This month, Stanley Kubrick's sci-fi masterpiece, 2001: A Space Odyssey, turns 50. In an interview with LionsRoar.com, Justin Simien talked about how Buddhism and Kubrick both challenge one's ego without attacking it — a strategy that later leaked in his own series, Dear White People. Sam Littlefair: You say that you try to acknowledge that there’s no right and wrong in Dear [...]
Jeff Bridges on why “The Big Lebowski” is a Zen Buddhist classic
In 2016, we asked ten prominent cultural figures to tell us their favorite movie that contained Buddhist lessons (explitly or otherwise). In honor of the 20th anniversary of The Big Lebowski, here's what Oscar-winning actor and Big Lebowski star Jeff Bridges' told us. Now, it could be argued that there’s no Buddhist theme in The Big Lebowski whatsoever. However, my buddy [...]
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. In 2009, Perry Garfinkel met with him to learn what made the now-departed, much-beloved filmmaker tick. So there I am at a literary cocktail party on Martha’s Vineyard, and this man who looks like a Vineyarder I know comes up to our small circle of writers. Just as I’m about to say, “Hi Fred,” he extends [...]
“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. Warning: Spoilers ahead. In Star Wars: The Last Jedi, writer-director Rian Johnson cranks up the volume on the Buddhist chords first strummed by George Lucas in the earlier films. I doubt Buddhism was on Johnson’s mind when he [...]
The Dharma of the Princess Bride
In The Princess Bride, outcasts and loners find true friendship. Drawing on the classic film, Ethan Nichtern offers Buddhist teachings on how to make friends with yourself and others. OBEY FEZZIK. When Andre the Giant’s stenciled face began appearing everywhere in American cities in the 1990s, immortalized against brick and concrete in artist Shepard Fairey’s series of [...]
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." This clip was shot at the Lion's Roar 2017 Annual Retreat, "Boundless Love." Transcript Shaolin Abbott: I see your talents have gone beyond the mere physical level. Your skills are now at the point of spiritual insight. Pema Khandro [...]
Watch: Ethan Nichtern on “The Dharma of The Princess Bride”
Buddhist teacher Ethan Nichtern sat down with Lion's Roar's Lindsay Kyte to discuss one of his favorite classic films, and the subject of his latest book, The Princess Bride. In this video, Nichtern shares what the film can teach us about Buddhism and the important lessons it offers on friendship, family, and romance. Read an excerpt from The Dharma of The Princess Bride in [...]
Review: “A Ghost Story” contemplates impermanence and eternity
A Ghost Story, a new indie film starring Casey Affleck and Rooney Mara, is a tender meditation on themes common to Buddhism, like impermanence and the bardo. Jennifer Keishin Armstrong reports. A Ghost Story, a new indie film starring Casey Affleck and Rooney Mara, is a tender meditation on themes common to Buddhism, like impermanence and the bardo. Jennifer Keishin [...]
10 Leading Thinkers Choose Their Favorite Buddhist Films
We asked ten actors, filmmakers, and writers to each tell us their favorite movie that has a Buddhist message. We think the Buddha would have liked movies. Since he often taught through stories and parables, he would have appreciated the powerful spiritual stories that great films tell. Krista Tippett on Perfect Sense David Grubin on A Man Escaped Jeff Bridges on [...]
The Dharma of Wonder Woman
Barbara O'Brien reviews Wonder Woman, and explores some of the movie's Buddhist confluence. Escaping into a movie theater for immersion in sight and sound, not to mention popcorn and air conditioning, is one of the delights of summer. While many summer blockbusters may be guilty pleasures, Wonder Woman — a feminist, action-packed hit about a superheroine who tries to save [...]
