Welcome to TB: The Reviewer

Greetings all,
I am excited to join the blogosphere in the best way I know how. Reviews. This blog is intended for reviewing films, plays, maybe even some books. I may even provide political insights and sports reviews as well. My ratings system is 5 stars. So, without further adieu. Here is the maiden blog for TB: The Reviewer.

Review of: Milarepa: Magician, Murderer, Saint

The story of Milarepa, who is one of the most revered and beloved Tibetan Buddhist Saints is as complex, dark, painful and ultimately uplifting tales in Tibetan Buddhism. However, his story and path to enlightenment is a complicated one and it is unlike any story you could imagine about a Buddhist Saint. The film, Milarepa, Directed by Neten Chokling Rinpoche, a renowned and accomplished Buddhist practitioner, he is the spiritual head of the Pema Ewam Choegar Gyurmeling Monastery in India and Tibet. Chokling lovingly presents the humble beginnings of one of Tibet’s greatest saints.

The story centers around the family of Milarepa, who was born Thopaga (A Joy to Hear). He was born into wealth and his father was very wealthy, prestigious and respected in his village. However, when Thopaga was a boy his father dies suddenly and along with his mother and sister, are left into the care his aunt and uncle, who when he reaches manhood is to be given his inheritance. As the fates would have it, his aunt and uncle in the traditions of fables and legends, were cruel and squandered all of his inheritance, leaving his family penniless when he comes into manhood. His mother, who cannot endure the suffering any longer, sends Thopaga to learn black magic sorcery and to avenge the family and to not return until he is a powerful magician, and if he fails, she will kill herself.

So, sets off Milarepa on his journey. The majority of the film centers around Milarepa’s training as a black magician and eventually he returns to his village to enact vengeance but at a price. Chokling took great care with this simple look at a complex man path to enlightenment. The cinematography is breathtaking as it was photographed in the Lahaul-Spiti region of Northern India. As with most great legends, the moral is striking, be careful what you wish for. However, the film ends on an uplifting note, which sets up what will be Part 2 of the story, where Milarepa seeks enlightenment and comes upon his prophesized teacher, Marpa the Translator (due out sometime in 2009) as he sets out on a grueling and excruciating path to achieve enlightenment in one lifetime. His Karma cleanse was one of intense purification. I eagerly anticipate seeing how Chokling presents this part of Milarepa’s story

If you are a fan of Buddhism and Buddhist mythology, Milarepa is a great vehicle to get a well made introduction to a great Buddhist Saint. However, if Buddhism, isn’t your thing, you may become bored with the slow pace. really enjoyed it and give it 4 stars.