The Light of Asia

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.

Country:

Germany,

India

Genre:

Drama

Duration:

97 minutes

Year:

1925

Director:

Franz Osten

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Company:

Münchner Lichtspielkunst AG (Emelka),

Great Eastern Film Corporation,

Himansu Rai Film

Cast:

Gopa

Gautama

King Suddhodhana

Queen Maya

Devadatta

Crew:

Director

Writer

Writer

Director

Costume Design