A Geeky Teacher'S Guide to Little Buddha
I have to be honest, I'm pretty biased about this movie because I use parts of it in my class to teach my World history students about the origins of Buddhism.
Even with this bias, I do think that this movie is worth watching. as the name implies, the movie is about Siddhartha Gautama's journey from Prince to The Buddha (The Enlightened) one. But before I go any further, we need to talk about the elephant in the room. Yes. For some reason Bernardo Bertolucci decided to cast Keanu Reeves as Buddha. Why he decided to do this is beyond me. Reeves is not Indian and... let me whisper this part... is not a good actor. Don't get me wrong, Keanu Reeves is an entertaining actor, but that doesn't make him a good one. I love him as John Wick, Johnny Utah and Ted "Theodore" Logan. I have seen those movies probably a combined one hundred times, but that does not mean he's the type of actor who can pull off playing the founder of a religion. In just about every scene he is in, I expect him to say "Whoa", "Yes" or 'i did not reach enlightenment to learn how to surf". Sadly, he never does.
Another very strange choice is casting Chris Isaac... a singer... as a main character in the movie. Aside from his amazing "Wicked Game" music video (which had a lot more to do with Helena Christensen than Isaac) I don't recall seeing him in any other large role. And there is a reason why. He's not an actor.
Well then how can I saw this movie is worth a watch? Well as a teacher, I respect any movie that can teach a lesson. This one does a really good job of teaching how Prince Siddhartha becomes the Buddha. It starts with the miracle of his birth and takes us through his time as a very sheltered prince who never witnesses any type of suffering. While his father the king was trying to shield his son from suffering, like what happens with many overbearing parents, his child grows up to want to do the exact opposite. He not only wants to know about and experience suffering, he dedicates his life to stopping it.
This movie is also based on a true story... and I don't mean about Buddha. Whether that is true or not is left up to the hearts of the followers of Buddhism. The part that is true concerns a little American boy who some Buddhist monks think might be the reincarnation of their teacher. Bertolucci uses this story about a real little boy learning about Buddha as a vehicle to teach the audience the same lesson. Along the way, they share some very cool beliefs of Buddhism, show how similar it is to other religions, and even makes a point to show that Buddha and Jesus had quite a bit in common. I love any content that brings viewers together instead of driving them apart.
Bad acting aside, the story is compelling and even involves a little mystery as there are two other candidates who could possibly be the reincarnation of the teacher. It is actually one of the more entertaining history lessons out there. I really enjoy how they used a creative and interesting modern story in order to tell the historical beginnings of Buddhism.
Has anyone else seen this? Anny Buddhists out there who can give their take?
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I remember watching Little Buddha even though the acting wasn’t perfect it really helped me understand the core ideas of Buddhism especially compassion and inner peace. It’s interesting how the movie connects those teachings to values found in many other religions too.
I haven't seen it, but based on the good references on his part, I think I'll see it since it's a part of the history of humanity that is very interesting to know and, well, also perhaps to put into practice those teachings that he left to humanity to improve our way of living and reach that state of enlightenment, of course, not as high as someone who practices their religion, but enough to improve and specifically be good people.
That's the main idea of a film based on real events, which brings people together regardless of their religion instead of separating us due to differences that could surely be resolved, although each religion wants to be the owner of its truth and doesn't accept any other. I'm not a movie buff, but what really catches my attention is what you say about the actors' bad performances. However, the important thing is the content and the message that the director wants to convey.
Even if someone isn’t Buddhist, there’s still so much to learn from the story. The movie really makes you think about kindness, purpose, and how we see the world.
I like kind of movies which teaches a good lesson of humanity, it doesn't matter what religion it belongs.
I remember watching it a hundred billion years ago and not hating it (it wasn't bad, I just didn't love or hate it enough to remember much more than I've seen it XD). The interactions between the kids was cute XD
Good idea to use it as a teaching tool, and these days it could probably also double as look at the vast difference in technology in the timespan.
I've seen Buddha-related films before, but I haven't seen this one yet. It is accurate to say that both Jesus and Buddha were believers. However, it only serves to highlight the importance of respecting and believing in each of the gods we worship. I appreciate your positive review; I hope to watch it soon.
I never seen that movie, but as you say it's worth watching and make your own idea, if it contains a true story has historic value too
I think the movie is a unique example of history and spirituality. Although there are some weaknesses in the acting, it is still really commendable for presenting the teachings of the Buddha's life and the core philosophy of Buddhism in a simple way.
Somehow this one got by me. I don't think I have ever seen it or even heard of it. Do you show the kids Ghandi? That was a good movie.
This had me so confused because I saw the picture first and was thinking... "that looks like Keanu Reeves but it can't be." Then I started reading and couldn't believe it was really him. Wow is that a strange picture, good choice!
I remember watching Little Buddha too, and I agree that even with some odd casting choices, it does a great job of explaining Buddhism in a simple and meaningful way. It’s one of those films that stays with you for its message more than its acting.
Whether it is the history of any country or a large or small country, whenever we have watched a movie or read a book about it, we have always learned a lot. And a successful person in this world is one who learns things quickly and then thinks about these things in his life, only then does his life start moving on a better path