Buddha's Lost Children

This true story really is as the caption says: "a breathtaking true story of compassion and tough love". Even if you have no passion for Buddhism or Thailand, as one might expect you'd need to have, this film is a must see. This little community in the remote hills of Northern Thailand is not portrayed as exotic and alien, but instead brought to life with a pallet of our most familiar human emotions. Mark Verkerk follows their struggles and joys through an observational style of storytelling, allowing you to look and discover for yourself this spectacular world. In this way you are given an insight into the lives not only of the fascinating character of the Abbot Phra Kru Ba, but more importantly into the lives of the novices; the lost children of this troubled border region. You can hardly not be moved by this gorgeous portrait. These characters undoubtedly will enrich your life with their joy for life, compassion, strength, wisdom and stunning smiles.

Buddha's Lost Children manages to suck you right into the lives of its main characters. Director Verkerk and cameraman Heijnen were able to enter the "realm" of monk Phra Khru Bah and film him and his novices skin close. If you think all Buddhist monks spend their days meditating and worshipping, you'll get a refreshing insight into a more up-to-date version: this Thai counterpart of the Ratcatcher-of- Hamelin-on-horseback has a full time job dedicated to offering poor boys a future away from poverty, drugs and violence. The monk is the kind of father children are drawn to, admire and fear at the same time. A parent they'll worship once they're grown. The relationship between the monk and his right-hand-nun is one of utter respect and dedication. Even under the most difficult circumstances, their synergy make things happen. Although less featured in the film, the unconventional nun seems to be at least as important to the boys as the monk is.

Buddhas Lost Children is a documentary but it watches like a movie. It tells the story of a Thai-boxer becoming a monk called Phra Khru Bah and taking care of orphans in a very poor region in the north of Thailand. Although the story is not always logical to follow because there are jumps in time and space the real story being told here is that of love, dedication and sharing. It may sound soft but when you take the time to watch this documentary you'll find out that life over there is very tough and it takes a lot of creativity and flexibility to take care of the many children Phra Kru Bah has under his care. Watching Buddhas Lost Children brought me into a certain mood that made me reflect on what is really important in life, that's why for me this documentary is a valuable lesson in what life is really about.

Buddha's Lost Children is an interesting registration of a man that tries to create a better life for the people around him by giving them a sense of self worth and awareness of their decaying culture. He mainly does this by taking in children in the Golden Horse Tempel and teaching them respect, wisdom, Thai-boxing and life's lessons. This documentary was clearly made with a lot of love, the same amount of love Phra Khru Ba gives to the children in his monastery. Mark Verkerk keeps a certain distance and no judgments about the things that happen in front of the camera. He's just there to record the special energy that surrounds the monk and his positive deeds. Truly a sweet, positive movie with beautiful images and a life-lesson that isn't cliché but gives you the urge to become a better person.

This documentary is about a Buddhist monk setting up a monastery to help orphans and children in need in northern Thailand.

The film is a linear chronicle of events that happened over one year. The children are "lost" because they lost their parents, or simply because of their parents are too poor to raise them. In the beginning of the film, we see a mother giving up her son because she cannot afford to raise all her kids. She entrusts her son to Kruh Bah, a monk dedicated to changing the lives of others. In his words, he is a medium to pass on knowledge to children. Not only does he teach the teachings of Buddha, but also very basic things such as the importance of brushing teeth every day. The children also get to learn how to handle animals, and how to do so with respect.

The film is full of love and care. Even after some youngsters tries to pick a fight (using alarmingly long harvest knives) with him, he forgives and offers them jobs for a month, so that he gets to teach these youngsters what life is about.

I think this documentary is inspirational. It portrays how life is like when every day is a struggle for survival. It tells me how life is in other parts of the world, where people are not as materialistic. It is a part of the world and a culture which I am unlikely to be able to experience first hand. Though the film is a bit slow, it is worth the watch!