Crazy Wisdom: The Life & Times of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche (2011)

Crazy Wisdom is the long-awaited feature documentary to explore the life, teachings, and "crazy wisdom" of Chogyam Trungpa, Rinpoche, a pivotal figure in bringing Tibetan Buddhism to the ... See full summary »

Director:

Johanna Demetrakas

Stars:

Pema Chodron, Ram Dass, Allen Ginsberg

Cast

Credited cast:
Pema Chodron
Ram Dass
Allen Ginsberg	...	(archive footage)
Diana Mukpo
Gesar Mukpo
Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche
Robert Thurman

Storyline

Crazy Wisdom is the long-awaited feature documentary to explore the life, teachings, and "crazy wisdom" of Chogyam Trungpa, Rinpoche, a pivotal figure in bringing Tibetan Buddhism to the West. Called a genius, rascal, and social visionary; 'one of the greatest spiritual teachers of the 20th century,' and 'the bad boy of Buddhism,' Trungpa defied categorization. Raised and trained in the rigorous Tibetan monastic tradition, Trungpa came to the West and shattered our preconceived notions about how an enlightened teacher should behave - he openly smoked, drank, and had intimate relations with students - yet his teachings are recognized as authentic, vast, and influential. Twenty years after his death, with unprecedented access and exclusive archival material, Crazy Wisdom looks at the man and the myths about him, and attempts to set the record straight.

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Plot Keywords:

buddhism | tibet

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Genres:

Documentary

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

Tibetan English

Release Date:

25 November 2011 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Canada

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$10,304 (USA) (18 November 2011)

Gross:

$80,752 (USA) (3 August 2012)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Crazy Wisdom Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

86 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

User Reviews

Excellent documentary on Trungpa

I'll see this one over and over. Great job done by Johanna and her son (et. al.) As I recall, Johanna and her husband were students of Trungpa and so were present to shoot a lot of footage of Trungpa in various locations. Don't worry, this is NOT a spoiler: There is a scene where Trungpa and another man finish a flower sculpture - I believe its called Ichibana. In the scene, when they have finished and are bowing, be sure to keep your eyes on the flowers until the end of the scene. This film shows Trungpa's eccentricities as well as his deep understanding of the dharma. I am not sure why such a terrific film is not yet in wide distribution. As well, PBS and HBO documentaries, ought to screen it. Don't miss it!!