The Light of Asia (1925)
1h 37m
Running Time
October 22, 1925Release Date
The Light of Asia (1925)
1h 37m
Running Time
October 22, 1925Release Date
Plot.
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.
Where to Watch.
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Cast & Crew.
Seeta Devi
Gopa
Himansu Rai
Gautama Buddha
Sarada Ukil
King Suddhodhana
Rani Bala
Queen Maya
Prafulla Roy
Devadatta
Franz Osten
Director
Edwin Arnold
Writer
Niranjan Pal
Writer
Media.
Details.
Wiki.
Prem Sanyas (The Light of Asia) (Die Leuchte Asiens in German) is a 1925 silent film, directed by Franz Osten and Himansu Rai. It was adapted from the book, The Light of Asia (1879) in verse, by Edwin Arnold, based on the life of Prince Siddhartha Gautama, who founded Buddhism by becoming the Buddha or the "Enlightened one".