An Unpleasant Anniversary: 10 Questions for the Dalai Lama (2006)

"All forms of violence, especially war, are totally unacceptable as means to settle disputes between and among nations, groups and persons."~the Dalai Lama

Tuesday, March 10 marks the fiftieth anniversary of the abortive Tibetan revolt against Chinese rule. Though I have little political savvy on the matter with which to "debate" either side, I do have a previously posted review of the 10 Questions for the Dalai Lama (2006) which I would like to (once again) share. It is hard for me to contemplate a more compassionate soul and advocate for peace worldwide, who remains so positive despite the clear atrocity his people and country have faced...

The premise for the documentary was that the film maker, Rick Ray, has been granted an audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. In an effort to prepare for this interview, Ray tries to better acclimate himself as to who the Dalai Lama is and how he came to establish a government in exile in India. It is the fruits of both the film maker's journey to understanding and his interview that the film ultimately shares with the viewer.

While at first glance the production values may not seem particularly high (this film is not about CGI robots or magic pirate ships, and the cinematography is impressive as Ray's credentials as a travel film maker are readily apparent. Archival footage is interspersed among recent images to better present the histories of both Tibet and the Dalai Lama.

This is likely a film you will need seek out (it was made in 2006 and played in my city for only three weeks in 2007). The Dalai Lama's message of compassion, in the face of the adversity (and violence) he and Tibet have endured, is powerful. Although the world in which he lives and operates may seem very alien and foreign, as it did to me here in River City, his words and actions speak to the clearly universal need for a deeper empathy and understanding.

Breathe in, breathe out... YOU AND I ARE ALIVE!