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The Light of Asia

The Light of Asia

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  • Cast
  • Crew
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Status

Released

Release Date

Oct 22, 1925

Runtime

1h 37m

Genres

Drama

User Score

64%

Original Title

Prem Sanyas

Production Companies

Münchner Lichtspielkunst AG (Emelka), Great Eastern Film Corporation, Himansu Rai Film

Director

Franz Osten

Description

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.