A prince ditches the palace for enlightenment—demons, dancing girls, and drama included.
An Indian prince leaves his world of comfort and riches behind to wander and meditate for six years in search of spiritual enlightenment. Siddartha (Cojoin Hong) turns his back on the old religion when people are starving needlessly and holy rituals include human sacrifices. During his meditations, he is tempted by erotic dancing women, demons, and the evil machinations of his criminal cousin. Devastate to attain the spiritual perfection and become the Buddha. He travels to convert followers by his kindness and wisdom, gaining a multitude of believers when he stops an elephant from crushing a local priest. Buddha of course goes on to become one of the great religious leaders of the world.
Direction
Kenji Misumi stages temptation sequences like fever dreams.
Costume
Opulent palace silks versus ascetic robes—visual storytelling.
Practical Effects
That elephant scene? Real trained elephant, zero CGI.
Director
Kenji Misumi
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Shintarō Katsu later became iconic as Zatoichi the blind swordsman—ironic given his character's fate here.
This was Japan's contribution to 2,500th Buddha Jayanti celebrations, explaining the lavish Daiei studio budget.
JP
