Rating: 
Summary: read the book first!
Review: Since your initial desire to see this film is because you fell in love, as I did, and countless millions, with Hesse's novel, there is no need to go over the plot. Having waited for so long for this film to make it to DVD, I was immensely disappointed, even a little peeved, when I finally got to sit down and watch it. Here's why: Although the film was beautifully shot, great cinematography does not a good film make. All of the scenes are flat and utterly fail to capture even the slightest essence of what Hesse sublimely achieved in the book. As the writer of the screenplay, Conrad Rooks missed the boat entirely. For example, when Siddhartha confronts his father about striking out on his own, the scene is this quick ping-pong typ of edit between the father and son; it's over in a flash and you get no idea about the struggle or the love that either one feels. No dramatic tension, no cost, and hence no pay-off whatsoever. One of the most beautiful moments in the book is when Siddhartha meets Kamala at her palace. Again, 99.9% of the essence of the scene Hesse created is just omitted or forgotten by Rooks and the actors in his film. And the dialog that is in the script seems like it was just lifted haphazardly from the novel, without any true understanding from either the director or the actors about what it means or what's truly going on. Flat, flat, flat!Unfortunately, the film gets no help from the actors. Sashi Kapoor as Siddhartha seems lost (as the actor) and utter lifeless. And there was absolutely no chemistry between him and the actress playing Kamala. The only scene that even gets close is when Siddhartha meets the Buddha in the forest -- and the wonder of that scene is achieved from the voiceover Buddha, who you do not even see on the screen. The music in the film is very good however, but again, that is just not enough. Sadly, the weakest links in the film are the director, his screenplay, uninspiring actors and an inability to direct those actors. In the end, Conrad Rooks' Siddhartha is a major disappointment. A remake that does Hesse's book justice is long overdue, and I do not recommend it. I feel that Bertolucci's "Little Buddha" with Keanu Reeves as the historic Siddhartha (Gotama) fully achieved and captured the beauty, mystery and transcendence that is on the spiritual journey.
Rating: 
Summary: This Siddhartha is Not Enlightening
Review: Since your initial desire to see this film is because you fell in love, as I did, and countless millions, with Hesse's novel, there is no need to go over the plot. Having waited for so long for this film to make it to DVD, I was immensely disappointed, even a little peeved, when I finally got to sit down and watch it. Here's why: Although the film was beautifully shot, great cinematography does not a good film make. All of the scenes are flat and utterly fail to capture even the slightest essence of what Hesse sublimely achieved in the book. As the writer of the screenplay, Conrad Rooks missed the boat entirely. For example, when Siddhartha confronts his father about striking out on his own, the scene is this quick ping-pong typ of edit between the father and son; it's over in a flash and you get no idea about the struggle or the love that either one feels. No dramatic tension, no cost, and hence no pay-off whatsoever. One of the most beautiful moments in the book is when Siddhartha meets Kamala at her palace. Again, 99.9% of the essence of the scene Hesse created is just omitted or forgotten by Rooks and the actors in his film. And the dialog that is in the script seems like it was just lifted haphazardly from the novel, without any true understanding from either the director or the actors about what it means or what's truly going on. Flat, flat, flat!Unfortunately, the film gets no help from the actors. Sashi Kapoor as Siddhartha seems lost (as the actor) and utter lifeless. And there was absolutely no chemistry between him and the actress playing Kamala. The only scene that even gets close is when Siddhartha meets the Buddha in the forest -- and the wonder of that scene is achieved from the voiceover Buddha, who you do not even see on the screen. The music in the film is very good however, but again, that is just not enough. Sadly, the weakest links in the film are the director, his screenplay, uninspiring actors and an inability to direct those actors. In the end, Conrad Rooks' Siddhartha is a major disappointment. A remake that does Hesse's book justice is long overdue, and I do not recommend it. I feel that Bertolucci's "Little Buddha" with Keanu Reeves as the historic Siddhartha (Gotama) fully achieved and captured the beauty, mystery and transcendence that is on the spiritual journey.
Rating: 
Summary: A German Writes of India
Review: The movie is quite beautiful. The scenery alone is worth watching! Lush might be a better word; in many ways, it is what you would expect - and hope for - in a film version of Hesse's famous novel. If you have never read the book, be warned: it is not a fast-paced film. It is a story of finding "the true way" and the discovery that comes along with this. My only true disappointment came at the end when the scene between Siddhartha and Govinda did not meet my expectations - aside from that, I recommend it!
Rating:
Summary: Poor
Review: With such a great undertaking as this movie is it is to be expected for there to be some void from the original story, but this visual depiction poorly telling the story of Siddhartha could hardly be considered a good attempt. The inaccuracy of many scenes and the lack of developing connection and emotions with the characters has you feeling extremely dulled. Although, credit should be given to Conrad Rooks for wishing to bring this great novel to film and possibly with a larger budget a better product could have been made. I recommend passing over this DVD, regardless of how much you loved the novel, because the film will leave you completely dissatisfied.
Rating:
Summary: A Visual Meditation
Review: Wow...how can I even find words to talk about this film? From start to finish, I felt like I was in swept up in a meditative state--the captivating music of Tagore's poetry, the beautiful cinematography, and the quiet simplicity of the film. I suddenly found myself on Siddhartha's same journey, the quest of who am I and what am I doing here? And in the end, I felt totally complete--with all the answers and none at the same time. Some have said "there is not enough" in this film. Not only do I disagree, but I think that's the whole point! In an age where we are bombarded by special effects and other distractions, what a delight to see something that is not "trying" to be something! It just "is"--and leaves it up to you to see the beauty, which is abundant for all the senses. Again, it is an adaptation so of course not everything can be included, but I felt Rooks "kept it simple" in Buddhist style and I didn't miss a thing. Everything I needed to see and hear was there. Also thought the casting was perfect--Shashi Kapoor dead on as Siddhartha and I thought had great chemistry with Simi Garewal who plays Kamala.A special note about the bonus features: Don't miss the interview with Conrad Rooks! That was almost as enjoyable as seeing the film itself--his synchronistic and humble tale of how the film overcame substantial obstacles to finally be made. I don't think I've ever heard as much behind the scenes info on a film! You're on the edge of your seat to hear what happened next.... Truly amazing, a delight for the senses. I can't even think of anything I DIDN'T like from this film--it did that much for me. I felt totally at peace. If you are spiritual at all and open to someone else's interpretation of the book, you will not be disappointed! Enjoy!
|
