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List Price: $9.99 | | Label: Miramax
Salesrank: 5462
Released: August 3, 1999 |
| Our Price: $4.83 |
| Used Price: $5.79 |
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MPAA Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Media: DVD |
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Editorial Review:
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!
Description of Little Buddha:
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 blasé 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 Thomas
Little Buddha Reviews:
good movie 
2009-06-08 - You wouldn't believe its Keanu. Well put together movie and interesting story. You won't be bored.
A BUDDHA IN TIME 
2009-05-31 - I've seen Little Buddha at least ten times since it's release. Admittedly, it's still something of a stretch to watch Keanu Reeves in the role of Siddhartha. But he plays it well. I use this film in Comparative Religions classes as a helpful introduction to the basic story of Siddhartha Gautama, who eventually became the Buddha. It's also proven helpful to my students as they observe core Buddhist beliefs and practices woven into the overall story, particularly from the perspective of Tibetan Buddhism.
review
2009-03-13 - great movie and quality, but I don't think I can play it on european dvd player! thanks!
Painstakingly and Agonizingly Slow 
2008-09-28 - 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 
2008-09-11 - "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."
