I'm just wondering what Buddhist films are the best out on DVD. Some of my favorites are:

1) Kundun - the story of the Dalai Lama's life
2) Why Has Bodhi-Dharma Left for the East - called the best Buddhist film ever
3) Dongseung (Little Monk) - Korean film about a boy monk who wishes he had a mother
4) Beyond Rangoon - not a Buddhist movie per se but has a lot of symbolism in the film

I also know that the Star Wars series and Groundhog Day had Zen elements in it.

Whale Rider kind of had a Buddhist element to it

The review section has a new review of "The Tibetan Book of the Dead" DVD. Although more of a documentary; it looks interesting to me.

7 Years in Tibet, Tomb Raider, ??

Asoka (2001)

Little Buddha, Siddartha

Bulletproof Monk (2003) well, kind of

Little Buddha has already been mentioned but it's worth a watch. The modern side of the story is kind of lame but the flashbacks about Siddartha's enlightenment are quite good even though he's played by Neo. The scenes come close to what is written in the book "The Teaching of Buddha".

The Golden Child
I-I-I-I I want the knife!

The Razor's Edge with Bill Murray

An almost endless number of Kung-Fu movies.

A Touch of Zen and Temptation of a Monk.
The latter has a great Buddhist story arc of the main character's spiritual evolution.

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Groundhog Day.

Seriously, as mentioned in interviews with the filmmakers on the DVD, the idea of repeating a day/life over and over until you get it right is similar to the central tenet of Buddhism.

"Spring,Summer,Fall,Winter...and Spring" by South Korean director Kim Ki-duk (who directed "The Isle",if you've seen that weird wonder)has got great reviews. This is only available on a region 3 dvd at this time I believe. I'll be catching it at the Cleveland Int'l Film Festival next week.

I saw this flick on DVD last week. It has little dialogue, beautiful scenery and cinematography and a lot of symbolism. This is definitely a DVD to buy if you're into Buddhism. Moreover, the director himself makes a cameo at the end.

Another film is Samsara (HK and Aussie versions are available) starring Christy Chung. I'm tempted to buy the cheaper HK versions but the Aussie version seems better.

"Phorpa"....aka "The Cup"
Tagline: Buddhism is their philosophy. Soccer is their religion.

Just a really pleasant and charming flick based on a true story of a group of buddhist monks who are soccer fans wishing to watch the World Cup, and the lengths they will go to do so.

Directed by Khyentse Norbu...according to the IMDB: "Officially recognized as the reincarnation of a 19th century Tibetan saint. He's a Buddhist monk and made the first Tibetan feature movie ever."

I also believe the cast are all real buddhist monks, not actors.

It's not a film but the TV series Kung Fu is also excellent. I just saw the first disc tonight and I'm hungry for more!

I saw some poll recently where Hindus and Buddists listed Groundhog Day as the film that comes closest to summing up their religions.

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Originally posted by RevLiver
Groundhog Day.

Seriously, as mentioned in interviews with the filmmakers on the DVD, the idea of repeating a day/life over and over until you get it right is similar to the central tenet of Buddhism.

Originally posted by majorjoe23

I saw some poll recently where Hindus and Buddists listed Groundhog Day as the film that comes closest to summing up their religions.

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I understand the comparison, but in all actuality, Bill Murray doesn't attempt to life each day "until he gets it right," out of noble cause, but grudgingly accepts his fate and figures out how to use it to his best advantage through the manipulation of another human being.

Sounds more like Christianity to me!

tee-hee! Also, if you believe there's a film that "sums up" your religion, you deserve to be a tool of faith.

Which ones are rich in Buddhist symbolism and stuff?

Good choice. I would add "LITTLE MONK" and "HI, DHARMA!", also from Korea (especially if you like comedies).

Anger Management has some cool buddhists in it!