“Little Buddha” (1993)

Drama

Running Time: 140 minutes

Written by: Rudy Wurlitzer and Mark Peploe

Directed by: Bernardo Bertolucci

Featuring: Keanu Reeves, Chris Isaak, Bridget Fonda, Alex Wiesendanger and Ying Ruocheng

Jesse Conrad: “Were you sleeping lama?”

Lama Norbu: “No, I was meditating.”

Jesse Conrad: “What’s meditating?”

Lama Norbu: “It is being totally quiet and relaxed, separating yourself from everything around you, setting your mind free like a bird, and you can then see your thoughts as if they were passing clouds.”

“Little Buddha” is a 1993 movie directed by Bernardo Bertolucci. The movie follows the journey of a group of Westerners, who travel to Nepal in search of a reincarnated Tibetan Buddhist teacher. The story is told through the perspective of two children, one of whom is believed to be the reincarnation of the teacher.

The movie is visually stunning, with beautiful landscapes and a colorful depiction of Nepalese and Tibetan culture. The acting is also excellent, particularly that of the child actors who portray the two main characters.

However, the movie has received mixed reviews for its portrayal of Buddhism. Some critics have praised it for its authentic depiction of Buddhist teachings and the rituals surrounding reincarnation, while others have criticized it for being superficial and exoticizing Eastern culture.

“Little Buddha” is an interesting movie that offers a glimpse into the world of Buddhism and the concept of reincarnation. However, it’s important to approach the movie with an open mind and to remember that it is a work of fiction that may not accurately represent all aspects of Buddhism.

Furthermore, some critics have pointed out that the movie can be slow-paced at times and the narrative may lack a cohesive structure. Additionally, the film’s representation of Buddhism may be too simplistic for some viewers who are more familiar with the religion’s complexities and philosophical nuances.

Despite these criticisms, “Little Buddha” is still a thought-provoking and visually engaging film that offers a unique perspective on a topic that is not often explored in mainstream cinema. The movie’s exploration of the Buddhist concept of detachment and its emphasis on the importance of compassion and selflessness are particularly noteworthy.

“Little Buddha” is worth watching for its beautiful cinematography and strong performances, as well as its exploration of Buddhist philosophy and culture. However, viewers should approach the film with an open mind and remember that it is a work of fiction that may not accurately represent all aspects of Buddhism.

Additionally, one of the strengths of “Little Buddha” is its ability to weave together multiple narratives and perspectives. The film alternates between the present-day story of the Westerners searching for the reincarnated teacher, the flashbacks of the teacher’s life, and the parables told by the teacher himself. This multi-layered approach provides a rich and nuanced view of Buddhism and its teachings.

Another notable aspect of the film is the way it presents the conflict between traditional Eastern beliefs and Western skepticism. The Westerners’ initial disbelief in reincarnation and their struggle to understand Buddhist concepts provide a compelling contrast to the Eastern characters’ unwavering faith and deep spiritual connection.

“Little Buddha” is a complex and visually stunning film that delves into profound philosophical questions about life and death. While it may not be a completely accurate representation of Buddhism, it offers a thought-provoking exploration of the religion’s teachings and the ways in which they can intersect with contemporary Western culture.

Special Features

• 1080p High-definition presentation on Blu-ray from a 4K scan of the original negative
• Audio commentary by filmmaker and film historian Jim Hemphill
• The Making of Little Buddha – featurette
• Interview with producer Jeremy Thomas
• Interview with director Bernardo Bertolucci (1993)
• A Great Adventure – interview with supervising art director Andrew Sanders
• Reincarnation of Sound – interview with supervising sound editor Eddy Joseph
• Buddhist Lines – interview with dialogue coach Constantine Gregory
• Theatrical Trailer