About the book
In 1989, the same year the Dalai Lama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, a decade-long boom of films dedicated to Buddhist people, history, and culture began. Offering the first scholarly treatment of Buddhism and cinema, the editors advise that there are two kinds of Buddhist film: those that are about Buddhists and those that are not. Focusing on contemporary American offerings, the contributors extend a two-pronged approach, discussing how Buddhism has been captured by directors and presenting Buddhist-oriented critiques of the worlds represented in films that would seem to have no connection with Buddhism. Films discussed range from those set in Tibet, such as Kundun and Lost Horizon, to those set well outside of any Buddhist milieu, such as Groundhog Day and The Matrix. The contributors explain the Buddhist theoretical concepts that emerge in these works, including karma, the bardo, and reincarnation, and consider them in relation to interpretive strategies that include feminism, postcolonialism, and contemplative psychological approaches.
Editions of Buddhism and American Cinema
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781438453491
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781438453507
- PDF
- ISBN 9781438453514
Read an Excerpt
In 1989, the same year the Dalai Lama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, a decade-long boom of films dedicated to Buddhist people, history, and culture began. Offering the first scholarly treatment of Buddhism and cinema, the editors advise that there are two kinds of Buddhist film: those that are about Buddhists and those that are not. Focusing on contemporary American offerings, the contributors extend a two-pronged approach, discussing how Buddhism has been captured by directors and presenting Buddhist-oriented critiques of the worlds represented in films that would seem to have no connection with Buddhism. Films discussed range from those set in Tibet, such as Kundun and Lost Horizon, to those set well outside of any Buddhist milieu, such as Groundhog Day and The Matrix. The contributors explain the Buddhist theoretical concepts that emerge in these works, including karma, the bardo, and reincarnation, and consider them in relation to interpretive strategies that include feminism, postcolonialism, and contemplative psychological approaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Buddhism and American Cinema about?
In 1989, the same year the Dalai Lama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, a decade-long boom of films dedicated to Buddhist people, history, and culture began. Offering the first scholarly treatment of Buddhism and cinema, the editors advise that there are two kinds of Buddhist film: those that are about Buddhists and those that are not. Focusing on contemporary American offerings, the contributors extend a two-pronged approach, discussing how Buddhism has been captured by directors and presenting Buddhist-oriented critiques of the worlds represented in films that would seem to have no connection with Buddhism. Films discussed range from those set in Tibet, such as Kundun and Lost Horizon, to those set well outside of any Buddhist milieu, such as Groundhog Day and The Matrix. The contributors explain the Buddhist theoretical concepts that emerge in these works, including karma, the bardo, and reincarnation, and consider them in relation to interpretive strategies that include feminism, postcolonialism, and contemplative psychological approaches.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Buddhism and American Cinema?
Philosophy and Religion > Religion and beliefs > Buddhism
Where can I read a sample of Buddhism and American Cinema?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781438453491
How long is Buddhism and American Cinema and how many pages does it have?
Buddhism and American Cinema has 273 page(s)
Is Buddhism and American Cinema part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series SUNY series in Buddhism and American Culture
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Buddhism and American Cinema?
Gary Storhoff, John Whalen-Bridge
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Buddhism and American Cinema is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781438453491) and paperback(ISBN 9781438453507) and pdf(ISBN 9781438453514)
Where can I buy Buddhism and American Cinema online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Buddhism and American Cinema from below
Where can I buy Buddhism and American Cinema?