Little Buddha (1993)

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1. 

   nymets138

   Watch it here: https://ok.ru/video/3699027937847 1 year 4 months ago
2. 

   Siskoid

   Bernardo Bertolucci's Little Buddha is much too didactic to be a great film, but I did find it interesting. I think your mileage will vary based on how familiar you are with Buddhism (sweet spot may be "just enough to get the stuff that's not explained, but no more"). I, for one, know the basics, but had no knowledge of the history/myth of the Buddha. Told as a continuing story at various points during the film, it proved to be one of the highlights and I could have done with more. Keanu Reeves plays Prince Siddharta who will become the Buddha, which plays to his screen persona, but is also an unfortunate instance of blacking up for a part (Indian is NOT part of his mixed heritage). The main story has Tibetan monks trying to find their reincarnated teacher, a quest that brings them to America where a little boy might be a candidate. The boy's parents, played by Bridget Fonda and Chris Isaak give mumbly, unemotive performances, and I don't think we ever care for their problems. Much more affecting are the monks (including a number of real monks in those roles), and when I am touched, it's because of those characters. In the end, Little Buddha fails to strike the balance that leads to enlightenment. It over explains one thing, and under explains another. It sets up characters it then sidelines as if forced by the rules of a biopic (which it isn't). It teaches about Buddhism, which is fine, but the frame tale isn't strong enough to make it work as a film. And it's name stars are just okay, while non-actors steal the show. 4 years 7 months ago

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