Zen Noir | 
| Director: Marc Rosenbush
Studio: Magic Lamp Releasing/Zenmovie LLC
List Price: $19.95
Buy New: $16.94
You Save: $3.01 (15%)
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Rating:  22 reviews
Sales Rank: 21065
Format: Anamorphic, Color, Dolby, Dvd-video, Full Screen, Hifi Sound, Surround Sound, Thx, Widescreen, Ntsc
Languages: English (Original Language), English (Unknown)
Rating: Unrated
Region: 0
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Number Of Items: 1
Running Time: 71 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1
Dimensions (in): 7.1 x 5.4 x 0.6
MPN: 65389
UPC: 094922653895
EAN: 0094922653895
ASIN: B000LUBZDU
Publication Date: 2006
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: BRAND NEW, Factory Sealed items direct from the Studios. 30 Day Satisfaction Guarantee. Quick International Airmail!
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
If David Lynch, the Buddha and Woody Allen all took acid and made a surrealist art film, this would be it. ZEN NOIR is a hilarious award-winning independent film that explores zen buddhism, meditation, life, death and spiritual enlightenment.
A nameless 'noir' detective still mourning the loss of his wife investigates a mysterious death in a Buddhist temple but his logical left-brained crime-solving skills are useless in the intuitive non-linear world of Zen.
Grand Jury Award for Best Feature - DC Independent Film Festival
Audience Award for Best Feature - Rhode Island Intl. Film Festival
Best Feature - Moondance Film Festival
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| Customer Reviews: Read 17 more reviews...
 what else to watch November 28, 2008
BV
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
I knew a film maker who died very suddenly and I remember thinking: "What does a film maker leave behind?" This thought was the seed that sprouted the movie: Beatific Vision.
I found myself thinking of a secret film that a character would leave behind when he dies. Not one he wished not to be found but one he planned to be found. More than a final will and testament this film was a "Beatific Vision", a view into the future of all characters and a clear mapping of the coincidences that would occur.
As I began to write the screenplay the voice of the Angel started to speak softly and occasionally. Upon many re-writes the Angel voice was vieing for main character status. I tried to reel in the angel but he (Angel Chad) wrestled control away from me.
When another close friend was passing to the other side, she added a strong dose of acceleration to the writing process. There now are so many Angels (most recently my Mother) involved, I feel I am at best the living hands to this project.
When I was a small boy my parents used to call me: Angel Michael when they wanted my behavior to change. I actually grew up thinking I was an angel including my sprouting scapula wings. Today, I do not think I am an angel but I surely believe that I am their vehicle for expression on earth.
Thank-you angels for this "angels on earth" experience!
[...]
Can it be both Stupid and Brilliant? Yes. October 20, 2008
Brian Schell (Dayton, OH)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I saw the trailers for this movie last winter, and it looked hilarious, so when I finally had a chance to watch the film, I jumped at it. Zen humor is not something you see everyday, and this was obviously advertised as a comedy. I figured I'd have one more great review for the DailyBuddhism readers.
The movie is narrated in the first person by a 30's hard-boiled detective type, clearly a Mike Hammer parody, complete with tough-guy monologues and beard stubble. The action starts out with a chuckle, as an old Zen monk sits in a room with other monks meditating. He keels over and dies, but the others are so into their meditation they don't even notice. When the detective arrives and starts asking questions about the murder... Well, you know what kind of answers you get when you ask a question in Zen.
The first 25 minutes or so were rough. The back and forth rapid-fire questions and non-answers got old fast, and the overuse of Noir and Zen cliches got to the point of silliness, which was probably intentional, but still wasn't very funny. By around the 20-minute mark, I was ready to declare this the "stupidest movie ever." Then the silliness slowed down and the Zen took over.
There was still the occasional funny line, such as when the detective asks the Master,
"What happens when we... you know... die?"
"Don't know."
"Why not?"
"Not dead yet!" OK, so humor of that sort is in the delivery.
There are dozens of images of oranges and glimpses of oranges In different scenes and positions flashing onscreen throughout the drama. Once the meaning of the orange is explained, many things become clear, both in the movie and in real Zen itself. There really is a lot of Zen in the movie, and it was obviously very cleverly written.
Yet, I still have to ask myself, is it entertaining? The problem is that even after watching the movie, I cannot answer that one. This is definitely one of those love-it or hate-it movies, and I suspect most audiences are going to be split down the middle. If someone is fairly knowledgeable about basic Zen ideas, then there is a message in the ending; however, for the person who isn't very familiar with Zen ideas, this is going to be a seriously boring movie that makes no sense whatsoever.
I'm going to give this one a 3/5 since I really just don't know what to think... Or maybe I should give it a 5/5 for the same reason. Let's compromise and call it a 4.
Sigh. Zen makes me crazy sometimes.
 Is there anything lower than one star? August 22, 2008
editorial goddess (left coast, usa)
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
I am shocked at how bad this movie is. Production values - ok. Script - ok. But it seems to be about itself, and i don't think that's zen; I think it's narcissism. I felt what it attempted to communicate was disingenuous. I was bored, and I was dismayed because I ordered it upon recommendation of someone whom I trust. It was NOT what i expected, but my challenge is that it was not fruitful, not for me, anyway.
Incredible! August 12, 2008
B. Mitchell (California)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I absolutely loved it. Not for kids and could create some missconception or confusion for people who have not practiced Zen. It is quite raw, entertaining and on the money.
Inquiries about meaning of life June 28, 2008
Reader (Chicago, IL USA)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Very interesting movie where the inquisitive detective gets to investigate the death of the Buddhist monk. In his attempt to get suspect's statement, story or feedback, he starts discovering himself. His seemingly routine questions seem to have a much deeper meaning with temple's occupants. Nothing makes sense, until one day during simple tea ceremony it all starts to connect like pieces of the puzzle. The meaning of life, death and everything in between no longer seems to be a mystery any more. The act of complete acceptance and surrender is absolutely fantastic. But be ready to endure the verbal back and forth for a long time, before director lets you "get it". This film is funny and sad, it is serious and silly, it is sexy and ordinary at the same time. It seems that it's simplicity is the beauty of what director had to say to his audience. By the same token, I believe that this is intellectual movie and as such not aimed at large audiences. Art fans will be blown away by this movie.
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