The Light of Asia (1925)

Living an indolent life in a luxurious palace, Prince Gautama (Rai) is insulated by his family from the harshness of the world outside. But he is destined to learn greater truths: shocked to discover the pain and suffering of so many in his kingdom, he abandons his privileged existence, and his wife Gopa (Seeta Devi), to become a wandering teacher, eventually finding enlightenment and founding Buddhism. Featuring superimposed images and deep-focus shots that were highly impressive for the time, Light of Asia astutely combines a deeply felt spirituality with the surefire attraction of Indian exotica, which helped make it a considerable success in Europe.

Released Oct. 22, 1925 97 min None+

Genres: Biography, Drama, History

Keywords: imdb.reference-to-buddha, imdb.buddha-character, imdb.devotional, imdb.prophecy, imdb.love-at-first-sight, imdb.prince, imdb.bow-and-arrow + 9 more, imdb.duel, imdb.elephant, imdb.horseback-riding, imdb.horse, imdb.cheetah, imdb.hunting, imdb.wedding, tmdb.bollywood, aspectratio.1-33-1