Milarepa

To start off, I'll mention what many others already have: the story is split in two and this is only the first part. The frustrating thing about this is not that you have to wait but that a specific year was given (2009) for its release and yet one cannot find Any information about it anywhere - unless you count dozens of people asking where it is as information. I don't hold this against the first half but it is annoying that there is no way to predict when or if the director will finish the story.That said, I must admit that this movie was extraordinarily well done. It is not incredible by Hollywood standards and it has the distinctive feel of a heavy foreign film, so if you are expecting something different then look elsewhere. However, it is great for what it is: a subtle story that is meant to reflect elements of human nature and Tibetan culture. The movie does not rely heavily on special effects, violence, or even music, rather it is interaction between actors and the natural background that allow the movie to express its messages. There are periods of silence throughout many scenes, something that I appreciated because I felt it added a necessary depth to the dialogue - at the same time, if you do not care for silence based conversations it could be a downside to the film. There are a few scenes that people often criticized for taking away the naturalness of the movie by using special effects but I did not feel that they worsened the film: they were kept to a minimum, weren't focused on, and personally I cannot imagine the film without them. The thing I liked most about the movie was the film location and the authenticity that it had. Milarepa was filmed in Bhutan, a country that has only recently opened up to the modern world and actively works to maintain its Tibetan culture by limiting visitors. For this reason the film had access to locations, tools, and buildings that seem ancient yet authentic. The director did such a good job that it was not until the movie was over that I realized the challenge that would be inherent in filming a movie based in a time so distant from our own - it drew me in so well that it didn't occur to me to question it.In all the movie was a subtle and effective storytelling of a celebrated Tibetan tale. It did an incredible job at expressing the messages, finding suitable actors, and maintaining the Tibetan culture inherent in the tale.

What an excellent first attempt by a remarkable director. No pseudo location site in New Zealand or the Rockies; the director went for regional accuracy and the work was done entirely in the Himalayas.Having visited this area numerous times myself, I can vouch for the fact that most of the inhabitants' lifestyles are in the timeless manner portrayed in the film. It is one of the rare parts of the planet where life has remained basically unchanged. It is also one of the harshest envirements for human habitation with extremely unstable weather. The logistics of making any feature film, not to mention a splendid one such as Milarepa, in those unusual conditions is a distinct achievement.

Very disappointed. The life of Pilarepa is an inspiring life of purification, but the movie has things that have nothing to do with his life; like the use of imagery of Dorje Shugden.

This is indeed a great movie, about cultivation in Buddha Fa, and how Buddha's Fa can really change a person, from a murderer to saint, and, eventually, to achieve real fruit status.I have written Milarepa's story elsewhere before, there are actually more inspiring, touching, and uplifting stories of him when he began cultivation. Unfortunately, this is not captured in this movie. May be we'll see a sequel?This also reminds me of today's Milarepas, millions of practitioners of Falun Dafa (Falun Gong). They are truly remarkable as well, overcoming great tribulations and offering salvation to sentient beings, in light of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Tolerance, the fundamental characteristics of the universe and the ultimate in Buddha Fa ([...] If you have not heard about it, check it out, you will love it. Milarepa's main consciousness, where ever that might be at present, will also be glad to see his story helped you in this regard.Frank Tian Xie, Ph.D.ProfessorDrexel University

The movie is obviously a labor of love. Gorgeous production. The only buzz kill is that the part 2 movie was never made, leaving one despondent that the last half and most important aspect of the story is left hanging.

Absolutely wonderful. So wish the 2nd part of his journey with his Master could have been made as well. Maybe someday!

A gripping movie, indeed. And I would like to see the second movie of Milarepa if you have that one, please. I will order it if you tell me the second title. thanking you for your collection.

I would've given this a higher rating if I had known that it was not the FULL story of Milarepa. There is nowhere in the description where it says this is only Part 1. The movie ends with saying there is Part 2 coming but it doesn't seem to exist! Besides that the production of the movie is good.

Came quickly, I'm pleased with my order.

Film bellissimo. Ma è solo la prima parte della vita di Milarepa.La seconda parte, quella con tutto il cammino spirituale di Milarepa con il suo Maestro, era annunciata ma non è mai uscita.

Farbenprächtiger Film, der am Beispiel Milarepas zeigt, wie wir Situationen begegnen können, die uns hilflos machen und denen wir zunächst ohnmächtig ausgeliefert scheinen. Veränderung ist möglich. Bewältigung ist möglich. Wende ist möglich. Die Botschaft: "Du kannst etwas tun."Anschauen und vertiefen!

Je trouve cela tres interessant de decouvrir cette histoire spirituelle qui est bien differente de nos histoires spirituelles europeennes. C'est un autre monde, d'autres tres beaux paysages qui s'ouvrent a nous. D'autres defis, une autre maniere d'apprehender les epreuves. Milarepa, c'est la transcendance du sentiment de vengeance vers une grande bonte et harmonie interieure. Ce film est bien fait, personnages bien etudies sous toutes formes et sont tres differents les uns des autres. Par contre la fin du film donne l'impression de s'arreter juste au milieu de l'histoire ce qui est en fait le cas, car il est prevu de faire la deuxieme partie. Bon moment et histoire enrichissante. Pour tous les passionnes du Tibet et du Boudhisme. Et pour les autres. Milarepa est tres connu comme un des seuls personnages du monde a avoir parcouru un parcours intensif et rapide pour atteindre l'eveil en partant de sentiments tres destructeurs au debut de sa vie. Ce film a ete aussi pour moi comme un voyage au Tibet. Deuxieme DVD qui donne la parole a des boudhistes connus et qui apportent leurs propres commentaires.

I read the biography of Milarepa and the film captured the images I had whilst reading the book perfectly. It was made all the more realistic with the cast being Tibetan. Although it was a shame the film stopped short of his Buddhist life it was was compelling watching and I look forward to the sequel I believe is underway.