The filmfocuses on the life of ZenMaster Duganin Japan, a fearless spiritual seekerand a brilliant writer who embarked on a journey in search of truth on the Zen path. An inspiring biographical filmthat presents astory faithfulto the origin of Master Zen Dugan's real life, from the momentof his parents' early death, through his journey to Chinaand the difficulties he had when he encountered the religious forcesthat ruled Japan at the time.

The film Zen focuses on the life of Zen master Dogen, the prolific writer of The Eihei Koroku, a translation of which can be found in Dogen's Extensive Record. The Japan Times is calling Zen an inspired biopic, "since Dogen was a fearless spiritual seeker and brilliant writer whose deeds and words still engage. The film is generally faithful to what is known of his life, from the early deaths of his parents to his travels in China and his difficulties with the religious powers-that-be in Japan."