Entertainment
Martin Scorsese’s Controversial Film “Kundun” Remains Hidden by Disney
The Master Filmmaker's Unseen Gem
Martin Scorsese is known for his incredible talent and the impact he has made on Hollywood. At 80 years old, Scorsese's latest film, "Killers of the Flower Moon," is highly anticipated for the upcoming awards season. However, Scorsese recently expressed that his creative window may be closing, making every new film from him even more valuable. Except for one film that is all but locked away from fans and critics alike.
The Hidden Gem: "Kundun"
In 1997, Scorsese released "Kundun," a film that took him into unexpected territory. Known for his depictions of violence and human frailty, Scorsese delved into the story of the 14th Dalai Lama. However, the film didn't resonate with audiences and only earned $5.6 million at the box office in the US. Despite receiving four Oscar nominations, it failed to win any major awards.
Disney's Tepid Release
One of the reasons for the lackluster reception of "Kundun" was Disney's handling of the film. The studio, which produced the movie, released it with little fanfare and limited screenings. This decision was made due to China's anger towards the film, as it considers the Dalai Lama a "threat." Disney, eager to maintain good relations with China, didn't want the film to hinder potential business deals.
Disney's Deal with China
In an effort to appease China, Disney's CEO met with Chinese premier Zhu Rongji to discuss plans for a Disney theme park in China. He apologized for the existence of "Kundun" and promised to prevent similar incidents in the future. China essentially forced Disney to submit to their demands before allowing the release of "Mulan" in China the following year. Disney had to buy distribution rights to Chinese films and hire a Chinese performance group to promote "Mulan" in Europe.
The Cultural Banishment of "Kundun"
Today, "Kundun" remains hidden from the public. It is not available on Disney+, and physical copies of the film are hard to find. Even the film's trailer is scarce, with no official trailers found on YouTube. The Foundation for Economic Education (FEE) investigated the film's cultural banishment and concluded that it has been erased from memory.
Disney's History of Hiding Inconvenient Films
"Kundun" is not the only film that Disney has kept out of sight. In 2006, ABC aired "The Path to 9/11," a miniseries that portrayed the US government, including the Clinton administration, in a negative light regarding the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Despite strong ratings, the miniseries was never aired again and remains unavailable on any streaming platform or physical format. Many believe Disney buried the film to protect Democrats from blame.
Will Scorsese's Most Canceled Film Be Addressed?
As Scorsese gears up for the awards season with "Killers of the Flower Moon," it remains to be seen if any journalist will ask him about his most canceled film. The censorship of "Kundun" may be considered old news, but it is a significant part of Scorsese's filmography that deserves more attention.
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