[Action's] a Western thing. We think of the hero going…
![“[Action's] a Western thing. We think of the hero going into battle, rebelling against a government or an oppressor, but [in KUNDUN] action is nonaction or what appears to be nonaction. That's a hard concept for Western audiences. . . . We wanted to show a kind of moral action, a spiritual action…” quote by Martin Scorsese](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/77e/martin-scorsese-1663_action_action-s-a-western-thing-we-think-of-the_2942348.jpg)
“[Action's] a Western thing. We think of the hero going into battle, rebelling against a government or an oppressor, but [in KUNDUN] action is nonaction or what appears to be nonaction. That's a hard concept for Western audiences. . . . We wanted to show a kind of moral action, a spiritual action, an emotional action. Some people will pick up on it; some won't.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
He notes Western audiences view action as combat, while the film portrays moral, spiritual, and emotional non‑action.
In simple terms: Western view action as battle; film shows non‑action as moral action.
Key Takeaway
Consider broader definitions of action.
Themes
culture
film
philosophy
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- film analysis
- cross‑cultural studies
- storytelling workshops
Key Concepts
moral agency
spirituality
narrative technique
Questions to Reflect On
- How does non‑action convey power?
- Can moral action be silent?
A Different Perspective
Non‑action may be misinterpreted as passivity.