THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, July 9, 1994 TAG: 9407080082
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E1 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Film Review
SOURCE: BY MAL VINCENT, ENTERTAINMENT WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 73 lines
``LITTLE BUDDHA'' is an odd movie in more than one way. A parable on the simplest of levels, it is ostensibly seen from a child's point of view, yet it is much too slow and stodgy to hold the interest of most children.
Coming from world-famous director Bernardo Bertolucci (whose ``The Last Emperor'' won eight Oscars), it is a surprising change of pace. The director is usually associated with political or sexual controversy or epic sweep. Here, he spins a tale of a childlike search for a new culture and a new philosophy.
On top of these shocks, we have one of the year's most unusual casts.
Bridget Fonda (niece of Jane, daughter of Peter, granddaughter of Henry) is a caring and concerned Seattle mother who hardly flinches when a robed Tibetan monk shows up at her door and informs her that her 9-year-old son may be the reincarnation of an important Buddhist teacher. She admits the man to her home and sends her son to classes to learn about Buddhist philosophy. Her open-door policy seems a bit too open.
The father is played by rocker Chris Isaak. He'd best keep his recording job; his performance is terribly unsure and stiff.
The elderly Lama Norbu, the wise man who brings the reincarnation tidings to the Seattle family, is played by Ying Ruocheng, a former deputy minister of culture for China and a professor at the College of William and Mary. He is effective at suggesting both age and wisdom.
Keanu Reeves, the former California surfer of ``Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure'' and currently star of the big hit ``Speed,'' is an unlikely choice to play Prince Siddhartha, an ancient Indian prince who renounces wealth and worldly possessions in a mystical adventure on the path to enlightenment. In costume and makeup, Reeves is almost unrecognizable. He brings a surprising amount of discipline and presence to the role. This appearance is by no means the embarrassment it might have been.
Nine-year-old Alex Wiesendanger, discovered on a playground at a New York City public school, has the role of the young contender. He brings a feistiness and curiosity to the part.
The ancient tale of the Indian prince is spun out in flashbacks. Visually, the film is a stunner, especially in these flashback sequences. Siddhartha's exit from his palatial fortress is staged much in the way that Liz Taylor's entrance to Rome was in ``Cleopatra.'' Every cent of the $45 million budget shows.
Still, to put it quite frankly, the film is something of a bore. It is difficult to guess just what Bertolucci was thinking about. If his film is aimed at children, it is likely to lose them in a plodding narrative. If it is intended for adults, its approach to Buddhism is too simple, even for the most untutored. To all but the most curious, it will be somewhat difficult to sit through this entire film without the mind wandering.
The plot thickens when two other children also become candidates in the reincarnation derby. The finale, though, is a cop-out, which, like most of the film, refuses to wake up the audience.
``Little Buddha,'' at best, is a well-intentioned curiosity. ILLUSTRATION: [MOVIE REVIEW]
"LITTLE BUDDAH"
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Chris Isaak, Bridget Fonda
Rated: PG
Mal's rating: **
Location: Naro
"Little Buddah" is a visually spectacular movie.
Alex Wiesendanger stars as an American child who may be a
reincarnation of a Buddhist holy man in ``Little Buddha.''
by CNB