Director: Louie Psihoyos, Peggy Callahan
Starring: The Dalai Lama, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Doug Abrams
Distributor: Other
Runtime: 90 mins. Reviewed in Sep 2022
Reviewer: Fr Peter Malone msc

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Rating notes: Mild themes and violence

An exploration of the remarkable friendship between Archbishop Desmond Tutu and His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

A genial documentary that almost needs no review. This documentary is about the meeting of the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, in Dharamsala in 2015, at 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 and 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. 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, South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and the background to the Archbishop’s growing up. One of the significant contributors to 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.

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.

https://wonder.watch/mission-joy