Action Quote by Martin Scorsese
![“[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/quotes/img-quotes/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
Source Interview: Discussing KUNDUN, 2001
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.
