Buddha's Lost Children

Against a backdrop of extraordinarily beautiful and vivid images, this stunning Mark Verkerk film tells the story of a Buddhist monk and the work he does with poor children in the desolate and dangerous Golden Triangle region of Thailand. The monk and a devoted nun take these young children under their wings and teach them everything from how to wash themselves and brush their teeth, to how to ride and take care of a horse. However, what makes this film as unique as it is is that this monk has an edge...

He's a former Thai box champion. And has a sense of humor to boot. He's clearly seen and experienced life in all its complexities. This tends to make him very human and accessible. Which is also evident during the journeys he and the novices make from village to village, where the locals can do with some positive influences. Beyond all else, the straightforward and tough love with which the monk treats these boys has clearly reaped its rewards. And is a joy for the viewer to behold.

Buddha's Lost Children is one of my favorites ! This film touches me deeply. An amazing and splendid document about life in Northern Thailand near the border of Birma. The scenery is so beautiful. But this Golden Triangle area is notorious for the drugs culture. Life is very tough here. The inhabitants live in poverty without running water without electricity. No medical care, no schools. Of course many of their children are lost here. But since 1991 a very special man lives here: Kruh Bah, a Buddhist monk, a former Thai box champion. For me he is: the Buddhist Hero on Horseback. He created The Golden Horse, an exceptional monastery. Here Kruh Bah shelters and teaches 20 lost boys and orphans he encountered in the area. This is so moving: we see very young boys leaving their mothers and families for education and to become a novice on horseback. All boys develop many skills and learn Thai boxing and horse riding. When they are grown up, they can spread their wings and start a life of their own. But some prefer to stay here as a monk assisting Kruh Bah with his life changing work. The whole group is traveling around on horseback, changing the whole area into a better place.

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.

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 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.