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Little Buddha (1993)
Rate:
5
Viewed:
5/13
5/13:
I'm not sure why I hadn't heard of Little Buddha before until I came across it in Netflix.
Seeing that it failed at the box office, I thought Little Buddha was the kind of film that would do well given the
director was Bernardo Bertolucci. It was poorly reviewed because of Keanu Reeves. Historically, he's been the easiest piñata to
attack whenever a reason needs to be found. As many films as I've seen Keanu Reeves star in, he's an exceptional actor
who gives credible performances. But he's not the reason why Little Buddha didn't work. In fact, he has a minimal
amount of screen time.
On the other hand, the name "Bernardo Bertolucci" does mean film excellence. It's true while watching Little Buddha but
only on the surface. He recycles the same set of cinematic techniques from The Last Emperor but, this time, becomes overambitious
and thus loses control when it's clear the story is about three chosen kids who happen to be spoiled and undeserving. It's
comical when one of them is a white American kid which will never happen in the history of Buddhism.
Once the retelling of the story about Siddhartha fades away, there goes the film. The only reason why I decided on the
rating of '5' is the wonderful cinematography. Like I said, "Bernardo Bertolucci" does mean film excellence, and it also
means visionary genius through Vittorio Storaro. There are many shots that are amazing and unconventional. I haven't seen a
film that's photographed this way since The Last Emperor.
Although I have high praise for the cinematography, the truth is that the story had so little substance that I yearned for
the film to end early. It also leaves me wanting more information about the religion, the story, and the characters.
What is it that Little Buddha is trying to say? Why is there no sign of transformation within the white boy? What does
the trip to Nepal do for the father? What's that all about in regard to Evan? I think the mother should've went instead of
her husband because she seems more interested. Anyway, as bad as Bridget Fonda is in terms of acting, it's amusing
to see her trying keep up with the grand scheme of things by relying on her glasses as if it's a life preserver.
All in all, despite being overly ambitious, Little Buddha is worth watching for the cinematography alone.