7.6
Where can I stream The Buddha legally?
You can watch it free with ads on Kanopy. You can also rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, and Apple TV Store. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
The Buddha
2010·Movie
The Buddha fingerprint
Big heart, striking style, no humor.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Spectacle6
- Tension2
- Adrenaline1
Heart
Heartwarming and uplifting
Much of it is about growing up.
- Wholesome9
- Hopefulness9
- Wonder8
Humor
Serious throughout
- Wit & Wordplay1
- Situational Comedy0
- Physical Comedy0
World
A real life story, faith and meaning, and history
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality6
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Solid, not remarkable
- Direction7
- Narrative Structure7
- Character Depth7
Style
Standout cinematography and score
- Cinematography8
- Music Composition8
- Editing7
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Buddha is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Spectacle6Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Tension2Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline1High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace1Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence1Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
HighHeartwarming and uplifting
Much of it is about growing up.
Emotionally, it's heartwarming, uplifting, and wondrous. Much of it is about growing up.
All heart traits
- Wholesome9Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness9Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wonder8Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Coming of Age7Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Pathos6Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Nostalgia5Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Family Dynamics5Relationships and generational ties.
- Melancholy4Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
Related traits
- Spiritual10Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Philosophical9Ideas about life and existence.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay1Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor0Humor from taboo or grim topics.
Related traits
- Wholesome9Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
MediumA real life story, faith and meaning, and history
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around a real life story, faith and meaning, and history. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty3Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity2Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Biographical10Lives of notable figures.
- Spiritual10Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Historical9Period settings and real events.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
Craft
MediumSolid, not remarkable
The craft is serviceable rather than remarkable.
All craft traits
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Acting5Performance craft and presence.
- Complexity5Layered plots and ideas.
- Intrigue4Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Educational10Informative and instructive.
- Philosophical9Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Homage & Reference5Allusions to other works.
Style
HighStandout cinematography and score
Look and sound: the cinematography and score stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition8Score and musical identity.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Visual Stylization7Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality7The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Spectacle6Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFamily Movie NightFriends NightIntergenerationalKidsPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensComfort WatchThought-Provoking
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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
The Story of Buddha
This documentary for PBS by award-winning filmmaker David Grubin and narrated by Richard Gere, tells the story of the Buddha’s life, a journey especially relevant to our own bewildering times of violent change and spiritual confusion. It features the work of some of the world’s greatest artists and sculptors, who across two millennia, have depicted the Buddha’s life in art rich in beauty and complexity. Hear insights into the ancient narrative by contemporary Buddhists, including Pulitzer Prize winning poet W.S. Merwin and His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Join the conversation and learn more about meditation, the history of Buddhism, and how to incorporate the Buddha’s teachings on compassion and mindfulness into daily life.
Spiritual BiographyEducational DocumentaryPeaceful & MeditativeHistorical Art ShowcasePhilosophical ExplorationInspirational Life JourneyCalm & ReflectiveBuddhist TeachingsVisual PoetryMindfulness Focus
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Buddha
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Buddha worth watching?
69
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 70/100 (IMDb 7.6). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
How long is The Buddha?
2 h 0 min
The Buddha runs 2 h 0 min.
Is The Buddha based on a true story?
Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.
What language is The Buddha in?
EnglishItalian
It was made in English, with some Italian. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch The Buddha?
4
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Buddha in 4 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.