Kundun
“The destiny of a people lies in the heart of a boy.”
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.
Where to watch Kundun in United States
No streaming info for your region.
Click a service to open Kundun there. Availability last verified on June 23, 2026.
Where is Kundun streaming around the world?
| Country | Streaming on | Rent / Buy |
|---|---|---|
| France | Molotov TV | — |
| South Korea | Watcha | — |
About Kundun
Kundun is a 1997 English-language drama and history film directed by Martin Scorsese. The cast is led by Tenzin Thuthob Tsarong, Tencho Gyalpo, Tsewang Migyur Khangsar. It has a runtime of 2h 14m. Viewers rate it 6.8/10 across 500 ratings.
Kundun was produced by Touchstone Pictures and Cappa/De Fina Productions and made in United States of America. It was released on December 25, 1997, and carries a PG-13 certification. Made on a budget of about $28 million, it went on to gross $6 million worldwide.
- Director
- Martin Scorsese
- Writers
- Melissa Mathison
- Release date
- December 25, 1997
- Original language
- English
- Age rating
- PG-13
- Status
- Released
- Country
- United States of America
- Budget
- $28 million
- Box office
- $6 million
- Production
- Touchstone Pictures, Cappa/De Fina Productions
Kundun cast & crew
Kundun was directed by Martin Scorsese and written by Melissa Mathison.
The cast features Tenzin Thuthob Tsarong as Dalai Lama (Adult), Tencho Gyalpo as Mother, Tsewang Migyur Khangsar as Father, Gyurme Tethong as Dalai Lama (Age 12), Robert Lin as Chairman Mao, and Tulku Jamyang Kunga Tenzin as Dalai Lama (Age 5).
Behind the camera, the score was composed by Philip Glass, cinematography is by Roger Deakins, and it was produced by Barbara De Fina and Laura Fattori.
Is Kundun worth watching?
Kundun holds an audience score of 6.8/10 from 496 ratings, a solidly received drama films.
At 2h 14m, it's a standard feature-length watch.
If you enjoy drama and history, Kundun is worth a place on your watchlist.
How and where to watch Kundun
Kundun isn't currently available on major streaming services in United States. We track availability continuously — add it to your watchlist and we'll keep an eye out.
Streaming rights change country by country and month by month, so the options above reflect United States today — switch your country at the top of the where-to-watch section to see availability elsewhere.
Rate & review
Your rating and review are saved privately in this browser — no account needed.
Cast of Kundun
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
Kundun — FAQs
▸Where can I watch Kundun in United States?
Kundun is not currently available on major streaming services in United States. Availability changes often — check back soon.
▸What language is Kundun in?
Kundun is originally in English, with audio tracks including English, Mandarin, Tibetan. Subtitle and dub options vary by streaming service.
▸How long is Kundun?
Kundun runs 2 hours 14 minutes (134 minutes).
▸What is Kundun rated?
Kundun is rated PG-13. It holds a 6.8/10 audience score from 496 ratings.
More like Kundun
