The Life of Buddha (2007)
Thursday, October 9, 2014
Thai title: ประวัติพระพุทธเจ้า
Comments on Movie: The Life of Buddha (2007)
"The Buddha is a colourful lesson on the genesis of Buddhism that appeals mainly to children. This, of course, is nothing to be ashamed of. Wallapa is well-meaning beyond question. But that also means that The Buddha mirrors the national climate of institutional worship and the indifference, if not the ignorance, to how modern society has twisted Lord Buddha's teachings into something much less pure than their original meanings." - Kong Rithdee, Bangkok Post.
"The saddening question is this: will there ever be an interest in the historical material that the Pali suttas hold?" - Eisel Mazard, Prachatai.
"It got everything wrapped up in a nutshell as a quick jumpstart introduction into the life of Buddha and his teachings, packaged in animation done by Thailand with inputs and vetting by the necessary subject matter experts so you can be assured of some quality control in terms of storytelling." - Stefan Shih, A Nutshell Review.
"The animations are beautiful and can't really tell whether the script or lines are too far from being historically accurate due to improficiency of Thai language but then again, how many adaptations of any kind out there are 100% accurate?" - Rosalyn Lim.
The Life of Buddha (2007) Trailer
The Life of Buddha (2007) at a glance
The Life of Buddha (2007) or The Buddha is a biographical drama film is produced by Wallapa Phimtong who self-financed it so she could distribute free copies to schools nationwide in Thailand. The film is about the life of Gautama Buddha, loosely based on the Tripitaka and it is released n celebration of The Royal Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 80th birthday.
PS. This is one of the very few animated features about Buddhism!
PS. This is one of the very few animated features about Buddhism!
In 543 B.C. a great man was born for humankind. He is Prince Siddhārtha. There are two alternative possibilities for the prince. Should the prince remain a man of the world, he will become great monarch but should he go forth into the religious life, he shall achieve enlightenment and become the Buddha.
Adapted from trailer. Will write this soon. There is no official English version available.
Movie Review: The Life of Buddha (2007)
Town's women.
The Life of Buddha (2007) begins in serene manner, with pleasant music and visuals. Sadly, as the movie progresses, it becomes increasingly dull since there isn't much obvious effort for the plot. The storytelling is too straightforward, without much on-screen elaborations.
Gautama Buddha's disciples.
It has both charming and ridiculous dramatic and some of the scenes may be baffling to those who are not familiar with Buddhism. There are plenty of flaws mostly due to the so-so screenplay amongst others but it nonetheless, it is noteworthy that despite there are many obstacles and delays in producing this animated feature, the animations are beautiful and as a whole, it is quite a well-made movie!
Heaven.
Indeed, The Life of Buddha (2007) is not 100% historically correct and certainly, yes, I don't understand most words said by the characters thus can't really tell whether the script or lines are too far from being historically accurate due to improficiency of Thai language but then again, how many adaptations of any kind out there are 100% accurate?
He was once a prince, Prince Siddhārtha.
Although I also have keen interest with religion and I could tell that the story is certainly not exactly the same with the Tripitaka; I also must confess that my knowledge about Buddhism is still limited. Even so, the movie is still able to show a glimpse of the Buddha's life. So, I would say the add-ons to the film are quite original which are actually creative and admirable especially since it is produced with good intentions! (If you really want to know more about Buddhism, go read about them!!)
PS. Wallapa Phimtong deserves a lot of respect! And, this film is mainly 2D so I'll label it as Traditional Animation!
Movie Ratings
Will write a page regarding this and add this to all animated feature entries in the future.
To be honest, if you are not into this kind of stuffs, it will bore you. But if you are genuinely interested with religion and also know the Thai language, I think you should be able to learn some Buddhist wisdom through this animated feature.
And yes this movie certainly feels like a preaching film hahaha.
Details of the movie
Director: Kritsaman Wattananarong
Producer: Wallapa Phimtong
Story: Not sure.
Screenplay: Aumpira Wongthamma
Cinematography: Not sure.
Music: Kaiwan Kulavadhanothai
Studio: Media Standard Company Limited
Starring: Sarut Wijittranon, Supattra Thiwanon, Komgrit Triwimol, Panrapee Rapeepan, Tankhun Jititsara
Full Credit: [IMDb]
Distributor: Media Standard Company Limited
Country: Thailand
Language: Thai
Genre: Biography Drama
Running time: 105 mins
Budget: USD 3,700,000 est.
Box office: Not sure.
Official website(s)
http://www.thelifeofbuddhamovie.com/
http://www.mediastd.com/
Related
Various Thai Animation Studios
Rosalyn's Animated Movie Marathon
The Life of Buddha (2007) Behind the Scenes
N/A
Favorite Movie Character
The Life of Buddha (2007) Movie Quotes
Not complete and these are from the official trailer's subtitles!
- In 543 B.C a great man was born for humankind.
- The only one, the only person who changes the world.
- There are two alternative possibilities for the prince. Should the prince remain a man of the world, he will become great monarch. But, should he go forth into the religious life, he shall achieve enlightenment and become the Buddha.
- This child, the prince, is to be called Prince Siddhartha.
- If I am to achieve enlightenment and Buddhahood today, may this bowl float against the current.
- Even though my blood should run dry and nothing is left but tendon and bones, until I achieve the enlightenment, I will not stir from this seat.
- That beautiful sound must come from a string that is neither too taut nor too loose.
- This middle path is the best path to take.