Mission: Joy (Finding Happiness in Troubled Times)

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Mission: Joy (Finding Happiness in Troubled Times)

2021

1h 30m

Documentary

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Popcornmeter

83%

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6 Reviews

100%

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Fewer than 50 Ratings

Inspired by New York Times bestseller The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World, the film showcases the exchange between these two Nobel Peace Prize winners that led to that book. Consisting largely of never-before-seen footage shot over 5 days at the Dalai Lama's residence in Dharamsala, the film invites viewers to join these luminaries behind the scenes as they recount stories from their lives, each having lived through periods of incredible difficulty and strife. With genuine affection, mutual respect and a healthy dose of teasing, these unlikely friends impart lessons gleaned from lived experience, ancient traditions, and the latest cutting-edge science regarding how to live with joy in the face of all of life's challenges from the extraordinary to the mundane. MISSION: JOY is an antidote for the times.

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Hugo Rifkind

The Times (UK)

The idea of a feature-length film about the friendship between Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama seemed as if it should be simply fascinating. It wasn’t, though. It was dull.

Feb 28, 2022

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Carol Midgley

The Times (UK)

The documentary lasted 80 minutes but the message was beautifully succinct.

Rated: 4/5

Feb 28, 2022

Full Review

Nick Schager

Variety

It's an uplifting look at two revolutionary forces for good, although its appeal will largely depend on viewers' tolerance for familiar history lessons and generic (if valid) views on contentment, anger and forgiveness.

Jun 15, 2021

Full Review

Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

Here’s a doc that makes the viewer want to learn more about the subject and take proactive steps toward bringing joy to the world. How many films can say that?

Rated: 3.5/4

May 18, 2022

Full Review

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat

Spirituality & Practice

Two spiritual masters of the practice of joy in conversation about its relevance to our times.

Rated: 4/5

Jun 27, 2021

Full Review

Ricardo Gallegos

La Estatuilla

It works thanks to clever editing and the optimistic atmosphere generated by two wonderful human beings with a message of compassion and joy. [Full Review in Spanish]

Jun 21, 2021

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Carolyn H

Role models for true leadership: what a friendship! Pure joy & such laughter despite their different faiths .. super inspiring to witness what's possible for our world.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/13/23

Full Review

Gina C

It is beautiful to see two amazing humans from very different backgrounds show us how we should all measure people by the kindness, their positive look on life, their caring actions, their ability to laugh and enjoy life.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/01/23

Full Review

Audience Member

This is an awesome film for when you need Joy in your life. It's one of those films that's more about life than about film.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/14/23

Full Review

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Louie Psihoyos

Director

Peggy Callahan

Director

Desmond Tutu

Actor

Dalai Lama

Actor

Peggy Callahan

Producer

Mark Monroe

Producer

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Synopsis

Inspired by New York Times bestseller The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World, the film showcases the exchange between these two Nobel Peace Prize winners that led to that book. Consisting largely of never-before-seen footage shot over 5 days at the Dalai Lama's residence in Dharamsala, the film invites viewers to join these luminaries behind the scenes as they recount stories from their lives, each having lived through periods of incredible difficulty and strife. With genuine affection, mutual respect and a healthy dose of teasing, these unlikely friends impart lessons gleaned from lived experience, ancient traditions, and the latest cutting-edge science regarding how to live with joy in the face of all of life's challenges from the extraordinary to the mundane. MISSION: JOY is an antidote for the times.

Director: Louie Psihoyos, Peggy Callahan
Producer: Peggy Callahan, Mark Monroe
Production Co: The Film Collaborative, Diamond Docs, Voices4Freedom, Artemis Rising Foundation, John Templeton Foundation
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Runtime: 1h 30m

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