Zen (2009)

Zen: Directed by Banmei Takahashi. With Kankurô Nakamura, Yuki Uchida, Ryushin Tei, Kengo Kôra. ‘Zen’ Buddhist teacher Dogen Zenji is a very important religious person during the Kamakura period, 750 years ago. After his mother died, he decides to move to China and settle as a Buddhist teacher. One bright morning, enlightened, Zenji returns to Japan as a devoted evangelist of the ‘new’ Buddhism. However, this new form of Buddhism is not accepted in all communities.

“I just finished watching this movie at the UW screening before it is released nationwide. I have to say that I am deeply moved by it despite the fact that some of the Chinese characters are played by Japanese.There are several scenes that are so captivating, leaving my heart filled with excitement, joy and at the same time sorrow. The last few scenes really made this movie stand out. I especially enjoyed the little girlu0026#39;s explanation of what she is doing and how this is reflected in the Buddha in her heart. I believe that the Buddha in everyoneu0026#39;s mind might be different from one another. The pursuit of the truth, tranquility and beauty might take different pathways. But what this movie reveals is the eternal power of what a man can achieve and what a man should give up. I strongly recommend this movie to anyone who is interested in some of the concepts conveyed so beautifully and profoundly.”