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Vajra Sky Over Tibet

Play trailer Poster for Vajra Sky Over Tibet 2006 1h 27m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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55% Tomatometer 20 Reviews 84% Popcornmeter 500+ Ratings
Buddhist documentarian John Bush travels throughout Tibet, celebrating the history and persistence of Vajrayana, the Tibetan form of Buddhism. After their 1949 takeover of the country, the Chinese temporarily forbid religious practices, destroying or defacing many temples, statues and other pieces of iconography. With many of the bans lifted, Bush tours the country, recording surviving and restored artifacts while watching the population quietly observing their faith.

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Vajra Sky Over Tibet

Vajra Sky Over Tibet

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Critics Consensus

Journey Into Buddhism: Vajra Sky Over Tibet explores a fascinating subject with visual flair, but dull narration and a dawdling pace make it a less than illuminating watch.

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Critics Reviews

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Josh Rosenblatt Austin Chronicle Rated: 2/5 Dec 30, 2006 Full Review Michael Phillips Chicago Tribune In order for audiences to better appreciate the underpinnings of Buddhism and the risks involved with modern-day practice in Tibet, the man who made Vajra would've needed to get his documentarian's hands a little dirty. Rated: 2/4 Nov 30, 2006 Full Review John Hartl Seattle Times Eventually you can't help wishing for some human contact. While the lulling narration by Bush and two exiled Tibetans is informative, it doesn't quite fill the gap. Rated: 2.5/4 Sep 29, 2006 Full Review Dennis Schwartz Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews Beautifully photographed in dazzling colors and with hypnotic chanting music... . Rated: A+ Oct 31, 2007 Full Review Phil Hall Film Threat Not only the year's best documentary, but it is also among the finest films ever made about religion. Rated: 5/5 Nov 8, 2006 Full Review Andrew Wright The Stranger (Seattle, WA) However honorable the intent, Bush's epic journey carries all the raw, visceral excitement of watching someone else's holiday slides. Oct 12, 2006 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Audience Member I loved this movie. I'm sad that eastern culture was not covered in my college humanities class. I have a lot to catch up on. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/26/23 Full Review Audience Member Like traveling to Tibet and taking a guided tour rather than being a documentary, although mediocre it is informative, beautiful and cultural. Communist China's repressive regime, their suppression of Tibetan Buddhism, re-education to Nationalism and Patriotism like that of post-war Vietnam, is atrocious, especially concidering Tibetans desire religious and cultural freedom and not necessarily independence as a state. I also agree with the review by Robert Birkenes. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/31/23 Full Review Audience Member This is a sad, beautiful, and educational film. A must-see for students of Buddhism and those who are interested in Tibet and China. Even if you think you know all about these subjects, this film will show you something new. However, I was disappointed that there was relatively little explanation of the substance of Vajrayana Buddhism, which is deep with wisdom and amazing teachings. Without translating the chanting, without explaining what the monks were transcribing, without explaining the history... one is left with the impression that this could just be a cult or another religion with its crazy prostration, candles, and other rituals. There is more to Tibetan Buddhism than that, but the viewer would not know from this movie. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/10/23 Full Review Audience Member Fascinating voyage into the recent history of Tibetan Buddhism and how it's ancient traditions have been affected by that country's invasion and occupation by the Chinese communists. Absorbing narrative and beautiful cinematography accompanied by a mesmerizing soundtrack make this an informative and highly enjoyable experience. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/01/23 Full Review Audience Member Important film. Very beautiful movie. Om Mani Peme Hung! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/16/23 Full Review Audience Member This documentary feature is a cinematic pilgrimage to some of the most revered venues and festivals Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/11/23 Full Review Read all reviews
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Vajra Sky Over Tibet

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Movie Info

Synopsis Buddhist documentarian John Bush travels throughout Tibet, celebrating the history and persistence of Vajrayana, the Tibetan form of Buddhism. After their 1949 takeover of the country, the Chinese temporarily forbid religious practices, destroying or defacing many temples, statues and other pieces of iconography. With many of the bans lifted, Bush tours the country, recording surviving and restored artifacts while watching the population quietly observing their faith.
Director
John Bush
Producer
John Bush
Screenwriter
John Bush
Production Co
Direct Pictures
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Nov 29, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$45.1K
Runtime
1h 27m
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