Adwin Lau

This film is largely depicting the historical Rennyo's proselytisation of the masses, albeit in a much more muted manner. Shin Buddhism ended up the biggest school practised in Japan. I would say that it is hard to experience this film as a non-Japanese, despite also being a Buddhist all the same, and I would imagine it being the same for non-Pure Land Japanese Buddhists as well; there is a distinct sense of... Difference in the teachings that make me feel confused and in disbelief. An example being the claim that Sakyamuni Buddha was a disciple of Amitabha. Which is a Shin Buddhism-specific belief. The practices as well. And as a non-Japanese, I am simply a bit baffled at the amount of violence Japanese monks are willing to commit. But, yes; the attack on the original temple was historical, completely. Oh, well. Cultural differences. As a telling of the story of how Shinran's Buddhism grew to the size it is today, it is great. As an ad for Shin Buddhism, it most certainly is not, to outsiders looking in. Ignoring some rather pointed comments by the narrator and a certain faithful perspective, it gives a very good idea of the religious views of the Japanese in the fifteenth century. And it is a nice way to view the religion from an insider's perspective. Thanks to the creators of this work.