Rating: 
Summary: Great Movie
Review: Little Buddha is a wonderfully entertaining and historically accurate film. The story has two plots, making it confusing at some times. One tells of a Buddhist priest searching for the reincarnation of his dead teacher, while the other tells the story of Siddhartha Guatama, the Buddha. (Played by Keanu Reeves) As far as the acting goes, this film gets five stars from me. Siddhartha, (Reeves) is played beautifully, along with Lisa Conrad, (Bridget Fonda) and Lama Norbu. (Ruocheng Ying) Another plus about the acting are the three children who played the candidates for the reincarnation of the teacher. I especially liked Gita, who is the only girl candidate. I liked the costumes, too, as they are historically accurate, and stand out with the bright colors and makeup. I found it strange that the men wore makeup, but they do, and the film portrays it brilliantly. All along I have been mentioning how historically correct this film is. I have been saying this because it is the truth. Not only is the story of Siddhartha correct, but all of the facts about Buddha and Buddhism are too. If you know nothing about the religion, watching this film will give you a basic introduction to Buddhism. There are two things that would have made this film better. If it did not flash so much between the two plots, it would have been less confusing. Also, I did not like the music. I don't know if it just was not my type or if it didn't go with the movie, but I didn't like it. Little Buddha is a grea movie and I recommend watching it, but don't waste your money on the soundtrack.
Rating:
Summary: Little Buddha---Big Movie
Review: "Little Buddha" is a very interesting, educational, and well-made movie. It's not the best movie I have ever seen, but I can tell you that I thouroughly enjoyed it.
The story begins in modern-day Tibet. A monk, Lama Norbu, receives a letter telling him that the reincarnation of his former teacher may have been found. He goes to Seattle to pursure this great news, and another monk tells him that he had dreams that their old teacher led him to the same empty spot on a hill over and over again. One day, the monk came across teh very spot from his dream and finds a house there. A family with an only child lives there and the monks believe that Jesse, the child, is their teacher reincarnated. The monks visit Jesse and his mother at home and leave Jesse a book about Buddha. Later, Jesse asks the monks about their teacher and takes them to the Seattle Fine Arts Museum to see a sculpture of Buddha. Jesse's mother takes him to the Dharma Center to visit the monk, where they continue to read to Jesse the story of how Siddhartha became the Buddha. Jesse's father arrives to talk to the monks and calls the story of Buddha a myth and while he has plenty of respect for the Tibetan culture and religion he does not believe in reincarnation. The monks explains reincarnation to Jesse's father by breaking a cup full of tea. He says that the tea is still tea even when it's on the floor in in a rag. He says the mind and spirit are the same way after death. He goes on to mention that if Jesse goes to Nepal with the monks that he could be a powerful figure in Tibetan culture. Irritated, Jesse's father says it's gone too far, takes his son, and leaves. He then gets a call on his cell phone and finds out that Evan, his business partner, died unexpectedly, causing Jesse's father a great deal of pain. Father and son stop to look over a bridge and watch the cars drive past, symbolizing life passing by. Jesse's father tells Jesse's mother that he has had a change of heart and that he thinks Jesse should go to Bhutan. On the plane the monks explain more of Siddhartha's story. As it turns out, there are 2 more candidates for the reincarnated teacher, Raju and and girl named Gita. Lama Norbu goes to the Oracle to find out which child is really the teacher, because he is confused about it. I won't tell you what happens, but when Lama Norbu has a decision, he is at peace with himself and tells Jesse's father that his time is done. Throughout the modern setting, there is a totally different plot going on, the retelling of how Siddhartha became the Buddha, which is always done in a flashback format. Aside from both great stories that were told, "Little Buddha" is a very well-made movie. All of the present-day scenes from Seattle are done in very cool colors, almost making it seem like you are looking through blue glasses. In the present-day scenes from Nepal and the flash-backs to the story of Buddha, every thing is warm and done in oranges and reds. The costuming was excellent and communicated very well what people really wore in the time of Siddhartha and what peoploe wear in modern times also. I think that the actors were very well fitted for their roles and veryone involved in making this movie did a good job.
Rating: 
Summary: Little Budda, Little thought
Review: It seems to me that this movie was rushed through production. I feel that this movie could have gone deeper into the truth of Buddism and not lingered on the top of it. I don't understand how the parents of the little boy would just leave him with perfect strangers or let him run off by himself in Bhutan. There seemed to be no point with the fact that the fathers freind died, except that it showed connection between Siddhartha and the boy. In the end of the movie, I didn't understand how the kids ended up watching Siddhartha be temtped under the Bo tree and reach enlightenment. While many of the things shown about Buddism were true, they forgot some main ideas such as the four noble truths and the eight fold path.
