runamokprods Complex. moving, thought provoking and beautifully shot, with a great score.I struggled a bit philosophically at first while watching, since I've been trained in a more western tradition of Buddhism, and don't take the concept of reincarnation literally. And I had an even harder time seeing a tiny child taken from it's family with no say as to his fate. But then I realized that the documentary – which is told without narration – isn't taking sides on whether reincarnation is real, whether this child actually is the reincarnation of the former llama (there are some moments that seem to actively raise question, where it looks like the boy may being guided to give the right answers). It's simply displaying a way of life and a tradition that has gone on for hundreds of years. One that includes the cruelty of separating a child and his family, but that has also led to such important figures as the current Dali Llama, who has done so much for world peace. And, in turn that leads to bigger, important questions about how we raise children. If we never forced children directions against their will at times, we might never have some of our greatest figures in religion, leadership, arts, etc. But in doing so, do we also in some way harm the soul of that child? Where is the line between freedom and tradition? These are important questions, and the film raises them with skill and grace, without attempting to force an easy answer.It's also the very emotional journey of the young monk charged with the difficult and uncertain task of finding the reincarnation of the man he loved and served for many years. Whether your beliefs, you can't help but care for this charismatic and vulnerable monk on his physically, emotionally and spiritually challenging journey.

Michael Day To what degree do we have a duty to society at large? This is one of many questions that are likely to stir in your mind when reflecting on this film. What more could you ask of a documentary except that it expand your knowledge of the world and make you think more about what you already knew and what it means, all while showing you inspiring footage of some of the most dramatic landscapes our planet has to offer?Simply told, cleanly edited, with little cinematic analysis and no pedantic voice-over Unmistaken Child presents a fascinating view into Tibetan Buddhism very worth seeing.And unless you have a trip to Nepal or Tibet scheduled for the near future, see it on the largest screen possible. The dramatic landscape plays a very strong supporting role to the true dramatis personae - the culture nurtured in its valleys beneath the roof of the world - and the social reality that unfolds in this unique region.

razmatazern Unmistaken Child is a beautiful film! Traveling along with Tenzin Zopa through the hills and fields is very enjoyable. It felt like I was actually there, experiencing the journey with him. I thought it would be impossible for a single man to find THE one little boy that could not be mistaken for anyone other than the reincarnate of Geshe Lama Konchog. However, while watching the film, I began to believe that Tenzin was actually capable of the task that he was assigned. He knew what he needed to do to accomplish the task, and he had loads of patience and determination to find the one little boy. Learning the process of searching for the reincarnate of the deceased lama is very interesting and beautiful. I think everybody could find something interesting about this film because it's an insightful look into the world of reincarnation and Buddhism.

Gethin Van Haanrath A very interesting documentary about the search for the reincarnation of a Buddhist Lama. Everything is shown on camera, including the search for the reincarnated Lama. The search eventually ends when a 2 year old is chosen to be the reincarnated lama. The process is quite interesting and I couldn't help but wonder what the 2 year old was thinking during the whole thing. Was it all just a game to him to identify his previous belongings? The parents of the little Lama are also torn between giving up their son and honouring their faith. I guess it's not a challenging prediction to guess which one they choose. The pain in their faces is obvious when they have to give up their son to a bunch of men in robes.The little boy is interesting and intelligent but you have to wonder about his future and whether he really had any choice in the matter. There's no narration in the movie and both sides are shown pretty fairly. Occasionally the little boy does say things that makes him look like a Lama but then there are times which make him look like a little boy. Even when he's acting like a Lama I have a hard time not believing he's just playing pretend. He's 2 and doesn't really know the motivations of the adult world.Take a kid at 2 and it's very easy to brainwash him and turn him into whatever you want. This is one of the nastier parts of what is otherwise seen to be as a very benign religion.