Cast
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Keanu Reeves
as Siddhartha
Bridget Fonda
as Lisa Conrad
Chris Isaak
as Dean Conrad
Ruocheng Ying
as Lama Norbu
Alex Wiesendanger
as Jesse Conrad
Raju Lal
as Raju
Greishma Makar Sing
as Gita
Sogyal Rinpoche
as Kenpo Tenzin
Khyongla Rato Rinpoche
as Abbot
Geshe Tsultim Gyelsen
as Lama Dorje
Jo Champa
as Maria
Jigme Kunsang
as Champa
Sadiya Siddiqui
as Temptation Girl
Rudraprasad Sengupta
as
Crew
Director
- Bernardo Bertolucci
Producer
- Jeremy Thomas
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Little Buddha examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Bernardo Bertolucci brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1993, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Little Buddha took approximately 35 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $35.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 141 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 177 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.
- The costume department created over 349 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1993, when this film was released:
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Little Buddha shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike French Exit, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Little Buddha subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Me and You and Everyone We Know and Laws of Gravity explore similar territory, Little Buddha stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 1, 1993
- Runtime: 2h 21m
- Budget: $35,000,000
- Revenue: $4,900,000
