Buddha Wild: Monk in a Hut (2006) User Reviews

A tone poem, an ode to the monk's life

[seanhoade · 10/10 · 18 September 2006]

I was lucky enough to see this film on DVD recently, and I was charmed by it. Its utter lack of pretension, coupled with an affectionate glimpse of what real Buddhist monks are like (funny and self-effacing, but serious about their mission), make for a unique viewing experience.

Be warned: This is not a slick Hollywood production. Shot in an unpolished "guerilla style," it is, as the narrator says, more of a poem than a story. This nonlinear style is fascinating -- sometimes seemingly random images are juxtaposed with those of the smiling monks, statues, or even of the filmmaker exploring the world. It is an entertaining and informative, even compelling, ode to the life and mission of the world's hundreds of thousands of monks, especially the Theravadins in southeast Asia.

If you're interested in Buddhism -- or in human nature in general -- and get the chance to rent or buy Buddha Wild, do yourself a favor and take advantage of the opportunity. It isn't the most straightforward trip you'll ever take, but that just makes it all the more rewarding.

A real "feel good" movie

[jrsimons5 · 10/10 · 23 May 2006]

IN the world of film today,where so much emphasis is put on the negatives of life-or the reverse-humor of all varieties is produced to counteract those negatives-it was a positive relief -indeed a release- to see the happily refreshing film about the life of Buddhist monks set in a small missionary monastery. The film Buddha Wild Monk in the Hut was a real "feel good " movie.The Producer and Director Anna Wilding,who has obviously gained the deep friendship and trust of the small community,has portrayed so much of the joy in living ,through color ,beauty and laughter ,to be found in both humans and nature.I came away from Buddha Wild feeling 100% better than when I went into the cinema and am inwardly uplifted every time I recall it.Buddha Wild-Monk in the Hut - GO see it.!

I loved this film.Very engaging.

[hellobat59 · 9/10 · 18 March 2006]

I loved this film.I was honored to see it at a SAG cinema screening a friend invited me to. The film was modest yet it was throughly engaging. I chuckled and at times I pondered.It really was like being taken close up into the monks world.Something very pure about the film. We were surprised at the screening by the presence of a robed monk and Anna Wilding.The monk said"Anna Wilding got it right". Afterwards he said that "the monks really did live like in the movie" .The monks in the movie are charming. Anna Wilding was articulate ,very pretty and naturally beautiful.It appeared though,she did the whole movie guerrilla style without make up or hair style.That lent to the story well.For the most part the cinematography is stunning and the close ups of Thai women in dress are memorable. The music is an added bonus to an already colorful mix.This films deserves to be in cinemas.It is colorful vibrant and good as any story.It blends creative and real elements poetically. The monks and Anna Wilding's easy rapport makes for very pleasant and entertaining viewing.The monk confirmed it was rare for these monks to be filmed or even give their permission to be filmed.Wilding got her facts right and made an original and splendid little feature film.

A wonderful film to see

[9308 · 10/10 · 21 June 2006]

The director (Anna Wilding) has done a wonderful job of getting us, the audience, to see the life of some through a different set of lenses. Ms Wilding, has found a style that allows the audience to see the textures and patterns of her reality. Future film makers need to take note as the gentle and subtle tones throughout allow for the audience to become involved with nothing else but the story - A story which is told with a reverence that is as golden and delightful as it is insightful. Nice to see this approach to film making and also nice to see this film be rewarded with audience members who appreciate it. Thanks for the view & I am sure that I am not the only one who will be forever grateful!

Hear hear! A real feel good movie!

[kkarner_1 · 9/10 · 25 May 2006]

If you are feeling played out,washed out,then wrung out I advise you to go and see this happy little film Buddha Wild- Monk in the Hut.This is a film that doesn't scour the depths of your conscience,leaving you small and inadequate.Nor does it require you to laugh immoderately at "manufactured" jokes to show you understood them.All it requires of you is that you sit back,completely unwind and give yourself over to Anna Wilding's gentle portrayal of a small happy community of Buddhist monks in a remote Buddhist monastery.I was impressed at the way the director and Producer,also the Presenter and Narrator played down her role even to the extent of spurning glamorous attire,make up hairstyling and general shunning any unnatural contrivance.This means she managed to portray calm,colour and happiness as a possible way of living.I learn from it,I loved it.Well done!

Inspiring.I liked it !

[sarabussbee · 8/10 · 27 May 2006]

MMM...well I liked this film immensely.And as a practicing Buddhist who not only saw this film,but watched many people willingly and happily clap at it,including several Buddhist monks I'm proud of it as a Buddhist.Is it the best film I have ever seen on any subject..no? Is it ONE of the best for its utter simplicity and beauty and truth!Yes.I preferred it to films like Brokeback Mountain which had very little to do with love if you ask me!I found this film far more about love and loving kindness.And I enjoyed Anna Wilding's humble commentary.At the start of the film it states that "wild means : to be one with nature" and the theme of nature is carried throughout the film which I like.The monks live in a wild remote monsatry .Wilding's narration was a nice balance to the monks words and the whole films focus was and is clearly on the monks,and to say otherwise would question who has watched it in full and who has not. I fact I really don't see how that one commenator can say that about the scene when Anna goes into the hut.It was far from that.I am actually wondering if whoever said that actually watched it.I agree with the LA Weekly..it was cute and real and honest. Look,I don't know much about these things but surely it is special and unusual for a woman, to be allowed and approved to "penetrate" a Buddhist community and film it?This is what Anna Wilding has managed to do -seemingly and effortlessly as a sister calling into a brothers house.And she has been welcomed and allowed to show the monks as they are, and to tease(as they tease her),to question lightly and portray appreciatively the life and ideals of a small missionary Buddhist Community.She certainly has allowed for me, a practising Buddhist,greater understanding. And it has all been done in a colurful and natural manner that surely and successfully hides all the thought and work that has gone into producing this gem. I commend the film ,Buddha Wild Monk in the Hut,the monks , and its writer,narrator and Presenter Anna Wilding.A more humble and honest film could not be told.Thank you thank you thank you.

A charming film told in a simple, unadorned way

[smartnewyorker · 8/10 · 7 November 2007]

Anna Wilding does a good job in telling the story of her journey with the monks, in a simple way. She does an excellent job of narration, and her voice is mellifluous. There are no "gimmicks" to this documentary (I'd call it a documentary more than a movie). Sometimes the passage between one scene to another is choppy. But nevertheless, it is a lovely way to spend a rainy afternoon or evening. Relax and enjoy with a cup of tea, but if you're expecting a fully edited Hollywood production, this movie is not for you. You should purchase it if you want an honest look at the lifestyle of the monks, and the essence of the spirit of Buddhism.

This feature documentary film story is uplifting and great

[broaderhorizonent · 10/10 · 25 May 2023]

Relieved to see this film here on IMDB. Saw it in cinemas years ago. The monks are thrilling and delightful . The film was ahead of it's time and really speaks to diversity and inclusion. A meaningful and entertaining film with an engaging host .Clever direction by Anna Wilding. If could I would see it again in a heartbeat. A beautiful cinematic experience. The score by Charles David Denler underpinned the production's stunning warm visuals. Anna was the perfect inspirational and natural host to tell this story. An uplifting movie full of the spirit that so many films lack today. It may have sold out on DVD but if you can, see it on the large screen. More.