Bertolucci originally planned to make a biographical drama about Buddha, but shifted gears to make this story about an American boy believed to be the reincarnation of a great lama, and the life of the Buddha-to-be, Prince Siddhartha.
3
The film was shot in both Nepal and Bhutan -- it is, in fact, the first film ever shot in Bhutan, and the filmmakers had to negotiate with both religious leaders and the King in order to get permission. Bertolucci was familiar with this process: he also has the distinction of being the first Westerner to film in Beijing's Forbidden City.
4
According to Premiere, Nepali girls - who may have seen "Point Break" on video - were crazy for Keanu Reeves. They tracked his whereabouts relentlessly.
5
Other recent films Bertolucci's shot in exotic locations include "The Sheltering Sky" (1990) and "The Last Emperor" (1987).
6
Ironically, Khyongla Rato - the actor who plays the abbot in the film -- was five-years-old, he was identified as a reincarnation of a lama. Before agreeing to make the film, Rato consulted with the Dalai Lama to get his approval of the project. Rato currently lives in New York City where he runs the Tibet Center.
7
Budget estimate $35 million.
8
Premiered in Paris on December 1, 1993.
9
Some versions of the film run as long as 140 minutes.
10
Released in New York City May 25, 1994.
11
Gordon McGill wrote the novel "Little Buddha" based on the screenplay by Wurlitzer and Peploe, published by Berkley Books.
12
Filmed on location in Seattle, Nepal, India and Bhutan. See "Ossian - American Boy Tibetan Monk."
13
Soundtrack available June 14, 1994 by Milan Entertainment.
14
Rated BBFC 12 by the British Board of Film Classification.
15
Copyright CIBY 2000 and Serprocor Anstalt.
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