The Buddha

The Buddha, directed by David Grubin and narrated by Richard Gere, presents the life story of Siddhartha Gautama and the origins of Buddhism. It traces the journey of Prince Siddhartha from his sheltered upbringing in a palace to his eventual enlightenment and transformation into the Buddha.

The film employs a variety of visual techniques to bring the Buddha’s story to life. It features shots of historic sites associated with the Buddha’s life, blending them with ancient and modern paintings and sculptures. Additionally, specially commissioned animations are used to illustrate key moments in the Buddha’s journey, such the foretelling of his conception in a dream and his enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree.

Throughout the documentary, insights are provided by a range of experts, including both academic scholars and spiritual leaders. Notable contributors include poet W.S. Merwin, religious studies professor Robert Thurman, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama. These commentators offer perspectives on the Buddha’s teachings and their relevance to contemporary life, discussing concepts such as suffering, compassion, and mindfulness.

The documentary covers significant events in the Buddha’s life, including his privileged childhood, his decision to leave the palace at age 29, and his six-year spiritual quest. It recounts how he ultimately achieved enlightenment through meditation and subsequently devoted his life to teaching others the path to enlightenment. The film also touches on the spread of Buddhism and its impact as one of the world’s major religions.