SEVEN YEARS IN TIBET (Theatrical Release USA 1997)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Stars ìììì

Seven Years in Tibet—fabulous—portrays the acting skills of Brad Pitt as he performs in top form as mountaineer and Austrian Olympic Champion Heinrich Harrer.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Heinrich Harrer, an Austrian Olympic champion, chooses to leave his wife and unborn child in order to climb the summit of Nanga Parbat, an unconquered killer mountain in what is now known as Pakistan. In the process of attempting the climb, World War II begins. Heinrich Harrer and his team are imprisoned in a POW Camp. His team escapes and Heinrich Harrer heads to Tibet, later joined by fellow climber Peter Aufschnaiter (David Thewlis). Additional political complications between Tibet and China extend the already long stay of the two climbers. Heinrich Harrer becomes an advisor/tutor to the Dalai Lama and finally returns to his Austrian home to endeavor reconciliation with his own young son.

Additional Thanks

Best work for Director and Producer Jean-Jacques Annaud. Thank you to Executive Producers Michael Besman, Richard B. Goodwin, Diane Summers, and David Nichols for making the film possible. Additional character/cast include: Ngawang Jigme (BD Wong), Kungo Tsarong (Mako), Regent (Danny Denzongpa), Chinese ‘Amban’ (Victor Wong), Ingrid Harrer, (Ingeborga Dapkunaite), Dalai Lama 14-Years-Old (Jamyang Jamtsho Wangchuk), Pema Lhaki (Lhakpa Tsamchoe), Great Mother (Jetsun Pema), Tashi (Ama Ashe Dongtse), Dalai Lama at 8-Years-Old (Sonam Wangchuk), Dalai Lama at 4-Years-Old (Dorjee Tsering), and General Chang Jing Wu (Ric Young).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The film is a good mix of foreign culture, political intrigue, familial stress, and strain on moral qualities such as loyalty.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers