Movie - Zen - The Life of Dogen Zenji

[Mr. G]

The film was theatrically released back on January 10th and follows the life of Zen Buddhist monk Dogen Zenji (played by kabuki performer Kantaro Nakamura) during the turbulent Kamakura period. Dogen’s parents died when he was very young, and his devout mother’s final wish was that he go on to become a monk and work for the welfare of all beings. The experience of having his parents die gave Dogen a special insight into the fleeting nature of life and sparked his search for enlightenment. He traveled to China and trained to become a Buddhist teacher, but when he returned to Japan to spread what he learned of a new form of Buddhism he was met with resistance and suppression.

Trailer (unfortunately, there are no english subtitles):



Website: http://www.zen.sh/

Japanese distributor Amuse Soft Entertainment released Banmei Takahashi‘s Zen on R2-J DVD with English subtitles in June.

[Astus]

It is a great film, I recommend it to everyone.

[Mr. G]

I watched it today, it was really good!

[Bodhi]

an extremely good movie! I totally recommend it.

[kirtu]

I watched it today, it was really good!

How did you watch it? Is it online?

I grew up watching Japanese period movies (mostly samurai movies/TV shows and of course Kurosawa) and have wondered if there were Buddhist oriented period films (for example there was one at least a decade ago about Kukai).

Kirt

[Mr. G]

How did you watch it? Is it online?

My friend lent me his copy. I think it may be on Asian DVD Club too.