Movie

Kundun

“The destiny of a people lies in the heart of a boy.”

★ 6.8(495)19972h 14m

Kundun isn't available to stream, rent or buy in United States right now. Availability changes often, so check back soon. Availability checked 9 June 2026.

Where to watch Kundun

🇺🇸 United States

No streaming, rental or purchase options are listed in United States right now. Availability changes often — try switching your region in the header.

Streaming in other regions

🇫🇷 FR🇰🇷 KR🇳🇿 NZ

Good to know

Director: Martin Scorsese
Release date: 1997-12-25
Runtime: 2h 14m
Language: English
Box office: $5,684,789
Budget: $28,000,000
Status: Released
Country: United States of America
Studio: Touchstone Pictures

Kundun — trailer

About Kundun

Kundun is a 1997 movie in the Drama and History genres, directed by Martin Scorsese, starring Tenzin Thuthob Tsarong, Tencho Gyalpo and Tsewang Migyur Khangsar. It has a runtime of 2 hours 14 minutes. It holds an average rating of 6.8/10 from 495 viewers. Below you can see where to watch Kundun in United States — across streaming, rental and purchase options — along with the full cast, trailer and viewer reviews.

Synopsis

The Tibetans refer to the Dalai Lama as 'Kundun', which means 'The Presence'. He was forced to escape from his native home, Tibet, when communist China invaded and enforced an oppressive regime upon the peaceful nation. The Dalai Lama escaped to India in 1959 and has been living in exile in Dharamsala ever since.

Cast

Tenzin Thuthob Tsarong

Dalai Lama (Adult)

Tencho Gyalpo

Mother

Tsewang Migyur Khangsar

Father

Gyurme Tethong

Dalai Lama (Age 12)

Robert Lin

Chairman Mao

Tulku Jamyang Kunga Tenzin

Dalai Lama (Age 5)

Tenzin Yeshi Paichang

Dalai Lama (Aged 2)

Tenzin Topjar

Lobsang (5-10)

Tenzin Lodoe

Takster

Geshi Yeshi Gyatso

Lama of Sera

Losang Gyatso

The messenger

Sonam Phuntsok

Reting Rinpoche

Themes & keywords

chinabuddhismbuddhist monkmountaintibetlhasabuddha

Frequently asked questions

Where can I watch Kundun in United States?+

Kundun is not currently listed on any streaming, rental or purchase service in United States. Availability changes often, so check back or switch your region.

Is Kundun on Netflix?+

Kundun is not on Netflix in United States right now.

How long is Kundun?+

Kundun has a runtime of 2 hours 14 minutes (134 minutes).

Who stars in Kundun?+

Kundun stars Tenzin Thuthob Tsarong, Tencho Gyalpo, Tsewang Migyur Khangsar, Gyurme Tethong and Robert Lin.

When did Kundun come out?+

Kundun is a 1997 movie directed by Martin Scorsese.

What genre is Kundun?+

Kundun is Drama and History film.

Who directed Kundun?+

Kundun was directed by Martin Scorsese.