Movie Opening Dates & Locations Movie Reviews More about Milarepa & film clips Press kit, stories, pictures, & biography of Neten Chokling Rinpoche Interview with Neten Chokling Rinpoche

MILAREPA: Magician, Murderer, Saint A New Movie Directed by Tibetan Lama Neten Chokling Rinpoche Opening in theatres September 7th. Debut showing at the Cinema Village in New York City! Nine hundred years after his death, the visionary, sorcerer, saint, and poet Milarepa remains one of Tibet’s greatest mystics. . . Together with a small group of monks and dharma friends Neten Chokling Rinpoche has made a bold, first feature film—Milarepa: Magician, Murderer, Saint—his rendition of the life story of Milarepa, Tibet's most beloved spiritual figure. Milarepa depicts the humble beginnings of the man who was to become Tibet's greatest saint. A true story based on centuries-old oral traditions, a youthful Milarepa is propelled into a world of sorrow and betrayal after his father's sudden death. Destitute and hopeless, he sets out to learn black magic—and exact revenge on his enemies—encountering magicians, demons, an enigmatic teacher and unexpected mystical power along the way. But it is in confrontation with the consequences of his anger that he learns the most. A classic tale of revenge and redemption with a uniquely Buddhist ending. Long before he was Tibet's greatest yogi, a young Milarepa wrestles with betrayal, masters black magic, destroys a village and confronts demons—and his own conscience—in a tale of awakening that has inspired millions, for over 1,000 years.

Reviews:

"I cry, weep, and feel a strong sense of faith each time I read or hear the story of Milarepa, the great yogi of Tibet."—His Holiness the Dalai Lama

"A masterful portrait of Tibet's most illustrious saint whose life and enlightenment is an inspiration for today's world."—Sogyal Rinpoche

"Milarepa's story is accessible to anyone because we've all been in his shoes—we've all suffered from our mistakes and then sought a better solution to our problems."—Pema Chodron, author of When Things Fall Apart

"Milarepa weaves a dazzling spell, entrancing us in a realm of wonder—even as it grips us in its portrayal of the darkness within the human heart. This is cinematic magic."—Daniel Goleman, author of Social Intelligence

"A life transforming spiritual awakening."—Tara Bennet-Goleman, author of Emotional Alchemy

"Strong performances and gorgeous production values...thoroughly convincing...a life-transforming spiritual awakening..."—Screen International at the Berlinale

"A transcendently beautiful and moving account of the life of the 11th century Tibetan saint, written and directed with graceful assurance by Neten Cholding, a Tibetan lama making an auspicious feature filmmaking debut."—Timothy Knight, REEL.COM

"A must-see for... Tibet-supporters or fans of mythic filmmaking in general, Milarepa is a compelling and thoughtful spiritual bio-fable.... Gorgeous scenery and memorable philosophical gems round out this satisfying package."—J.T. Monday Magazine, Victoria, BC

"The life story of Milarepa is a profoundly inspiring example of how—no matter how deluded—the human mind has an extraordinary capacity to be transformed"—Screen International

"Milarepa has all the entertainment value of The Cup and Travellers and Magicians, plus it is filled with Buddhist spiritual teaching that is never heavy-handed."—Howard Schumann, Talking Pictures

"Neten Chokling brings us this powerful rendition of a traditional story which judiciously combines modern technology with simple natural means to create an otherworldly effect which is truly magical."—Victoria Independent Film and Video Festival Reviews

Opening Dates:
(more locations coming--see link below)