Brilliant Moon

An admiring portrait of Tibetan Buddhist master Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche (1910–1991)—revered for his teaching skill, preservation and transmission of classic religious literature, and overall kindness and decency—writer-director Neten Chokling's (a student of Khyentse's) Brilliant Moon, co-narrated by Richard Gere and Lou Reed, interweaves archival footage, animated sequences, and excerpts from interviews with relatives, fellow monks, and former students. The documentary covers Khyentse's childhood, entrance into the monastic life and years as a hermit and teacher of dharma, escape from Tibet in 1959 after the Chinese takeover, and settlement in Bhutan as a guest of the royal family. From here, the film looks at Khyentse's life in exile, touching on his trips to the West, uncanny rapport with students and larger audiences, work as a mentor (to the Dalai Lama, among others), and writings, which include his autobiography Brilliant Moon (a translation of his monastic name). The documentary also identifies the boy in whom Khyentse is believed to be reincarnated. A sound tribute to a remarkable man, likely to appeal to those interested in Buddhism and Tibetan history, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)