Keanu Reeves Searches for Peace in the 4K Restoration Trailer of Bernardo Bertolucci’s Little Buddha.

      As Keanu Reeves prepares for a reunion with Sandra Bullock, it's a perfect moment to reflect on one of his earlier notable films. Bernardo Bertolucci's 1993 drama Little Buddha, where Reeves plays Siddhartha, has been restored in 4K by Cinecitta from the original separation masters under the guidance of cinematographer Vittorio Storaro. The film will begin its theatrical run on May 9 in NYC at the IFC Center and on May 16 in LA at Laemmle Glendale, with a national expansion to select cities to follow. Kino Lorber has just released the new trailer and poster.

      Here’s the synopsis: “Inspired by Buddhist history, Little Buddha creates a metaphor regarding the tragedy faced by Tibetans in exile. This captivating film is Bernardo Bertolucci’s brilliant successor to The Sheltering Sky. In this spiritual narrative, a Buddhist monk, Lama Norbu (Ying Ruocheng), believes that a 10-year-old American boy, Jesse (Alex Wiesendanger), is the reincarnation of his spiritual leader, Lama Dorje. Jesse's parents, Dean (Chris Isaak, Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me) and Lisa (Bridget Fonda, Jackie Brown), doubt this claim, but after a significant loss, a changed Dean agrees to let his son travel to Bhutan. Nevertheless, there are two other children whom the monk suspects may also be the reincarnation of Lama Dorje. Keanu Reeves stars as Siddhartha.”

      Check out the trailer and poster (featuring art by Renato Casaro) below, along with our discussion about Reeves’ most underrated films on The B-Side.