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Seven Wonders of the Buddhist World

Name: Seven Wonders of the Buddhist World
Director: Faris Kermani
Released: 2011
Duration: 74 min

Representation Score

4.0/10

Limited

2011

Director

Faris Kermani

Runtime

74 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The documentary succeeds in de-centering Western-centric historical narratives by focusing on the spiritual landmarks of Asia. By exploring concepts like samsara and nirvana through various global sites, it elevates non-Western intellectual traditions. However, the film lacks representation in specific social categories. There is no focus on LGBTQ+ identities or disability representation, leaving these areas unaddressed. While the perspective is guided by a Western academic, the geographic and cultural breadth provides a significant departure from traditional Eurocentric historical documentaries.

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Category Breakdown

Does Seven Wonders of the Buddhist World have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on historical sites and religious philosophy. There are no LGBTQ+ characters or narratives addressing non-straight relationships.

How does Seven Wonders of the Buddhist World portray gender?

Fair

Historian Bettany Hughes serves as the central protagonist and intellectual authority. While this provides women's ability to drive the story, the film follows a standard documentary format without challenging gender hierarchies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Seven Wonders of the Buddhist World?

Good

The narrative centers on South and Southeast Asian landscapes, including India, Nepal, and Thailand. This disrupts Eurocentric defaults by prioritizing non-Western sites and cultural histories.

How does Seven Wonders of the Buddhist World represent religion and culture?

Good

The documentary provides a platform for Eastern metaphysical concepts like dharma and karma. It prioritizes non-Western spiritualities over Western religious structures.

Does Seven Wonders of the Buddhist World include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no visible evidence regarding the inclusion or portrayal of characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Present on Screen

Centers South and Southeast Asian landscapes and cultural histories.
Elevates non-Western spiritual and philosophical frameworks.
Features a woman in a position of intellectual authority.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or narratives.
Provides no visible inclusion of characters with disabilities.
Maintains a Western academic lens throughout the exploration.

Official Synopsis

In this fascinating documentary, historian Bettany Hughes travels to the seven wonders of the Buddhist world.Her journey begins at the Mahabodhi Temple in India, where Buddhism was born; here Hughes examines the foundations of the belief system - the three jewels.At Nepal's Boudhanath Stupa, she looks deeper into the concept of dharma - the teaching of Buddha, and at the Temple of the Tooth in Sri Lanka, Bettany explores karma, the idea that our intentional acts will be mirrored in the future.At Wat Pho Temple in Thailand, Hughes explores samsara, the endless cycle of birth and death that Buddhists seek to end by achieving enlightenment, before travelling to Angkor Wat in Cambodia to learn more about the practice of meditation.In Hong Kong, Hughes visits the Giant Buddha and looks more closely at Zen, before arriving at the final wonder, the Hsi Lai temple in Los Angeles, to discover more about the ultimate goal for all Buddhists - nirvana.

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