Little Buddha

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Starring: Keanu Reeves
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Type: DVD
Directed By: Bernardo Bertolucci
Studio: Miramax
Release Date: 1999-08-03
Running Time: 123 minutes
Keanu Reeves (SPEED) and Bridget Fonda (IT COULD HAPPEN TO YOU) star in this motion picture spectacular from Academy Award(R)-winning director Bernardo Bertolucci (THE LAST EMPEROR). In a big American CIty, a boy and his family (Fonda and Chris Isaak -- SILENCE OF THE LAMBS) discover a story about a prince in a land of miracles. But the miracle becomes real when Tibetan monks appear, searching for their leader's reincarnation -- who they believe has been reborn in the boy. Suddenly, their worlds meet, leading the Americans on an extraordinary adventure!

Painstakingly and Agonizingly Slow
The premise of the movie primarily addresses the historical perspective and fundamental principles of Buddahism, enlightenment and reincarnation. The movie transitions between the historical Buddha and and the more modern day application. The historical period reflects on the growth and development of a Prince (played by Keanu Reaves) who is searching for the meaning of life and ultimately develops and practices the precepts of Buddahism. Prince Siddharta is Buddha. The modern time period revolves around a Lama in pursuit of his recently deceased 'teacher' who has been reincarnated in three different children. The majority of the modern time period is in America, where the Lama tries to persuade the parents (Chris Isaak and Jane Fonda) of a young boy that thier son is the reincarnated teacher. While the theme has great possibilities, the movie is painstakingly slow, the dialogue is difficult to follow at times and many of the messages are obscurely presented. Cinematograpghy has some brief moments, but even they are excessive and lengthy. There are no awards to be won here, that is for sure. I would not recommend this movie. Ghandi is much more powerful and worthwhile.

Passage to India
"Little Buddha" is Bernardo Bertolucci's fascinating concept movie. It's based on a true story. A Spanish couple had a little boy who was assumed to be the reincarnation of a famous teacher. In the movie, Chris Isaak and Bridget Fonda are a yuppie Seattle couple... whose little boy might be a little Buddha. They go on an adventure to Tibet. It's not as complex,subtle and moving as Bertolucci's Oscar-winning "The Last Emperor",but it is fun as Buddhism for Unenlightened Dummies.

In Tibet,the little boy meets other children who are deemed to be reincarnate as well. A kindly teacher tells them the story of the historical Buddha (Keanu Reeves). Keanu Reeves, himself a practicing Buddhist, embodies the Buddhist principle of equanimity. He looks bland whether he's enjoying pleasure or suffering pain. He already embodies Buddhist indifference before he attains nirvana. There's plenty of campy visual spectacle.

"Little Buddha" is a cheesy introduction to Buddhism. It's Bertolucci's B movie. Sit back, be enlightened, and have fun! As the Buddha said, "There is no taste."

Use in Education
This movie worked out great for me to explain to my classes on how Buddhism started. It also helps to introduce new cultures to them that they are not use to. This movie has a lot of different ways that it can be used in the classroom. I think if you are teaching about Buddhism you need to show part or all of this movie to your class so they get a better understanding.

Fun movie, bad ending
I love the movie's images, and if someone wants a taste of Buddhism and a watered down story of Buddha this is a great movie. The ending is kind of from outer space... and that is from someone who studied Buddhism for many years. That being said, it is a great film for people who want to get a taste of Buddhism or a feel good movie.

Failed Attempt
I had to watch this movie for my Religions class and found it to be very blah and uninspired. The acting by Reeves and Isaak are awful, while Bridget Fonda was woefully underutilized. Reeves as Buddha was a severe miscasting. In what could have been a compelling tale of Buddha's journey, it fell flatter than most Reeves films. The lack of emotional connection was apparent and that was part of the final blow, along with the disjointed story lines.

The cinematography and scenes were beautiful, but that was the movie's only saving grace.