Save the Cat rankings

Kundun script analysis

Kundun script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

The screenplay follows the young Dalai Lama’s discovery and ascent to spiritual and political leadership amid Chinese threats. After his recognition and enthronement, he faces invasion, diplomatic failures, and internal doubt before ultimately escaping into exile. The story culminates in his repudiation of the Seventeen Point Agreement and his hopeful arrival in India.

25 Save the Cat fit score 12% analysis confidence / 90 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

10%

Introduces Lhamo’s humble rural origins at dawn.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 5% target

10%

Early visit by Keustang Rinpoche hints at destiny and service.

The Lama of Sera. You come.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-3 / Pages 1-2 / 10% target

10%

Family life and testing scenes establish characters and stakes.

4

Catalyst

Scene 20 / Page 3 / 12% target

15%

The Chinese army’s attack on Sera Monastery upends his sheltered life.

It's the army, firing on Sera Monastery! Oh, no! Oh, no!
5

Debate

Scene 28 / Page 4 / 20% target

15%

Tenzin questions the Chinese demands and his own doubts.

What should I do about my doubt, Teacher?
6

Break into Two

Scene 30 / Page 4 / 25% target

15%

News of full-scale invasion forces him into active leadership.

The Chinese have invaded.
7

B Story

Scene 14 / Page 2 / 30% target

10%

His bond with Norbu and simple joys are the emotional B-story.

One day, we will get that automobile running.
8

Fun and Games

Scene 6 / Page 2 / 40% target

10%

Playful wartime game with dough soldiers illustrates innocence.

My name is Norbu, Holiness. I will be good, you be bad.
9

Midpoint

Scene 37 / Page 5 / 50% target

15%

His public appeal to the United Nations marks a hopeful triumph.

To the members of the United Nations: The attention of the world is riveted on Korea where aggression...
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 38 / Page 5 / 65% target

15%

Takster Rinpoche’s warning reveals Chinese manipulation close around him.

I was never alone. Two Chinese were with me every minute of the day.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 67 / Page 6 / 75% target

15%

The Seventeen Point Agreement’s signing feels like betrayal and defeat.

Today in Peking, a Seventeen Point Agreement for the peaceful Liberation of Tibet has been signed by Representatives...
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 74 / Page 6 / 80% target

10%

A dream of childhood and family underscores his isolation and despair.

13

Break into Three

Scene 82 / Page 7 / 85% target

15%

The Oracle’s counsel to flee directs him toward final action.

14

Finale

Scenes 87-89 / Pages 7-8 / 95% target

15%

Escape over mountains and repudiation of the Agreement resolve his arc.

I repudiate the Seventeen Point Agreement
15

Final Image

Scene 90 / Page 8 / 99% target

15%

Arrival in India as a ‘simple monk’ completes the journey from king to exile.

What you see before you is a man. A simple monk.