2006, USA, 85 minutes
Now on DVD

Review by Carl Schroeder

You've no doubt heard the name, perhaps even enjoyed some of the many books and movies about him (some by him). The 14th Dalai Lama is a humble superstar of both spiritual and political worlds, and this exceptional documentary will show you why. While on assignment in India, director Rick Ray dared to schedule a forty-five minute, ten question meeting with His Holiness, who does not suffer fools well and is known for falling asleep during ceremonies and abruptly dismissing sycophants. Confident as a seasoned multi-cultural documentarian, Ray not only collected 10 good questions for the exiled Tibetan leader (who now resides in Indian Dharamsala just over the border from the Himalayas), he has researched and assembled this lovingly crafted film which exceeds titular expectations. And since the West has been so titillated in recent years by Buddhism, this fine film stands a chance to be seen here (it would be illegal in China, along with reincarnating with a government permit – but more on that later).

In 10 Questions for the Dalai Lama, we are treated to a rich travelogue and history that includes rare archival footage of the Dalai Lama's remarkable life journey, some taken by the Dalai himself. If you saw the 1997 biopic Kundun, you know that a young Tenzin Gyatso (the name of this life-long self-professed simple monk) first tried to negotiate with Chinese occupiers in the 1950's, then was forced to flee over the mountains in a death-defying escape which is repeated by refugees to this day. Tenzin's early fascination with technology included movie cameras, and Rick Ray spent two years tracking down many original images. In combination with old newsreels, modern scenes, and strategic interviews, 10 Questions becomes one of the most intimate and compelling portraits ever made of this complex, likeable, and persecuted leader.

Buddhism was started around 2500 years ago by the noble Indian prince Siddhartha Gautama, who meditated on answers to suffering until he became the Buddha, or Awakened One. Today, Buddhahood is a state of enlightened being to which we are all invited. Some believe that the reincarnating soul of Siddhartha committed to returning to Earth to serve all people until they become free, and that he still reincarnates through the line of Tibetan Dalai Lamas. Siddhartha is thus considered alive through this, the 14th Dalai Lama, whose favorite prayer is:

As long as space endures
As long as sentient beings remain
May I, too, prevail
To dispel the misery of the world

Basically the film says this would be like having Jesus Christ as President of the US. Imagine that.

Plus, the Dalai Lama is a pretty cool guy. No stuffed shirt, he pads around in his monk sandals and red and orange robes, smiling and giggling like Yoda. He says disarmingly honest and vulnerable things, like in one appeal for assistance addressed to the United States (the West has done little to halt Tibetan genocide for fear of offending China, but protests continue). The Dalai Lama said: “We (Tibetans) have nothing to offer you but the truth, and that must be enough; it is not your bombs which we admire, but your principles.” Yes, he says stuff like that, between counseling shell-shocked refugees to smile again and forgive. His prescription for peace in the Middle East? Have more picnics and festivals, so the people can start really talking.

The Dalai Lama is a uniquely delightful and heartbreaking figure, so this film is full of gems and revelations, many controversial. Why do the poor seem happier than the rich? Because, he says, the poor have less to lose and therefore less to worry about. For a minute I was afraid the Dalai was guilting me into renouncing my worldly possessions, but then he assured that we should always be ready to reassess our traditions. Some ideas are outdated he explained, like castes, and forbidding widows from remarriage. Whew, then I'm sure the Dalai won't be opposed to my American dreams of enlightened universal prosperity. This 14th Dalai Lama is a fan of quantum physics, science, and progressive thinking. He forgives the Chinese occupiers and sincerely hopes that Tibet will help China to realize the truth of what it's been doing. Truth is so much more powerful, meaningful, and long lasting than violence.

Mutual respect and benefit for all cultures is the goal of this Gandhi-like man, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 (he promptly gave away all the money to charities). The Dalai Lama is also realistic enough to note differences; where Gandhi could at least get his message across with the British, modern forces are endlessly conspiring to silence and destroy the Tibetans forever. Google and Yahoo have agreed to censor Tibetan websites in China, serving up only the official demonizations of the Dalai Lama's position. His hand-picked interim successor, called the Panchen Lama, was arrested as a boy and not heard from since; a puppet replacement was installed by Beijing, ready to pick a 15th Dalai Lama who will serve China's interests. Even as this movie tours (see thedalailamamovie.com for details) China has just outlawed unlicensed reincarnation, a cynical absurdity made only to justify the immediate imprisonment of any attempting successor. But don't worry, the Dalai Lama has already said that he will either be reincarnating outside of China (among the Tibetan diaspora is likely), or not at all if he is no longer needed.

Not your average politician. Clearly we need him. Check out 10 Questions for the Dalai Lama for plenty more detail.

Carl Schroeder publishes the MysticalMovieGuide.com website, which researches and reviews thousands of films with intriguing psychological and spiritual themes across all genres, countries, and styles - plus tips on where to find them.