A Zen Life: D.T. Suzuki (2007)

Down to the Koan

By Jeffrey M. Anderson

Buy Posters at Moviegoods.com

The Roxie Cinema in San Francisco is opening this documentary about Daisetsu Suzuki, the man largely responsible for bringing Zen studies and practices to the West. By translating many books and authoring a few new ones, Suzuki influenced generations of Westerners seeking a new kind of spiritual solace. The film, directed by Michael Goldberg, is comprised of the usual talking heads, photos and clips. Interviewees include people who knew and worked with Suzuki (who died in 1966) and with notable people -- poet Gary Snyder, critic Donald Richie, etc. -- who had been influenced by Suzuki's teachings. Despite the routine format, the film avoids hero-worshipping and finds a delicate rhythm, filled with all kinds of fascinating ideas and tidbits of wisdom.

Starring: Donald Richie, Gary Snyder, Robert Aitken, Bando Shojun, William Theodore de Bary, Blouke Carus, Alwin Carus, Phil Cousineau, Marjorie Edel, Frederick Franck, Dr. Hinohara Shigeaki, Inoue Zenjo, Newton Ishiura, Bill Johnston, Elsie Mitchell, Nakagawa Luliko, Nakada Nagako, Oda Hiroko, Mihoko Okamura, Huston Smith, Dr. Albert Stunkard, Sato Taira
Written by: n/a
Directed by: Michael Goldberg
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Running Time: 77 minutes
Date: March 30, 2007