Medatative story of a monk in search of enlightenment.

Based upon a novel which is based upon the life of a monk named Dogen who left Japan and traveled to China. He returned to Japan bringing with him a form of Zen teaching.

A good film that I think is going to be of interest to people with an interest in Zen and Buddhism. Others I think are going to be bored and wonder what its all about.

If there are any real flaws its some of the visual motifs-the moon for example are used a bit too much.

If you're interested in the subject give it a go.

Just said wow after a watch, this was the true masterpiece. One of a must see biography movie from Japan. This movie is more than entertainment, about life, faith, honesty. It sets in time 12th century when Japan is obsessed with the evil power by the strong and powerful samurais where poor people pays for it when they are suffering from poverty.

It was the story of Dogen Zenj, a Japanese monk who brought the true Buddhism to his country. You might remember the Indian monk Bodhidharma, father of Shaolin who passed Hindu herbal medicine system and martial arts to China. In this case it was like similar quest by an another person from the Japan. The movie tells a young man from Japan travel to China in order to find and learn the true Buddhism and take back to his country to spread it among his people.

The movie was inspiring, Dogen Zenj is one of a great man lived on the earth. I am not a religious type but I liked this movie very much. This movie might be about Buddhism but there is a lot everyone to learn from it. You no need to travel to India to discover yourself or if you are already in India (an Indian),this life story of Zen master Dogen will teach something good. Some scenes and its meanings were so good especially when Dogen handles his ruler (king) and when he sends a mother of a dying baby to everyone's house in the village. Hope you will love it as much I did.

From my experience movies on the lives of spiritual masters, saints etc. tend to be dry with poor actors, dull photography and boring scores. This is clearly an exception to the rule. Yes you do need to be a little interested in the topic and it certainly helps to have a little Zen background to really appreciate it in it's entirety. That said I'm pretty sure that any true movie lover will thoroughly appreciate the breathtaking scenery, exquisite photography and acting. The main actor who plays Master Dogen is truly amazing. I don't think it's simple task to portray the life of a spiritual master with such power and realism (starting from early monk-hood all the way to enlightenment). The story itself is quite fascinating and could even serve as an introduction to Zen and the concept of enlightenment. Nine out of Zen stars :)