Cheap Why Has Bodhi-Dharma Left for the East (DVD) (Yong-Kyun Bae) Price

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Customer Reviews of Why Has Bodhi-Dharma Left for the East

A work of art, though not for everyone
There are not nearly enough Korean films available in the West, and this is the kind of movie which reminds me that we're missing out. A Buddhist monk and his apprentice live in a temple up in the mountains, and contemplate life and all of its meanings. This is the basic premise for a film which lasts for 2½ hours. And it took 10 years to make. But this is no criticism. Plenty of Zen Buddhist philosophy abounds despite sparse dialogue. While the film has a very challenging duration to endure, people who do stick with it will learn something of this popular religion (which I for one find interesting), and will also be treated to a lot of simply beautiful, captivating and breath-taking Korean natural scenery. If you can't watch a film without action, or a dialogue-driven drama, then don't torture yourself. This is not for you. Everyone else however will find a damn good film with depth-aplenty. Highly recommended.

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Excellent Movie!
You know I am disappointed the DVD reviews are being posted in the VHS section as well. Were they seperate, I think this movie would get just about 5 stars hands down, each time. Of course it is a movie for those interested in Zen Buddhism, that is somewhat a given. I am sorry to hear that the DVD conversion did not work out well, but I suppose I consider myself lucky enough to have purchased the VHS anyway. The imagery, for one, is so penetrating. I don't really know how to describe it. Impermamance is a recurring theme within this movie. The thing I appreciate about it, is it truly is like "viewing a meditation." The film is very relaxing, allowing the imagery to tell the story mostly. It is Korean subtitled, featuring a master, monk, and an orphaned boy. I wish I could tell you what this movie is about entirely, but I would not be able to do so in a completely accurate way. It's a movie that really does not collect dust on a shelf, because it is so provoking you will watch it over and over again. I know I do.

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Beautiful
My family and I love this movie, which we have watched 3 or 4 times. It is amazing just to watch how lovely each shot of film is. The relationships among the 3 monks is very touching, and the spiritual development of the middle monk (in age) is moving.

If what you want is shoot-'em up action, or meaning laid out on a platter for you, this movie is not for you. But if you enjoy sitting back and letting the story flow over you (and the story is indeed a stretch for the western mind), then this is for you. I can easily see why it has been named one of the top 10 movies of all time.