Movie Description
Inspired by a true story, LITTLE BUDDHA begins with a group of Tibetan monks leaving their monastery in Bhutan to search for the reincarnation of a recently deceased high lama. Their quest takes them to Seattle, where they try to convince young Jesse's father and mother (Chris Isaak and Bridget Fonda) that their son may be the lama. Intercut throughout is the story of Siddhartha (played by Keanu Reeves), the prince who became the Buddha.
| Credits | | Cast: | Alex Wiesendanger, Bridget Fonda, Chris Isaak, Keanu Reeves |
Notes
DVD Features:
Region 1
Keep Case
Widescreen - 2.35
Audio:
Dobly Digital 2.0 Stereo Surround - English, Shot in Technicolor, Panavision, and 70mm.
Bertolucci originally planned to make a biographical drama about Buddha, but shifted gears to make this story about an American boy believed to be the reincarnation of a great lama, and the life of the Buddha-to-be, Prince Siddhartha.
The film was shot in both Nepal and Bhutan -- it is, in fact, the first film ever shot in Bhutan, and the filmmakers had to negotiate with both religious leaders and the King in order to get permission. Bertolucci was familiar with this process: he also has the distinction of being the first Westerner to film in Beijing's Forbidden City.
According to Premiere, Nepali girls - who may have seen "Point Break" on video - were crazy for Keanu Reeves. They tracked his whereabouts relentlessly.
Other recent films Bertolucci's shot in exotic locations include "The Sheltering Sky" (1990) and "The Last Emperor" (1987).
Ironically, Khyongla Rato - the actor who plays the abbot in the film -- was five-years-old, he was identified as a reincarnation of a lama. Before agreeing to make the film, Rato consulted with the Dalai Lama to get his approval of the project. Rato currently lives in New York City where he runs the Tibet Center.
Budget estimate $35 million.
Premiered in Paris on December 1, 1993.
Some versions of the film run as long as 140 minutes.
Released in New York City May 25, 1994.
Gordon McGill wrote the novel "Little Buddha" based on the screenplay by Wurlitzer and Peploe, published by Berkley Books.
Filmed on location in Seattle, Nepal, India and Bhutan. See "Ossian - American Boy Tibetan Monk."
Soundtrack available June 14, 1994 by Milan Entertainment.
Rated BBFC 12 by the British Board of Film Classification.
Copyright CIBY 2000 and Serprocor Anstalt.
Editorial Reviews
"...Visually stunning....Reeves makes for a surprisingly watchable and dashing Siddhartha..."
Variety - Todd McCarthy (12/13/1993)
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