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Avalokiteshavara (2013) - Drunk Monk - 07-28-2020
You know all those Christian films I had to watch growing up? Well, here's a Buddhist one. It was refreshing to watch for me.
Set in the Tang Dynasty (800 CE period), this is the legend behind the establishment of Mount Putuo as a major Guanyin sacred place. It's a bit preachy, with dialog that constantly pauses to retell myths. There's a nice incarnation metaphor with Little Lotus and some decidedly Buddhist special effects. This has the blessing of several PRC Buddhist leaders. There are several interwoven plots - a precious Guanyin statue by an elderly master craftsman being guarded by his grandkids, a princeling on the run, a Japanese monk hoping to acquire said statue for his queen. Where it shines is the locations - some gorgeous temples and altars as settings. It's a beautiful film in that regard. And the epilogue scene really worked for me, bringing it all to modern day Putuo. I've never been there - it's not really on my bucket list and that's just as well because I doubt I'll return to China.
Sword fights! Very wire-fu style and kinda sanguineous given the topic. Not particularly DOOM recommended, not even for DOOM sinocinephiles.