Little Buddha (Ws)
by Bernardo Bertolucci
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Product details
Actor: Alex Wiesendanger, Bridget Fonda, Chris Isaak, Keanu Reeves, Ruocheng YingDirector: Bernardo Bertolucci
Edition: VHS Tape
Audio: English (Original Language), Analog
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, NTSC, Widescreen
Running Time: 123 minutes
Release Date: 1995-04-16
Audience Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Publisher: Walt Disney Video
Studio: Walt Disney Video
VHS Movie Reviews of Little Buddha (Ws)
Movie Review: Painstakingly and Agonizingly Slow
Summary: 1 Stars
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. Movie Review: Passage to India
Summary: 3 Stars
"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."
Movie Review: Use in Education
Summary: 4 Stars
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.Movie Review: Fun movie, bad ending
Summary: 4 Stars
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.Movie Review: Failed Attempt
Summary: 1 Stars
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.
Summary of Little Buddha (Ws)
In many ways Little Buddha is a companion piece to Bernardo Bertolucci's The Last Emperor. A beautiful travelogue and history lesson unfolds in the two parts of this film: a historical text of Siddhartha (Keanu Reeves) and the contemporary quest of Lama Norbu (Ying Ruocheng), who believes he has found the reincarnation of his former teacher in a Seattle child. The ancient, magical tales sweep away the blas? contemporary action. Ruocheng's presence drives the story of discovery as the child learns about the teachings of Buddhism. A visual feast that will dazzle both young and old. In fact, were it not a religious icon, the youngsters might want Siddhartha dolls after viewing his magical on-screen adventures. Beautiful cinematography by Vittorio Storaro. --Doug ThomasDrama Video
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