The story is about the life and times of the great (perhaps the greatest) zen monk in Japanese history: Dogen.Dogen's origin is not well known, but what he's become in his later life is part of the Japanese history and culture. The movie is an attempt to portray his life. I'm not sure how much of this story is based on fact. Dogen is the founder of Japanese Soto zen sect which he brought back from China. None of these background information are elaborated in this movie which I think makes this movie miss its point.It's based on a biographical novel of Dogen by Tetsuo Ootani who himself is a Soto zen monk. I don't know anything about the novel, but since it's supposed to be the life story of Dogen, I believe this movie should reflect that also. However, perhaps the producers have bit off more than they can chew because I find this movie very incomplete whether looking from Buddhistic point of view, or biographic point of view. How did Dogen arrive at his view of zen Buddhism should at least be highlighted, but none of that is shown in this movie. I believe that the producers didn't know anything about the subject that they were putting on the big screen. It shows on the choppy way the story advances.The producers, and also the actors were not the caliber that could describe a story of this magnitude.Good attempt but fail of a production from the aforementioned reasons.

This is a very interesting movie. And it runs rather deep into the culture and religious background of Japan around the 12th century.I know a bit about Buddhism and the Chinese culture and so this movies comes as quite a stunner. The simplicity of it is incredulous. Starting with a young boy seeking Buddhism because of his mother and later meeting a wise man on the road; ending with a girl taught by Dogen teaching young children to understand Buddha and walking on the same road. Everything comes full circle. Like the teaching from Buddha. And the idea of Dogen's new Buddhism is also very simple. Sit. Meditate. Give up other thoughts and focus on experiencing the Buddha in you. Which brings us to the core differences in values between the Eastern and Western culture. The eastern (Chinese/Japanese) way is to self reflect and discover the inner self and in time discover the goodness in yourself. The western way, however, men are sinners from birth and need to rely on a supernatural source to convert the person, making men good.One of the more important themes of the movie is influencing other people and passing on the wisdom and knowledge. Like a spark it grows into a larger flame and its heat draws more and more people in. There are quite a few subplots on that theme and they are executed very well and ties onto the circle flawlessly.There are however quite a lot of references and symbolic meanings (for instance, butterflies and moths are considered spirits) that people who have no experience with the Chinese/Japanese culture may not understand, which may make the movie less inspiring than it is.

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 :)

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.