Top 10 Historical Films About Buddhist Temples

Description: Based on the true story of Heinrich Harrer, this film follows his journey from a Nazi mountaineer to a friend of the young Dalai Lama, set against the backdrop of the Potala Palace and other Tibetan monasteries.

Fact: The film was banned in China, and Brad Pitt was banned from entering China for several years due to his role.

Description: This documentary by David Grubin traces the life of Siddhartha Gautama, from his birth to his enlightenment, using stunning visuals of Buddhist temples and teachings.

Fact: The film features interviews with the Dalai Lama and other Buddhist scholars.

Description: This documentary explores the future of the Dalai Lama's lineage and the political implications of his reincarnation, set against the backdrop of Tibetan monasteries and the ongoing struggle for cultural preservation.

Fact: The film includes interviews with the Dalai Lama himself, discussing his thoughts on his future and the future of Tibet.

Description: This heartwarming film by Khyentse Norbu follows young monks in a Bhutanese monastery who are obsessed with watching the World Cup. It provides a light-hearted look at the clash between modern desires and monastic life.

Fact: The director, Khyentse Norbu, is a reincarnate lama and a close friend of the Dalai Lama.

Description: This film explores the concept of samsara through the life of a monk who leaves his monastery to find his mother, encountering various aspects of life and death. It's a visual and philosophical journey through Buddhist teachings.

Fact: The film was shot in Bhutan, and the director, Pan Nalin, spent time living in a monastery to understand the culture.

Description: This German film, based on a true story, follows a German monk who travels to Tibet to study Buddhism, offering insights into the cultural and spiritual exchange between East and West.

Fact: The film was shot in Tibet, and the protagonist is based on a real-life German monk who lived in Tibet.

Description: Directed by Bernardo Bertolucci, this film tells the story of a young American boy who might be the reincarnation of a Tibetan lama. The narrative weaves through the life of Prince Siddhartha, offering a glimpse into Buddhist philosophy and the life within a monastery.

Fact: The film features real-life Buddhist monks from Nepal, and the set of the monastery was built in Bhutan.

Description: Martin Scorsese's "Kundun" explores the life of the 14th Dalai Lama, focusing on his early years and the political turmoil surrounding Tibet's occupation by China. The film captures the essence of Buddhist teachings and the serene beauty of the Potala Palace.

Fact: The film was shot in Morocco due to the political sensitivity of filming in Tibet. It was also banned in China.

Description: Set in the remote Himalayan region of Dolpo, this film follows the journey of a caravan led by a village elder, showcasing the harsh realities of life and the spiritual significance of Buddhist practices in the region.

Fact: The film was shot with non-professional actors from the Dolpo region, providing an authentic portrayal of their lives.

Description: This Chinese film tells the story of a young monk who is torn between his monastic duties and his fascination with the outside world, particularly pop culture, reflecting the changing times in Tibet.

Fact: The film was shot in the Kumbum Monastery in Qinghai Province, China.