Rating: 
Summary: Inspiring Story With Beautiful Cinematography
Review: I have seen this movie several times and it's on my list of DVD's to purchase for my colleciton.
I thought that the interweaving of the story about 3 children who are candidates as the reincarnation of a Tibetan Lama (Lama Dorje ), with the Story of the Life of the Buddha was an interesting approach which I thought was executed successfully.
I also thought that the acting was very well done overall. On my first viewing, I would have agreed with other reviewers, that Chris Isaak seemed very "Detached" and it at first put me off. On further viewings however, I actually could see the subtle metamorphosis of his character.
He is an engineer who is not only skeptical about the whole idea of his son being a possible reincarnation of a Tibetan Lama, but is also struggling with intense personal stress due to the bankruptcy and then death of his business partner. Looked at in that light I thought he portrayed the character believably.
What's important to note is that as the movie moves on he warms up considerably to and has a deepening connection with Lama Norbu (whose character,is the central Tibetan Monk in the story, he is the one who is searching for his deceased teacher's reincarnation).
He (Issak's Character) most definitely appears to start to appreciate the Tibetan Buddhist ideas as well. In fact in a subtle way he seems to start to heal from all the recent turmoil in his own life from his interactions with Lama Norbu and the other Tibetan Buddhist monks.
I give this story five stars on many accounts. First, I love the story and the courage the director had to make a major film about something like this. Second, I thought the cinematography was beautifully done. Third, I personally thought that overall the acting was well done and that Keanu Reeves did a good job overall as the Buddha. In addition all the other actors, both the adults and children, came across very naturally in their roles.
The actor, Ruocheng Ying, who plays Lama Norbu in Particular was outstanding as well as all the Tibetan actors, many who I believe are real monks (Sogyal Rinpoche for certain is not only a real Tibetan Monk but the author of "The Tibetan Book Of Living and Dying".
Anyway, if this topic interests you, if you like movies like Kundun or Seven Years in Tibet, you will most likely enjoy this. If you are someone who has no exposure to Buddhism this is an enjoyable way to get a very basic idea of some of it's beliefs. Of course the Buddha's "life story" as portrayed in this movie definitely isn't meant to be a literal historical portrayal (particularly about his birth, with him walking and talking as a newborn).
Still, concerning the Buddha, his teachings are what matters and not the "cult of personality". The Buddha tried very hard to instill in his disciples that his teaching was key and that he was not to be the focus of their practice, he was an example of how to live and practice, not someone to be prayed to.
Namaste
Rating: 
Summary: Beautiful Contrast of Cultures
Review: Little Buddha is really two stories that are intertwined. The main part of the story is about a little boy named Jesse who lives in Seattle with his parents. Buddhist monks believe that he may be the reincarnation of their late teacher. They came to his house and present him with a book about Prince Siddharta.
As the movie progresses, there are flashbacks as the book is read to Jesse. It tells the story movie of Prince Siddharta and his journey to enlightenment. Siddharta is played by Keanu Reeves. Try as I might, I had a hard time recognizing Keanu. He was lost in his role -- only to be recognized by his eyes. In this role, he shines.
Most of Jesse's story takes place overseas in Bhutan, where he meets the other two children that also may be reincarnations of Llam Dorje. Prince Siddharta's story continues to be intertwined with Jesse's story.
"Little Buddha" will stay with you long after the credits have rolled, and also help you to appreciate the Buddhist religion.
Rating:
Summary: A very entertaining movie
Review: Take it for what it is, a very entertaining movie, and you won't be disappointed. It does not proselytize, and neither should you take it as a factual-historical account. It is beautifully photographed. I really enjoyed the scenery and architecture. The story itself is riveting, and very touching. This is one DVD that belongs in your collection.
Rating:
Summary: lush, spiritually uplifting, fairytale of a film
Review: Bernardo Bertolucci's "Little Buddha" brings a modernity to the ancient story of Prince Siddhartha, who became the Buddha. "Siddhartha", by Hermann Hesse, is one of my favorite books so I was delighted to see the story reincarnated in film, especially by so adept a director as Bertolucci. The cinematography is absolutely captivating and by the time the film has run its course the watcher will feel as though he has actually visited these ancient lands.
Woven throughout is the vital Buddhist philosophy that by remaining open and honest in our lives and pursuits, by exercising those childlike qualities, while standing inside ourselves, we will find that the most challenging and rewarding activity is to simply just be.
My belief is that this tale is very adaptable and relative to most everyone, in the context that the Buddhists advocate moderation in life, or "the middle way." In this fast-paced society, we all too often find ourselves going to extremes or allowing ourselves to become obsessed with certain behaviors, ideas, people, etc. When I finished this movie I felt a beautiful sense of calm. It is transcendent and revealing and touches not only the human spirit, but our human nature, of which we are not always proud.
- Katarina Parker
Rating:
Summary: Little Buddha
Review: Greatest movie ever made. Keanu Reeves acts as the prince Siddhartha and then later on, in the movie as Lord Buddha. I highly recommended this movie, but still the whole life story of the Buddha is not covered totally. I guess it's hard to cover the Lord Buddha's life story and the Dharma in 2 hours. There are over 600 million Buddhists in the world and I hope they make more and more movies like this in the future. I highly recommend people interested in Buddhism to read the following books, Websites and other Movies:
1. What the Buddha Taught - Dr. Ven. Walpola Rahula
2. What Buddhist Believe - Dr. Ven. K. Sri Dhammanandha
3. The Heart of Buddhism - Guy Claxton
4. The Buddha's Explanation of the Universe - C.P Ranasinghe
5. Why worry - Dr. Ven. K. Sri Dhammanandha
Best Websites:
www.buddhanet.net
www.BuddhaDhammaSangha.com
Other DVD Movies of Buddhism
1.The Life of Buddha (2001) DVD
~ Martin Meissonnier
2. Buddha -The Story Of Prince Siddhartha Who Became A World Famous Saint DVD
~ Arun Govil
3. Little Buddha (1994) DVD
~ Keanu Reeves
Email me if more information of Buddhism is needed:
an@ganegoda.com
Rating:
Summary: A wonderful family film
Review: "Little Buddha" is a wonderful family film that is entertaining and educating without being educational. It provides a view on Buddhist beliefs and explains the basis of this way of life.Embedded in the main story of the film is the story of the Buddha's journey to enlightenment. It is told in a fashion that will be enjoyable to people of every age. This work is also filmed beautifully and shares with you life in many cultures. Please take some time and enjoy this film! PS - Keanu Reeves as Siddhartha (Buddha) - takes some getting used to...
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