In 1937, a 2-year-old boy from a simple family is recognized as Kundun, the 14th reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, the spiritual and political leader of Tibet. At only 15, he takes over the official leadership of Tibet, resists the Chinese occupation and later achieves a daring escape to India.

Infamously one of the few flops in Martin Scorsese’s 50-year career, this abstract, ambitious drama ought to be held in the same esteem as his other contentious religious epics: The Last Temptation of Christ and Silence. Kundun is a marvel, shot by Roger Deakins and scored by Phillip Glass!