In all, I feel this movie could have been taken more time on in the making and resulted in a pathetic movie that stretches the reality of our lives
Rating: 
Summary: TAKE THIS PATH TO ENLIGHTENMENT!
Review: Is something missing from your life that you can not explain? Are you a soul-searcher? If yes, great; if not, would you like to try? Then this is the movie for you! "Little Buddha" is in a class by itself. It is most likened to a work of art. Allow me to use Da Vinchi's "Mona Lisa" as an example. You get a different impression every time you look at her! The same is true with this movie; the second (and subsequent viewings) are better than the first! Your faith is not a barrier to your enjoyment of this movie. This is a timeless, universal masterpiece by the Academy Award-Winning director, Bernardo Bertolucci. Please watch this movie when you are not rushed, preferably alone; then relax and take, no breathe it in. Keanu Reeves proves he is a gifted and dedicated actor as Prince Siddhartha, Buddha, the enlightened one. This is a prodigious story of his journey to enlightenment. Secondly it is also a story of the search by Lama Norbu (Ying Ruocheng) for his teacher's reincarnation. Here is where the children fit in and they do a splendid job, especially Jesse (Alex Wiesendanger.) Chris Isaak plays his unbelieving father. Bridget Fonda acts with grace and elegance as the mother of Jesse. To top off the great acting by everyone, the special effects are astounding! You are in for some amazing surprises; you will be impressed! Furthermore, the striking cinematography and music is a work of art in its own right! Buy "Little Buddha" and watch it from time to time when you need a fresh outlook on your life. Just like the "Mona Lisa" you will discover something new every time. You will not regret seeing this movie; trust me! Siddhartha says: "To learn is to change. The path to enlightenment is in the middle way; it is the line between all opposite extremes." A wise old musician speaking to his pupil passes by Siddhartha who overhears: "If you tighten the string too much it will snap; and if you leave it too slack, it won't play." Try this movie out on your heartstrings. Enjoy.
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...
Rating: 
Summary: Educational
Review: Cast: Ying Ruocheng, Alex Wiesendanger, Keanu Reeves, Chris Isaak, Bridget Fonda Little Buddha is both an enjoyable and educational movie. This movie has two story lines. One is about the quest of a group of monks, to seek out the reincarnated spirit of a great Buddhist teacher, Lama Dorje. And the other is a retelling of the story of Siddhartha, and how, having reached enlightenment, becomes the Buddha.
During the first plot line, Lama Norbu comes to Seattle in search of the reincarnation of his dead teacher, Lama Dorje. His search leads him to young Jesse Conrad, Raju, a boy from Katmandu, and an Indian girl. Together, they journey to Bhutan where the three children must undergo a test to prove which is the true reincarnation. After finding his teacher the monk then meditates and dies. The second story is about Siddhartha and how he became the Buddha. It traces his spiritual journey from ignorance to true enlightenment. Young Siddhartha lived a carefree life in the palace. His father, Kind Suddhodana, is shielding him from all unpleasantness such as elderly, sick or dying people. Gradually however, Siddhartha begins to get curious about the world out there, and one day sneaks outside the palace gate. Siddhartha comes in contact with suffering, desires, and death. This movie really opens your eyes to the basic concepts of Buddhism and the theme of reincarnation. I really liked the costumes and scenery in this movie, because they cam across well along with the theme. The music also added that extra effect needed to keep your attention throughout the movie. There was extremely good acting in this movie, especially by the children. Although this movie was well-written and well thought out, there was no emotional depth or appeal. The running time on this movie is also a little too long, which is not aided by the ragged transitions. And the characters never really connect with the audience, so the viewer's attention span is greatly tested. But overall I really enjoyed this movie and the themes it presents.
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...
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Film
Review: I really love this film, it wasnt at all what I expected, and that is even more awesome.
I let my son watch this film and he enjoyed it so much he had a ton of questions regarding Buddha and the expeirences of all the children. No child is too young to develop an open mind.
I suggest this film for anyone interested in Eastern Philosophies and/or Reincarnation. Or if you have questions or uncertainities about Buddha, this film brings Buddha's teachings forward and expresses the compassion that his love had.
Rating:
Summary: Spritually lifting
Review: An excellent exploration into the story of Buddha and how it contrasts with our western ways of thinking. It touches on all the main points of Buddhist philosophy and our usual reactions to it. From a film making point of view, it is a masterpiece of cinematography. The lighting, direction and sound track take you away and lift you to a higher plane.
Watch for the symbolism in almost every shot.
Love it.
Rating:
Summary: Little Buddha
Review: If you are interested in yoga, meditation, spiritual enlightenment or even you just trying to be happy. This is an excellent enlightening story. The movie is about a man pursue his true happiness. Giving up everything he has: physically, emotionally and mentary (attachments). When he attained indestructible being by any force, he became an Awakened One (Buddha). Filled with light, compassion and love.
| 
