Film review : “My Reincarnation”

The company I work for, Plank Design has a strong interest in film. We consume them voraciously. Some of us “Plankers” produce them. We help to promote film festivals (such as the awesome Fantasia Film Festival) and we’ve worked to develop a web presence for one of the leading social activists, filmmaker Michael Moore.

A few weeks ago, Plank’s owner Warren Wilansky (burger lover, musician and all around awesome guy) attended Hot Docs, a Canadian International documentary film festival and was able to catch the Canadian premiere of “My Reincarnation”- a film by Jennifer Fox. He was kind enough to write up a review of the film and provide his perspective which I am grateful to give space to here on this blog.

While I’m pretty sure that Tanya thinks that it’s was at her urging that I went to see My Reincarnation at Hot Docs this year, this interesting and deeply personal story was on my short list of movies to check out already! So, here’s comes my Jewish-atheist impressions on a Buddhist-spiritual struggle of identity. If I’m then a bit short on my understanding of some of the Buddhist teachings and meaning behind the film, please cut me a bit of slack. (-Editor’s note: The readers of this blog cut me enough slack for me being short of my understanding of Buddhist teachings, so I think you’re in good hands!)

Without giving away too much of the story, My Reincarnation’s director, Jennifer Fox had unusual access over 20 years to film Tibetan Spiritual Leader Chögyal Namkhai Norbu not only within his official role but also  to explore his relationships and struggles with his family, his health and himself. The film also focussed firmly on his son Yeshi (the supposed reincarnation of his father’s uncle) and his evolution over those 20 years. It deals with the universal difficulties of fathers and sons and how as they age they become more and more the same.

One of the most surprising things for me was the level of openness and intimacy the filmmaker got with the family. Maybe it’s my own naiveté but I was pleasantly surprised that we were allowed to see all the flaws and imperfections of such a revered person within the Tibetan community. In trying to adapt to a new world but also keep grounded in Tibetan traditions everything around Rinopoche is always in a state of turmoil as he tries to be unflappable. This striving for perfection through non-stop work actually damages much around him.

Yeshi’s evolution is the heart to what drives the narrative of this film. Through him a viewer can easily identify with his journey. I found myself related to him at many points in the film and while I couldn’t related directly with the spiritual evolution of his journey there is one scene in which he returns to Tibet which would make the toughest of souls melt.

If you are a Buddhist this is a must-see documentary for the thrill of spending 2 hours with such an important spiritual leader. For the rest of us this is an important story that explore many universal themes that have touched most of our lives at some point. My Reincarnation is worth your time.

Check out the trailer below: