Unmistaken Child (2008): Anikó kept bugging me, "We've got to get this movie, we've got to get it." So, OK. Order the d*mn movie.

Yowza. What a film. This beautifully-photographed documentary provides an intimate peek into the process and rituals followed by a young Nepalese monk who searches for the reincarnation of his recently-deceased master. Tenzin Zopa had been the disciple of Geshe Lama Konchog for 21 of his 28 years, and his superiors in the Tibetan Buddhist hierarchy felt Zopa was the natural choice for this search. So they dispatched him to find the toddler.

What a story! The DVD was enthralling. In fact, I couldn't quite believe it was a documentary, until the Dalai Lama appeared in one segment, to verify the boy that Zopa had found.

Anikó says this movie changed her opinion about reincarnation; she's now a believer. I don't know if I would go that far. After all, I'm a dyed-in-the-wool doubter. But the movie does tell the compelling story of how a young monk, who was once a bereaved disciple, changes into a gentle and loving teacher to the tiny boy he wholeheartedly accepts as his late master.

The exotic scenery is stunning, and the cinematography is exquisite. I was also touched by the filmmakers' insight into the emotions involved, especially as the parents willingly but sadly give up their boy to a far-away life so different from their own peasant existence.

6 out of 5 stars. A must-see.

[trailer]