The Life of Buddha
1961, Japanese. Directed by Noburô Ôfuji.
A re-edited, feature length compilation of the two parts of Ôfuji's The Great Sage Shakyamuni Buddha - the culmination of Noburô Ôfuji's monochrome silhouette films. After a portentous dream about a white elephant, the ancient Hindu princess Maya gives birth to a prince. Reared in seclusion from the troubles of the world, Prince Siddhartha is troubled by sights of poverty and deprivation when he is 12 years old. He is married to a beautiful wife, but he is unable to bear the thought of others suffering, and leaves the palace in search of an answer. While sitting beneath a tree, he achieves enlightenment. Planned as a nine-reel life of Buddha, but exhibited in Cannes as ‘Part One’ with only 6 reels completed, this late work by Noburô Ôfuji was not completed until after his death. It was only in 1961 that it was finally exhibited as a full 72-minute film (comprising 10 reels).
- Runtime
- 1h 12m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- Japanese
- Rated
- Check local
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The Life of Buddha isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 2 January 1961.
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Cast & crew
Details
- Released
- 2 January 1961
- Original title
- 釈迦の生涯
- Country
- Japan
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News & fan talk
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The Life of Buddha: quick answers
Is The Life of Buddha worth watching?
The Life of Buddha doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.
How long is The Life of Buddha?
The Life of Buddha runs 72 minutes (1h 12m).
Does The Life of Buddha have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for The Life of Buddha. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
The Life of Buddha parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for The Life of Buddha yet.
Which OTT platform is The Life of Buddha on?
The Life of Buddha isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 2 January 1961. (Checked 13 November 2026.)
What movies are like The Life of Buddha?
If you liked The Life of Buddha, try Strings, Buddha 2: The Endless Journey, The Tale of The Princess Kaguya.
Who directed The Life of Buddha?
The Life of Buddha (1961) was directed by Noburô Ôfuji and stars Shintarō Katsu.