MISSION: JOY. FINDING HAPPINESS IN TROUBLED TIMES
US, 2022, 90 minutes, Colour.
The Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, Doug Abrams.
Directed by Louie Psihoyos, Peggy Callahan.
A genial documentary that almost needs no review. For those who have followed the life and mission of the Dalai Lama over many decades, for those who have followed the life and mission of Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his fight against apartheid, this documentary about their meeting in Dharamsala in 2015, the occasion of the Dalai Lama’s 80th birthday, it is a wonderful opportunity to see the two men in their old age, see the bond of friendship between them, listen to the reflections on joy, suffering, human nature. And their laughter, especially the exuberant laughter of Desmond Tutu.
For those unfamiliar with the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu, it is a fine opportunity to get to know them.
While the occasion is the meeting in Dharamsala, author Doug Abrams takes the opportunity to interview the two as well as offer them a Q&A opportunity with the young people, especially from the Tibetan community in exile.
As background to the comments by each of the two men, there are visuals of the history of Tibet, the Buddhist tradition, the origins of the Dalai Lama and the continuity of succession, the invasion by China, the exile to India. So much of it is done with striking animation. And there is animation for the story of Desmond Tutu, the visuals of the violence of apartheid, the hate comments, the Truth and Reconciliation commission, and the background to the Archbishop’s growing up. One of the significant talking heads of this film is the Archbishop’s daughter, Mpho Tutu van Furth. Also significant is a Buddhist, Thupan Jenpa, formerly a monk, but who left the monastery for further study and is a key translator as well as adviser to the Dalai Lama.
There are also some signs interludes with medical experts and the interest of the Dalai Lama in well-being and how it affects the human body.
The two men obviously enjoy each other’s company, the Archbishop calling the Dalai Lama mischievous, and the two enjoying teasing one another – and no hesitation in laughing out loud. At one stage, Desmond Tutu almost persuades the Dalai Lama to join him in the African style of joyful dancing!
A 90 minute opportunity to see two of the significant religious leaders of the 20th century.
