Siddhartha / Little Buddha

http://atonkin.gaia.com — Sat, 25 Nov 2006 23:51:42 GMT

(Note - I'm watching double-bills of spiritual movies on Friday nights, and making notes for my own use, which I'll share here - in lieu of having something to say!)

Both excellent, and a nice double bill.

For some reason, I thought Siddhartha was about the life of Buddha, since that was B.’s original name. (Wrong!) However, Buddha does appear (offscreen only – why?) as a teacher that takes away Sidd’s pal Govinda early on.

For a semi-epical Eastern drama from a German novel, this was surprisingly intimate and easy to follow. It’s the story of a man who has early spiritual yearnings, is seduced by the world, and eventually comes to find peace after losing his wife and son. Minimal dialogue and much gorgeous location footage.

Music was especially good, Indian folk music, not orchestral pomp – was there a soundtrack album?

Little Buddha was just a treat. Like Godfather II, it’s told partly in the present and partly in flashback. Modern-day scenes involve the possible rebirth of a Buddhist monk into the body of a Seattle boy; past scenes show the basic history of the Buddha, admirably portrayed with understated joy by Keanu Reeves. Chris Isaak and Bridget Fonda were also excellent as the boy’s parents.

Certainly the chief attraction here is the straightforward presentation of Buddhist practice and belief; this would make an excellent primer for someone interested in that faith. Also remarkable is the matter-of-fact treatment of death; everyone cares deeply for the monk who goes but no one is sad.

Exists in a splendid universe of humor, gentleness, affection, and wonder.

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Siddhartha / Little Buddha