Samsara (2002)

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Himalayan peaks in Ladakh, Samsara (2002) is a captivating tapestry of spiritual exploration and human passions. It follows the journey of Tashi, a young man who has known nothing but the disciplined life of a Buddhist monk since he was five. However, as adolescence dawns and erotic visions begin to disturb his peace, Tashi's spiritual master sets him on a path to experience the earthly life. Thrust into the heart of the Himalayan world, Tashi grapples with the fascinating and overwhelming profanity of existence outside the monastery. His life takes a dramatic turn when he learns that his vivid dream was a reality, leading him to renounce his monastic vows. He plunges into the worldly life, marrying Pema, a wealthy farmer's daughter previously betrothed to the local stone-mason Jamayang. Tashi, the ex-monk, soon becomes a prosperous landowner himself, outsmarting the local merchant Dewa by selling his harvest directly in the city. Despite experiencing a heart-breaking loss when half of his harvest is destroyed in a fire, Tashi perseveres and raises a bright son, Karma. However, the allure of forbidden passions continues to haunt Tashi. When he finally succumbs to the temptation of infidelity, his life begins to unravel. The repercussions of his actions, coupled with poignant revelations from an Indian laborer girl, force Tashi into a profound reevaluation of his life. Samsara is a mesmerizing saga of spiritual quests and worldly love, of a man's struggle to attain enlightenment by renouncing the world, and a woman's effort to balance her enlightened love within it. This epic tale of destiny, love, and spirituality unravels in unexpected twists and turns, culminating in a surprise ending that leaves an indelible impression.

Samsara is an adventure movie featuring Christy Chung and directed by Pan Nalin.

Samsara is currently streaming on CBS.