Product Details

• Actors: Orgyen Tobgyal, Kelsang Chukie Tethong
• Directors: Neten Chokling
• Format: Color, DVD, NTSC
• Language: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Cinequest Inc.
• DVD Release Date: November 4, 2008
• Run Time: 90 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B001EAV3R4
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #9,868 in Movies & TV (See Bestsellers in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

In his directorial debut, Buddhist lama Neten Chokling vividly presents the captivating story of Milarepa, the man who would become Tibet s greatest yogi and saint. In the dramatic setting of 11th century Tibet- a time of roaming sorcerers and yogis, according to Buddhist legend- a young Milarepa falls into a world of betrayal and hardships. The greed of others upturns his privileged life, dropping him into a void of despair, humiliation, pain and anger. He sets out to learn black magic- and exact revenge on his enemies- encountering magicians, demons, an enigmatic teacher and unexpected mystical power along the way. But it is in confronting the consequence of his quest for vengeance that he learns the most. Filmed on the breathtaking scenic Indo-Tibetan border, with Tibetan monks serving as most of the cast and crew, Milarepa glows with a unique visual and spiritual charge.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent beyond measure, February 20, 2009

By	Charles A. Miller (Baltimore, Maryland U.S.A.) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

Let me start with what others have said with regards to the film's one drawback... it is part one of two. As enthralling and far better than expected as this film is, it disappointingly terminates midway through the story. The end of this movie is a logical breaking point, however, a breaking point all the same, leaving you wanting more.

That said, there is no reason to give this DVD anything less than 5 stars, because it could not be better than it is. Interestingly, most of the cast and crew are from a Buddhist monastery. You would never know until you read the credits at the end because there is nothing provincial or pedestrian about it. The acting, dialogue, special effects... everything for that matter, comes across as a very professional production.

There is considerable Buddhist "morality" conveyed as well, which is perfectly handled by the monks who made this film, but not in a heavy-handed way. In fact, one would need a Buddhist background to recognize the point-blank Dharma lessons contained within. This is something that could be viewed and enjoyed by anyone, including non-Buddhists. Finally, there is a most excellent documentary about the historical Milarepa as bonus material. Herein the viewer will get the full picture with regards to who the main character is as well clear and well-explained Buddhist thought on the same.

Highly recommended to everyone and of special interest to those with a leaning towards Buddhist thought.

+ + + + +
SEQUEL UPDATE: The sequel is to be released in late 2009 (although somehow I feel it will be more like 2010).
The title will be THE MEETING WITH MAIPA.
+ + + + +

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating story of intrigue, betrayal, and revenge begins the life of famous Tibetan saint Milarepa, September 30, 2009

By	Jerome Ryan "mountainsoftravelphotos.com" (Toronto, Canada) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Filmed in the Spiti Valley on the Indian-Tibetan border, this award winning film tells the story of the first half of Milarepa's life (1052-1135), whose path to enlightenment began with revenge. A second movie is planned to complete the story.

When his well-to-do merchant father died, Milarepa's uncle and aunt took all the family's wealth, suddenly thrusting Milarepa and his mother into poverty. His mother plots revenge by sending Milarepa away to study sorcery. Milarepa comes back to the village and causes a violent lightning storm to kill many people.

When the villagers chase him, Milarepa causes large rocks to fall from a ridge blocking their way. As he escapes Milarepa meets an old monk, and learns of Buddha's teachings. Milarepa returns to his sorcery teacher, who advises him to study with Marpa. The film ends with Milarepa seeking Marpa.

The landscape is stark and beautiful. The special effects are quite well done - I especially liked the scene where Milarepa gains mastery in sorcery, a bit like a Pink Floyd psychedelic trip from the 60s. My favourite scene was when Milarepa meets an old monk while escaping from the villagers, and sits quietly with old Buddhist paintings all around him on the wall. You can feel that his redemption is at hand.

As companions to this movie, I highly recommend reading a book about his life such as The Magnificent Trickster - The Story Of Milarepa by Molly MacGregor, and some of his teachings like in the book Milarepa: Songs On The Spot by Nicole Riggs.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Longing for Milarepa Two, August 21, 2009

By	Mrs. N. Nityanandi "Universe Ontologist" (Australia) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This piercing Master was an avatar, Self-given as a gift. Boundless gratitude for the DVD.