Poster for Buddha: The Great Departure

Buddha: The Great Departure (2011) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

Prince Siddhartha is heir to the Shakya kingdom, which is constantly at war with the more powerful Kosala kingdom. His father tries to raise as him as a warrior leader and to shield him from the miseries of the world. Meeting the young outcast girl Migaila, Siddhartha experiences love for the first time but also witnesses the suffering that afflicts humankind. Meanwhile, in Kosala, Chapra rises through the military, despite his lowly origins, to become a hero and general of the army. A final showdown between the two kingdoms forces… Sign up for the full guide

Rated NR • 2011 • 1h 51m

7.5
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
13+

This animated film, "Buddha: The Great Departure," dramatizes the early life of Prince Siddhartha and why he renounced his throne. The film is unrated but received varied ratings internationally, suggesting content best suited for teens and up. The primary concerns for parents are scenes of animated but serious warfare, including non-graphic sword fighting, large-scale battles, and character deaths. Additionally, the film explores… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Sayuri Yoshinaga
Sayuri Yoshinaga
Masato Sakai
Masato Sakai
観
観世清和
Hidetaka Yoshioka
Hidetaka Yoshioka
Ai Orikasa
Ai Orikasa
Junko Takeuchi
Junko Takeuchi
Tessyo Genda
Tessyo Genda
Keiji Fujiwara
Keiji Fujiwara
Ikue Otani
Ikue Otani
Takahiro Sakurai
Takahiro Sakurai
Nana Mizuki
Nana Mizuki
Tomoka Kurotani
Tomoka Kurotani
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Is Buddha: The Great Departure appropriate for kids?

This animated film, "Buddha: The Great Departure," dramatizes the early life of Prince Siddhartha and why he renounced his throne. The film is unrated but received varied ratings internationally, suggesting content best suited for teens and up. The primary concerns for parents… Read more — free account

Content severity in Buddha: The Great Departure

Sex None 0/10
Violence Strong 6/10
Language None 0/10
Substances None 0/10
Themes Strong 7/10

What happens in Buddha: The Great Departure, moment by moment

  1. 0:08 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
  2. 0:16 ⚔ Violence & Gore 5/10
  3. 0:24 🔥 Mature Themes 6/10
Unlock all 13 flagged moments — free account →

Sex and nudity in Buddha: The Great Departure

None. This film contains no sexual content, innuendo, or nudity.

Violence and gore in Buddha: The Great Departure

Contains moderate, stylized animated violence. The plot involves ongoing war between two kingdoms, leading to several battle scenes with sword fighting and arrows. While characters are killed, the depiction is not graphic or bloody. The violence is consistently framed as a tragic consequence of conflict rather than glorified action. The animated nature lessens the impact, but the stakes are serious.

Language in Buddha: The Great Departure

None. No profanity is present in the film.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Buddha: The Great Departure

None. No characters are shown drinking alcohol, smoking, or using drugs.

Mature themes in Buddha: The Great Departure

The film's central focus is on strong, mature themes of human suffering. Siddhartha witnesses widespread poverty, sickness, old age, and death, which causes him significant existential distress. Themes of class-based prejudice are prominent, particularly through the character of Chapra. The futility of war and the emotional weight of killing are major recurring topics that drive the narrative.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Buddha: The Great Departure appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Buddha: The Great Departure is best for ages 13+. It's rated NR. This animated film, "Buddha: The Great Departure," dramatizes the early life of Prince Siddhartha and why he renounced his throne. The film is unrated but received varied ratings internationally, suggesting content best…

What age rating does Buddha: The Great Departure have?

Buddha: The Great Departure is officially rated NR. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.

What is Buddha: The Great Departure about?

This animated film, "Buddha: The Great Departure," dramatizes the early life of Prince Siddhartha and why he renounced his throne. The film is unrated but received varied ratings internationally, suggesting content best suited for teens and up. The primary concerns for parents are scenes of animated but serious…

Is there sex or nudity in Buddha: The Great Departure?

None. This film contains no sexual content, innuendo, or nudity.

How violent is Buddha: The Great Departure?

Contains moderate, stylized animated violence. The plot involves ongoing war between two kingdoms, leading to several battle scenes with sword fighting and arrows. While characters are killed, the depiction is not graphic or bloody. The violence is…

Is the language in Buddha: The Great Departure appropriate for kids?

None. No profanity is present in the film.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Buddha: The Great Departure?

None. No characters are shown drinking alcohol, smoking, or using drugs.

What mature themes appear in Buddha: The Great Departure?

The film's central focus is on strong, mature themes of human suffering. Siddhartha witnesses widespread poverty, sickness, old age, and death, which causes him significant existential distress. Themes of class-based prejudice are prominent, particularly…

How long is Buddha: The Great Departure?

Buddha: The Great Departure runs 111 minutes, directed by Kouzou Morishita, released in 2011.

Where can I read the full Buddha: The Great Departure parent guide?

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