, and the film’s focus on compassion research adds depth to his persona. Acting is, by nature, observational, yet the narrative crafts a nuanced profile. Consequently, the film provides a clear and engaging sense of its central figure’s character.

70
Echo Score

Story & Flow

In terms of story and flow, the film offers an intellectually stimulating exploration of meditation research but maintains a somewhat narrow narrative scope. Measured pacing permits examination of Buddhist practices, yet the focus on scientific themes can overshadow broader context. Originality emerges in linking ancient methods with modern inquiry, though cohesion suffers from the limited scope. The narrative remains informative but occasionally constrained by its narrow focus.

70
Echo Score

Sensory Experience

When it comes to sensory experience, the documentary achieves a measured auditory and visual cohesion. The soundtrack underscores contemplative moments without overwhelming dialogue, and sound design balances environmental ambience with interview clarity. Visual style uses understated color palettes and fluid camera movements to connect scientific discussions to human insight. While sensory elements are competent and immersive, distinctive flair is sporadic. Overall, the film delivers a consistent, reserved sensory presentation.

60
Echo Score

Rewatch Factor

The rewatch factor is moderate given the film’s specialized focus on scientific themes. Its thoughtful analysis and moments of emotional resonance encourage a second viewing for viewers interested in the intersection of science and spirituality. However, the limited biographical breadth and relatively steady pacing may reduce appeal on repeat viewings. While the documentary offers moments of inspiration and insight, its narrow scope constrains broader replay value for general audiences.

Rotten Tomatoes
review

88%

TOMATOMETER

review

100%

User Score

IMDb

7.9 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

60

%

User Score

Take the Ultimate The Dalai Lama: Scientist Movie Quiz

Challenge your knowledge of The Dalai Lama: Scientist with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.


The Dalai Lama: Scientist Quiz: Test your knowledge on the remarkable life and scientific journey of the 14th Dalai Lama as depicted in the film.

What unique destiny was the young boy from Tibet chosen for?

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for The Dalai Lama: Scientist

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Read the complete plot summary of The Dalai Lama: Scientist, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


Many years ago, in the serene landscapes of Tibet, a little boy was born with a significant destiny, destined to become the 14th Dalai Lama. However, this young boy harbored a secret deep within his heart. In the captivating documentary “The Dalai Lama — Scientist”, the Dalai Lama reveals this untold narrative of his lifelong pursuit of knowledge within the realms of science and technology, illustrating how our world has transformed through these explorations.

Featuring an extensive collection of rare, never-before-seen footage, this film narrates the profound yet human story of the Dalai Lama that remains largely unknown to the public. It chronicles his early adventures of discovery—showcasing him as a curious young boy who dismantles mechanical toys only to attempt to reassemble them, a teenager who repairs an old movie projector while learning about the distinctions between AC and DC, and as a young man whose explorations guide him to uncover the wonders of the moon through a telescope. His path also includes engaging discussions with engineers and electricians at hydroelectric plants in Peking.

The film does not shy away from the political turmoil surrounding his life; it recounts the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1950, leading to his daring escape in 1959. As he poignantly states in the film, > “At the age of 16, I lost my freedom. At the age of 24, I lost my own country.” Yet, the Dalai Lama’s resilience allowed him to establish one of the most successful refugee communities in the world.

His journey further includes encounters with luminaries in the field of physics like David Bohm and Carl von Weizsäcker, who mentor him in scientific principles. His relationship with Chilean neuroscientist Francisco Varela expands his horizons, leading him into uncharted territories of science and technology.

The narrative unfolds from Cosmology, Quantum Physics, and Cognitive Science to Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, and the Nature of Consciousness. The documentary encompasses the life-altering dialogues that commenced earnestly in 1987, highlighting the inception of collaborative research and subsequent publications. It showcases the profound shift in research directions that occurred in several scientific domains as the Dalai Lama’s insights influenced the lives of these distinguished scientists in fundamental and often unexpected ways.

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Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for The Dalai Lama: Scientist

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The Dalai Lama Scientist Official Trailer

The Dalai Lama: Scientist Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


dalai lamasciencebuddhismbuddhistquantum physicspsychologyneurosciencebrainsocial emotional learningcognitive scienceeducationtibetancosmologybig bangphysicsnobel peace prizemeditationtherapy
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