His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama has, since his forced exile from his homeland in 1959, been credited as an author of over 100 books and appeared in dozens of international documentary films (including the strange Russian film, Sunrise/Sunset, released in 2008), not to mention the fictionalizations of his life shaped by Martin Scorsese and Brad Pitt. Still, The Great 14th, which aired on PBS stations throughout 2022, manages to give a novel look at His Holiness’ well-documented life, precisely because it does not directly concern itself with his public image nor frame itself through an editorial lens. Rather, it sits back and lets the man himself tell the story.
Told in a brisk but elegant 80 minutes, the film revolves around a long interview with His Holiness, supplemented by a breadth of archival footage, including remarkable scenery of life in Tibet prior to the Chinese invasion. As His Holiness tells us of his childhood friendships with workers in the Potala Palace — whom he affectionately refers to in his broken English as “the sweepers” — we watch the men in their long black robes carrying flowers all in formation from the palace. The scene and others dissolve some of the distance we might feel from him as a public person, giving us a sense of his personal story through the images that flow from his own memory.
He only gives us his biography up to the moment of his exile in Dharamsala, India when he was twenty-three years old. For the rest of the film, he speaks in general terms about the ideas and principles that guide his everyday choices. He offers, for example, a full explanation of his 2011 decision to dissolve the office of the Dalai Lama of its political authority, explaining that a democratic system would better serve the Tibetan people in the long term, while also preserving the office’s spiritual integrity — something of key importance to the roughly 150,000 Tibetans spread across 40 countries around the world.
Throughout the film, His Holiness demonstrates his unforced yet uncanny ability to balance the needs of Tibetan culture and people while also the broader global community who follow his words and deeds. In one lengthy section, he explains his consistent emphasis on “religious harmony” and “secular ethics,” in spite of his position as the leader of a longstanding religious tradition. “I never attempt to propagate Buddhism,” he tells us. “No, never…to pray that all seven billion human beings should become Buddhist, I think is wrong.”
If one sincerely believes in helping others, that means one should support other traditions and institutions that can lead to their happiness according to their mentality. “That the 7 billion human beings should be happy is very realistic,” he concludes with his elegant simplicity. “That the 7 billion human beings should become believers, I don’t know.”
However, we do not at all get the sense that in purporting this view he has diminished his Buddhist conviction. We see him in his daily meditation ritual, which he begins at 3:30 in the morning for a 4-5 hour session. He recalls dreams in which Avalokiteshvara, the Buddhist deity whose reincarnation he represents, speaks to him directly.
In a moving moment towards the film’s end, he offers an explanation of the Boddhisattva vow, his primary guiding principle in his day-to-day life. “[I will] try as much as I can to make some contribution for inner peace as long as space remains. That’s my daily prayer…So long as sentient beings’ suffering remains, I will remain and try to make a little contribution for peace of mind.”
One can debate over the results of his efforts, but the film leaves an indelible impression of a man who at 88 years old has done and continues to do all he can for as long as he can to help those he’s in a position to help.
What type of library programming could use this title?
This film would be highly suitable for programming on Tibetan history and culture and the Dalai Lama in particular, as both the footage and the stories he tells give a sense of this history that many other documentaries might not.
What academic subjects would this film be suitable for?
This film would be suitable for students of Tibetan history and culture as well as students of Buddhism, who will be able to see how HHDL applies his Buddhist practice to his public ideas and decisions.
Does this film have Public Performance Rights available?
Yes, the fee is $350.
Additional Production Details
Director/Writer/Producer: Rosemary Rawcliffe
Line Producer: Holly Hine
Cinematographer: Peter McCandless
Editor/Colorist: Ibon Olaskoaga
Editors: Elizabeth Ray, Holly Hine, Rosemary Rawcliffe
Composer: Tom Disher
82 minutes | DVD and Blu-ray release: 2023
10 subtitle languages on DVD and Blu-ray: English, Chinese (Traditional), Chinese (Simplified), French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Tibetan, Russian
22 subtitle languages available for streaming: English, Arabic, Burmese, Cambodian (Khmer), Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), French, German, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Malay, Mongolian, Nepali, Portuguese (Brazil), Russian, Spanish (Latin America), Thai, Tibetan, and Vietnamese.
Rosemary Rawcliffe | Director, Writer, Producer
Rosemary Rawcliffe is an EMMY® award-winning consultant and executive producer, producer, and director with lifelong international experience in television, advertising, film, video, and theatrical production. As a humanitarian, she has a lifelong commitment to creating films that emphasize human rights and tell stories from the female perspective. When Rosemary moved to the United States from her native England, she founded Frame of Mind Films to continue her work in America and her passion for producing stories that bear witness to spirit, hope, and courage. Rosemary's previous films include the Emmy-winning Women of Tibet: A Quiet Revolution (2008) and Women of Tibet: Gyalyum Chemo - The Great Mother (2006).
Reactions to The Great 14th
The Great 14th is unlike any other film about his life
Narrating his own story, he opens a window for us to peer into his deepest thoughts and feelings about the challenges and accomplishments he experienced personally and as the secular and religious leader of Tibet." - Jacqueline Gens
More than an adoration
"What I loved about this film, which my partner and I watched twice during the free period, was that the Dalai Lama's thoughts on so many subjects are now on record, along with the beautiful, clear way he understands and sees the world. Even if he were an ordinary person, which he clearly is not, the qualities shown here are so educational and encouraging, that that alone, not curiosity or devotion, make this film so valuable to see." - Lauri Denyer
Incredible footage
"This is the best doco I've watched about HH life. Incredibly well put together. And hearing only HH's words throughout the doco is very moving. Thank you a million times over for the people who have brought this incredible doco to life." - S. McGrane
Beautiful editing!!!
"Never have I seen such a clear depiction of what truly resides in the Dalai Lamas's history, mind, and heart up to our current times. This film captures the humor, honesty, determination and spirit of this beloved humble icon." - Karena Leeds
Wow, Amazingly well put together!!
"Loved every moment of this documentary, What a legend!! Probably the best movie I've ever seen that showcases His Holiness The Dalai Lama's life." - Ziggy Heuer
10/10 An Oscar-Quality Film
trishthompsonasia | 1 July 2020
"Beautiful and moving film of historical significance. At 85, HHDL is sharp and witty and wise. The filmmakers did their research. With the exception of a couple of shots, the footage is new to even the most avid followers of His Holiness, and includes fresh images, as well as fresh information regarding Potala Palace intrigue and the early years before being forced to escape Tibet. This is a film to watch again and again."
10/10 Utterly Compelling
angiemstewart | 27 June 2020
"Hearing the 14th Dalai Lama talk about his life is just wonderful and the old movie footage of him as a young boy and as a young man is simply amazing."