Movie Review: Little Buddha (1993)

Little Buddha (1993), directed by Bernardo Bertolucci, is a deeply philosophical and visually stunning film that explores themes of spiritual awakening, identity, and the search for enlightenment. The film weaves together the story of a young boy in Seattle, Jesse (played by Alex Wiesendanger), who is believed to be the reincarnation of a Tibetan Lama, with the historical and spiritual journey of Siddhartha Gautama, who later becomes the Buddha. The movie is both a modern tale and an exploration of Buddhist philosophy, blending the ancient teachings of Buddhism with a contemporary story about family, faith, and cultural discovery.

Featuring a talented cast that includes Keanu Reeves as Prince Siddhartha, Bridget Fonda as a Buddhist scholar, and a strong supporting cast of Tibetan and American actors, Little Buddha offers a rich cinematic experience. The film’s unique narrative structure alternates between the story of Jesse's journey and the retelling of Siddhartha's quest for enlightenment, giving viewers a layered understanding of Buddhist teachings. This review will evaluate the film’s themes, performances, visual style, and overall impact.

1. Themes: Reincarnation, Spirituality, and the Search for Enlightenment

At the core of Little Buddha is the theme of reincarnation and the search for spiritual enlightenment. The film posits that the journey of life is not just about personal growth, but also about the cycles of existence, death, and rebirth. Jesse, a young boy from Seattle, becomes central to the story when a group of Tibetan monks believes him to be the reincarnation of their late Lama, Lama Dorje. His journey is both literal and spiritual as he is taken to Bhutan to discover more about his potential role in the spiritual world.

In parallel, the film tells the story of Siddhartha Gautama’s transformation into the Buddha. The audience sees his path from a sheltered prince to a wandering ascetic, seeking answers to the nature of human suffering and how to overcome it. This dual narrative serves as a meditation on the Buddhist concept of suffering (dukkha), the pursuit of inner peace, and the transcendence of earthly desires. The film’s exploration of Siddhartha’s journey towards enlightenment is presented not only through a historical lens but also through a personal and intimate connection to Jesse, blurring the lines between past and present.

For viewers interested in films that explore spiritual themes and philosophical teachings, Little Buddha provides an insightful and accessible approach to Buddhism, particularly through its portrayal of the Buddha’s quest for understanding and the personal discovery of meaning in life.

2. Visual Style: A Stunning Cinematic Representation of Buddhism

Bernardo Bertolucci’s direction and the cinematography by Fabio Cianchetti are some of the most impressive aspects of Little Buddha. The film features breathtaking landscapes of Bhutan, Nepal, and India, which serve as both a physical and symbolic backdrop for the story. The natural beauty of the mountains, temples, and serene Buddhist architecture provides a meditative atmosphere that mirrors the spiritual journey of the characters.

The film's use of color is also notable. Scenes set in the modern world are often drab and washed-out, reflecting Jesse’s confusion and the mundane nature of the material world. In contrast, the spiritual sequences, particularly those depicting Siddhartha’s transformation into the Buddha, are vibrant and filled with rich colors. These visual choices emphasize the contrast between the earthly life of attachment and the transcendent, spiritual world of enlightenment.

For viewers who appreciate films that use visual elements to enhance the story, Little Buddha is a prime example of how setting and cinematography can deepen the exploration of complex philosophical and spiritual themes.

3. Performances: Keanu Reeves and the Cast

Keanu Reeves plays the role of Siddhartha, the young prince who embarks on a transformative journey to become the Buddha. While Reeves’ performance as Siddhartha is often seen as somewhat stoic and reserved, it works well within the context of the film, as Siddhartha is meant to embody inner calm and detachment. Reeves conveys a sense of spiritual search and quiet strength, but some critics have noted that his portrayal lacks the emotional depth that might have made Siddhartha’s internal struggles more relatable. Nonetheless, Reeves’ interpretation is fitting for a character who is seeking transcendence and peace.

Bridget Fonda, who plays the role of Lisa, a Buddhist scholar who helps guide Jesse, brings warmth and intellect to the film. Her character serves as a bridge between the Western world and the Buddhist philosophy that the film explores. The rest of the cast, particularly the Tibetan monks who play central roles in the film, provide a sense of authenticity and reverence, grounding the spiritual elements of the story in the culture and practices of Buddhism.

For viewers interested in films that feature restrained, yet purposeful performances in service of a larger, philosophical narrative, Little Buddha offers performances that match the contemplative and introspective tone of the story.

4. Structure and Pacing: A Meditative Rhythm

The film's structure is one of its most unique features. The story shifts between the modern-day life of Jesse and the historical journey of Siddhartha. This dual narrative could have been difficult to balance, but Bertolucci seamlessly weaves the two stories together, with the spiritual journey of Siddhartha informing and influencing Jesse’s own personal journey. The pacing of the film can be slow at times, with long stretches of meditation, reflective moments, and contemplative dialogue. While this may be challenging for some viewers, it suits the thematic focus on inner peace and spiritual exploration.

The film’s reflective pacing allows the audience to become absorbed in the spiritual journey, although it can sometimes feel more suited to a specific audience interested in philosophical or spiritual films rather than mainstream cinema.

For viewers who appreciate slow-paced, meditative films that focus on internal growth and philosophical exploration, Little Buddha offers a satisfying and immersive experience, but for those expecting a fast-paced plot, the film may seem drawn-out at times.

5. Conclusion: 

In conclusion, Little Buddha is a visually captivating and deeply philosophical film that offers a unique perspective on the teachings of Buddhism. While the performances are generally strong, particularly from Keanu Reeves and Bridget Fonda, the film’s pacing and structure may be too slow for some viewers. However, for those interested in a reflective, spiritual journey that blends ancient teachings with modern-day dilemmas, Little Buddha is a thought-provoking exploration of the search for enlightenment, the role of reincarnation, and the pursuit of inner peace.

For viewers interested in films about spirituality, personal growth, and the blending of Eastern philosophy with Western sensibilities, Little Buddha is an evocative and meaningful film that will resonate with those willing to engage in its philosophical inquiries and meditative pace.