Little Buddha

Little Buddha is an engaging and visually spectacular tale of spirituality directed by renowned Italian director, Bernardo Bertolucci, and released in 1993. It blends together the ancient and the modern, reaching across cultures to show us the virtues of peace and enlightenment. This film does an incredible job of bridging modernity with ancient Buddhist wisdom, making it a memorable cinematic journey.

The movie presents two parallel narratives. One follows the life of Siddhartha (Keanu Reeves), the prince who would become the Buddha, while the other follows a contemporary story of a young boy from Seattle named Jesse (Alex Wiesendanger), who is believed by Tibetan monks to be the reincarnation of their deceased lama.

In the narrative about Siddhartha, Keanu Reeves embodies the role of the prince who along with luxuries, is surrounded by existential questions. The story charts his overprotected early life in the palace where his father hopes to shield him from the harsh realities of the world. Siddhartha, however, longs for understanding and experiences what is beyond his gilded cage. His encounters with old age, illness, death and asceticism set him on a spiritual journey of self-discovery and enlightenment. Reeves, with his attractive serenity, renders a deeply intriguing portrayal of the prince becoming Buddha, unfolding a rich tapestry of wisdom while exploring the path to Nirvana.

The modern storyline involves Tibetan monks led by Lama Norbu (Ruocheng Ying) traveling to Seattle as they believe they have found the reincarnation of their deceased lama in the form of Jesse Conrad. This includes the teachings of Lama Norbu to Jesse about the story of Prince Siddhartha, intertwining the ancient tale of the Buddha with the modern story of Jesse. Bridget Fonda renders a commendable performance as Lisa Conrad, Jesse’s mother, who displays the natural skepticism of any western parent whose child is called to a destiny so out of the ordinary.

What's truly magical about Little Buddha is its transcendent visuals. The saturated color palette and exotic locations provide an extraordinary canvas to this spiritual journey, contributing to the film's ethereal ambiance. The sequences set in ancient Nepal stunningly recreate an age gone by, while the modern sequences in Seattle have an authentic, immediately relatable feel.

When watching the film, you’ll note Bertolucci’s signature film-making style echoed in the narrative. He has a knack for handling dual narratives with sensitivity and brilliance, and Little Buddha is no exception. Bertolucci beautifully contrasts and interweaves the historical narrative of Siddhartha with the contemporary story of Jesse, showcasing how the spiritual links the ancient and modern worlds together.

In the historical narrative, the set designs, costume designs, and overall cinematic aesthetics are nothing short of stunning, reimagining the era of Siddhartha with such grandeur that it becomes a character in itself. Similarly, the pristine, modest, and serene settings of the contemporary narrative involving Jesse complement the spiritual theme of the film.

The film also boasts an impressive musical score that beautifully intertwines Eastern and Western themes composed by Ryuichi Sakamoto. This score beautifully underpins the narrative, immersing the audience in the emotional journey of the protagonists.

Little Buddha is a powerful exploration of the human quest for understanding and spiritual enlightenment. Apart from its breathtaking visual beauty, it offers a unique perspective on Buddhism for Western audiences. The film serves as an initiation into Buddhist philosophy, explaining complex aspects of the faith in simplistic and interesting ways.

In a broader sense, the film nudges its viewers to question and explore the meaning of life and the nature of suffering, regardless of their religious beliefs. It is a thoughtfully crafted film designed to inwardly inspire whoever ventures to watch it.

In this spectacular portrayal of the story of Buddha and the embodiment of his teachings in a modern setting, Little Buddha bridges the gulf of time and manages to make the subtleties of Buddhist philosophy accessible to everyone. Keanu Reeves's compelling portrayal of Siddhartha, the stunning visuals, and the thought-provoking dialogues combine to make Little Buddha a truly encapsulating watch.