This section of the Thai animation feature, Thus Have I Heard, tells the story of the request by the Devas for Santusita to be reborn into his last life; the dream of Mahā Māyā and the conception; the naming of the child and predictions about his future; his childhood and marriage; his seeing of the four sights that changed his mind; his going forth and life of austerities; his battle with Māra; and his Awakening as the Buddha.
This five-hour animated film, which I have divided here into five sections, is probably the best Life of the Buddha feature film that has been made so far, being firmly based on the traditional stories in the Theravāda tradition, and giving enough space for the Buddha’s teachings to come through on full display.
The animation is very well-drawn, and the timing and direction are excellent. The only problem is the poor dubbing into English which could have been so much better if they had have employed people who knew the stories and Pāḷi. Still I really wouldn’t let that put you off as this is still far ahead of any of the other films made on the subject, and deserves to be seen far and wide.
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to see an album of screenshots click here