"The Buddha" is an interesting, PBS documentary tracing the life story of the Buddha. It is good for an introduction to Buddhist mythology, but could benefit from a bit more depth.
Through the use of animation and interviews with figures such as the Dalai Lama, the documentary explains what Buddhists believe the Buddha went through, and what his significance to them is.
The film itself is well done, with some good animation. However, I was left wanting more. It would have been better if they had provided more information about the development of Buddhism after the Buddha's death. Even if they did not have time to discuss all the different schools of Buddhism, it would have been beneficial to have more in depth commentary from representatives of the various schools. Most of the people they talk to seem to be adherents of Tibetan Buddhism, leaving one to wonder what a Zen or Shinto perspective would be.
Through the use of animation and interviews with figures such as the Dalai Lama, the documentary explains what Buddhists believe the Buddha went through, and what his significance to them is.
The film itself is well done, with some good animation. However, I was left wanting more. It would have been better if they had provided more information about the development of Buddhism after the Buddha's death. Even if they did not have time to discuss all the different schools of Buddhism, it would have been beneficial to have more in depth commentary from representatives of the various schools. Most of the people they talk to seem to be adherents of Tibetan Buddhism, leaving one to wonder what a Zen or Shinto perspective would be.