Little Buddha

After the death of their Tibetan mentor Lama Dorje, a community of monks tries to locate his rebirth among three children: a Western boy and two Nepalese youngsters. The search becomes a cross continental meditation on faith, lineage, and desire to preserve a teacher who touched both worlds. The film splits its attention between the modern story of the American family, the exotic setting of shrines and hills of Nepal, and a staged retelling of Siddhartha’s early life. Keanu Reeves embodies the prince in flashback sequences, while Lama Norbu, a compassionate monk, undertakes the spiritual task of discernment. The result is a quiet, expansive meditation on belief and the price of awakening. The tension glides between reverence and doubt often.

Directed by Bernardo Bertolucci, Little Buddha unites a script by Rudy Wurlitzer and Mark Peploe with lush location work and a sprawling, cross cultural vision. Released in 1993, the film blends Western cast with Asian settings and meditation on tradition.

The film attracted attention for casting Keanu Reeves as Siddhartha and for Bertolucci's ambitious attempt to fuse the life of the historical Buddha with a contemporary Tibetan search for reincarnation. Its visuals and tranquil tempo sparked discussion about how cinema can translate contemplative Buddhist ideas to non Asian audiences today.

Critics offered mixed takes on the movie, praising its scope and performances while noting a deliberate pace that can feel distant. The themes center on faith versus doubt, the weight of lineage, and the clash between spiritual longing and modern family life. Some critics call it a contemplative, quiet work.

Worldwide gross was about 4.9 million against a 35 million budget, a result many outlets labeled disappointing. Its limited commercial performance did not reflect its ambitions, but the film found a small audience among independent viewers in regions that linger.