Customer Reviews

Milarepa

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

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 working title is THE MEETING WITH MAIPA.
+ + + + +

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.

It's a brilliant movie, awesome landscape, inwardly rich Tibetan culture.... BUT we were expecting it to cover Milarepa's life, not just the first part where he gets into negative magic. Very disappointing. Presumably there is Part 2 still to come, but when??? And will that be the lot or will there be Part 3 then?

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

This is a Great film...a multi-faceted masterpiece..
Take a chance..
Let it work on you..

And the Special Features really do multiply
the dimensions and angles from which one may approach,
and be approached by, this film..

Milarepa is a beautiful film. A great lesson for people from any culture. I look forward to the sequel.

Although a wonderful film, I was very disappointed at the end of the film to be told Part II will be out later. The DVD tells only half the story.

Buyer beware, the story is in two parts and this first DVD is only half the story of Tibets Greatest Yogi Milarepa.

But well worth buying.

This is an excellent video for anyone who wants to learn the story of Milarepa. Unfortunately this is only part one. I am anxiously awating part two.

The imagery is breath-taking. I've long been intrigued by the stories of Milarepa, and I really look forward to the second film. Milarepa

great film. however, where is the part 2 of this movie? i thought it was released 2009 but still nothing!