Keelin Fitzsimons I just finished watching the movie titled "The Buddha" a two hour documentary about the life of Siddhartha Gautama who was also known as The Buddha. To be honest, this movie really didn't appeal to me whatsoever, and I found myself falling asleep at parts. I would suggest this movie to people who really want to learn more about Buddhism in depth, for someone like me who just needs the basics this was a little too much. It didn't go into extreme depth but it just took a long time to say the basic fundamentals of the Buddhist teachings and the Buddha's life. However, the artistic style of the movie was quite interesting and very well done. It was told a lot in paintings, and the music in the background really fit the mood of the movie. There were also multiple interviews with different people including the Dalai Lama which made the movie slightly more engaging. I didn't feel like the movie was really trying to force the Buddhism beliefs on you which I really liked, because I find that sometimes movies like this will try and do that. It wasn't an awful movie, and I really appreciated the artistic side of it, but I won't be watching it again.

Jampa71 Just as the core of Buddhism is centered on very simple principals,this documentary attempts to convey the life of the founder of this mindset,way of life;(religion)in an unobtrusive way, much as the man himself may have wanted it portrayed, I should think.The story is portrayed simply as a fable, but since it is about a real man with real ideas that have helped billions, it is treated with dignity and restraint because of the sensitive nature of modern society when it comes to the nature of our existence,and personal religious beliefs.The glowing faces and tone of the monks and HHS Dalai Lama are vivid reminders of a simple monk with a simple recipe for a higher existence on this earth that is still available for all.

buggs I found this documentary very instructive. I saw it on PBS, which is very well known for its high quality documentaries. And this one just follows that tradition. Buddhism is a beautiful religion/philosophy and was portrayed in the documentary in a simple and easy to understand manner. The music adequately accompanies the narration and the beautiful animations.The Buddha's story is very touching and reflects the endless quest of humanity for peace. Peace starts with one's self, to be able to reflect it on the outside world.Personnaly, it opened my eyes and heart at life. Will definitely meditate more often now. Highly recommended.

stevebob David Grubin's "The Buddha" is rather awful. It's the kind of pseudo-documentary infotainment that's prevalent on the History Channel or the Discovery Channel, and it's perhaps more suited to such venues than an outlet as committed to educational programming as PBS ostensibly is.The narration here is vapid, the images of art or landscapes are rarely identified, and the animations are juvenile. Though the music strives to feel momentous, it's actually generic Asian-sounding New Age pap. Perhaps the worst element is that so many of the talking heads are frankly annoying. Despite apparently formidable credentials, their commentaries -- whether discursive observations from the academics or musings delivered in a tone of wide-eyed wonder by the deep-thinking spiritual types -- are superficial and simplistic.Increasingly PBS seems to underestimate the intelligence and education of its viewing audience. It's a shame such a respected institution has become part of our culture-wide trend of dumbing down instead of maintaining the standards that its contributors have a right to expect.For all but the most undiscerning and undiscriminating, this film is likely to be found to be an exasperating waste of time -- or a two-hour snooze.