Each Friday, we share three topical longreads in our Weekend Reader newsletter. This week, LionsRoar.com editor Sam Littlefair reflects on the Buddhist themes in The Matrix, 20 years after the film’s release.
How former Pixar CFO Lawrence Levy found his middle way
With the release of Incredibles 2, Pixar has brought $13 billion between 20 feature films. Before the animation studio was a household name, Lawrence Levy helped the company find its “middle way” between business and storytelling.
What do “2001,” “Dear White People,” and Buddhism have in common?
This month, Stanley Kubrick’s sci-fi masterpiece, “2001: A Space Odyssey,” turns 50. “Dear White People” creator Justin Simien talked to Lion’s Roar about the film’s influence.
Jeff Bridges on why “The Big Lebowski” is a Zen Buddhist classic
We asked ten prominent cultural figures to tell us their favorite movie that contained Buddhist lessons (explitly or otherwise).
Harold Ramis didn’t intend “Groundhog Day” to be Buddhist, but it’s a dharma classic
Harold Ramis created an underground Buddhist classic with Groundhog Day. After a chance meeting, Perry Garfinkel ventures to find out what makes him tick.
“The Last Jedi” Cranks Up Star Wars’ Buddhist Themes
Matthew Bortolin, the author of The Dharma of Star Wars, unpacks the Buddhist themes in the latest installment in the series, The Last Jedi.
The Dharma of the Princess Bride
Drawing on the classic film, “The Princess Bride,” Ethan Nichtern offers Buddhist teachings on how to make friends with yourself and others.
Why Pema Khandro Rinpoche Loves Bruce Lee Movies
Pema Khandro Rinpoche says Bruce Lee films are filled with images of power and energy, “and that’s what Buddhist tantra is all about.”
Watch: Ethan Nichtern on “The Dharma of The Princess Bride”
Buddhist teacher Ethan Nichtern talked with Lion’s Roar about one of his favorite films—and the subject of his new book—”The Princess Bride.”
Review: “A Ghost Story” contemplates impermanence and eternity
The new indie film “A Ghost Story” is a tender meditation on Buddhist themes like impermanence and bardo. And, it’s also boring.