The Buddha: The Story of Siddhartha
by David Grubin
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DVD details
Actor: Richard GereDirector: David Grubin
Brand: PBS
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Subtitled); Mandarin Chinese (Subtitled); English (Original Language)
Format: Color, DVD, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 120 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2010-04-27
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: PBS
DVD Reviews of The Buddha: The Story of Siddhartha
DVD Review: Very Accessible and Lovely, a Bit Academic in Parts
Summary: 4 Stars
I just rented this on Netflix, and found it very lovely, for both experienced Buddhists and those new to it. It revolves around the story of the Buddha's life, as told in the first sutras (Buddhist scripture) on the subject, which began appearing around 500 years after the Buddha's passing. Richard Gere narrates the sutra portion of the story, while beautiful Buddhist artwork from around the world is displayed, interspersed with shots of sacred Buddhist historical sites, and some original graphics. The artwork in particular is stunning, and of course Richard Gere's voice contributes a lovely and peaceful depth to the telling.
At each phase of the Buddha's life story, cutaways to well-known Buddhist academics, teachers and writers are incorporated, including the Dalai Lama, Robert Thurman (the first American ordained as a Buddhist monk, acclaimed Buddhist author and speaker, and professor of Buddhist studies at Columbia University), Mark Epstein (Buddhist psychotherapist and author, and frequent contributor to the Buddhist magazine Tricycle), W.S. Merwin (practicing Zen Buddhist and acclaimed poet), and Jane Hirshfield (also a practicing Zen Buddhist and acclaimed poet.) Many others are featured as well. My favorite quotes were from Ms. Hirshfield, including this one:
"It's alright to feel what human beings feel, and we are not supposed to turn into rocks or trees when we practice Buddhism. Buddhists laugh, cry, dance, feel ecstasy, probably even feel despair. It is how we know the world. It is how we live inside of our hearts, not disassociated from them."
I wish all of the commentators were so well-spoken. My only reservation about this film (and the reason I gave it 4 rather than 5 stars) is that I did feel it became bogged down by some of the academic commentators. They were (not to put too fine a point on it) rather dull at times, which made the story drag. But this was only occasionally - overall this documentary offers a beautiful version of the Buddha's story, and much insight into Buddhist practice and wisdom. I recommend it for anyone.
Description of The Buddha: The Story of Siddhartha
Studio: Pbs Release Date: 04/27/2010 Run time: 120 minutesBestsellers in DVD
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