Film Review: MISSION: JOY – FINDING HAPPINESS IN TROUBLED TIMES
Film Still, MISSION: JOY – FINDING HAPPINESS IN TROUBLED TIMES (2021)
Written by: Belle McIntyre
MISSION: JOY – FINDING HAPPINESS IN TROUBLED TIMES (2021) DIR. LOUIS PSIHOYOS
The boldness of this title is not an overstatement. Joy is the subject and this is a mission. It is not so much taught, as revealed by example in the lives of the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet and South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu, two of our most influential, controversial and beloved contemporary spiritual leaders who happen to have a phenomenally close friendship. The differences in background and their paths to the present could hardly be more disparate and the story could hardly be more compelling. Based on The Book of Joy published by Doug Abrams about the intertwining lives of these two men and the concept of happiness and joy which they both wholeheartedly and unequivocally espouse.
Film Still, MISSION: JOY – FINDING HAPPINESS IN TROUBLED TIMES (2021)
The Dalai Lama came to his exalted position through Buddhist divination. Born to a poor family of farmers, he was chosen at 2 years of age to be raised and educated by the monks in Potala Palace in Lhasa where he lived a completely protected and cloistered life while being groomed to be the head of all the Tibetan Buddhists. When the Chinese government took over Tibet and began aggressively repressing Tibetan people and culture, he was forced to flee his country disguised as a solder. He settled in Dharamsala and has spent the last 56 years in exile tirelessly travelling and teaching the values and virtues of Buddhism, writing and advocating on behalf of Tibet and its culture. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989.
Film Still, MISSION: JOY – FINDING HAPPINESS IN TROUBLED TIMES (2021)
Desmond Tutu, also of humble origins began life as a teacher who organically became an anti-apartheid activist. Having been raised a Methodist, the family changed to AME Church and ultimately to the Anglican Church, which Desmond fully embraced. He rose in the church hierarchy and academia, writing and travelling extensively. In the 1970’s in New York he embraced liberation theology, a fundamental change in his views on Blackness in general and human rights in particular, subjects on which he was unabashedly vocal. So respected was he and so articulate were his words and writing on non-violent resistance that a correspondence developed with the imprisoned Nelson Mandela. After the end of apartheid in South Africa, Tutu was appointed to chair the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and was a consistent voice for moderation and forgiveness. A remarkable man. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984.
Film Still, MISSION: JOY – FINDING HAPPINESS IN TROUBLED TIMES (2021)
The relationship which developed after both men had attained international stature appears to have been spontaneous and thoroughly unaffected by their fame. Tutu’s daughter describes the two of them together as mischievous 8 year olds that she would hate to have in one of her classes. And we see them at dinners and together in interviews teasing, poking fun at each other and giggling like children. It is totally endearing. When they speak about their beliefs, it is fascinating to hear how uniquely they arrive at a fundamental belief in the possibility of joy and happiness. The laughter that they share speaks volumes and gives credence to their words.
(World Premier 2021 Tribeca Film Festival)
