Seven Years in Tibet

Rating:
Summary: Undeservingly Under-rated
Review: Seven Years in Tibet is the story of Heinrich Harrer, a german mountain climber, peripheral nazi party member, political prisoner, and egoist. He is off to defeat Nanga Parbet (probably messed up the spelling), a mountain in the Himalayas. Events occur, blah, and he is taken as a POW by some british troops at base camp. Apparently when he was on the mountain, germany declared war on england. He does manage to escape, with the help of a few other of the climbers, to Tibet, finally getting there with only one other, played by David Thewlis, an excellent actor. The two of them spend the titular seven years in Lhasa, the storied capital of Tibet, ancient as the hills, and forbidden to foreigners.

Here is where the detailed shadings of Pitt's character are revealed, both through his amazing ability to both comprehend and display the nuances of his character and every half-smile and subtle gesture that bring his character to life. Through his interactions with the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibet, we see Harrer change, slowly, from egotistical and uninterested to close confidant and caring teacher/father/friend. I'm not a Brad Pitt fan, but have you to give credit where credit is due.

The story is based on the true experiences of Heinrich Harrer and the Dalai Lama (who is an amazing speaker, if ever he wanders your way, definately check it out, he has this way of simplifying any problem to a matter of love and understanding no christian ever could). The story is poignant, as we see the impending war with China, the pathetic and futile attempts of the TIbetans to raise a military, and the inevitable conquest. They're still under communist rule, and sometimes you'll see hippies or Rage Against the Machine (RIP) fans with "Free Tibet" bumper stickers on their cars, and this is what they're referring to. Anyway, the story itself is touching and well-scripted. There are a few quibble-able points, though. First, you are told in no uncertain terms how to feel about almost every character and situation. That's pretty much true. Oh, well. Next point. Some would say it's too "hollywood". I would disagree, however, because the only signs of a hollywood influence are the budget and the talent. Both lended themselves perfectly to their parts (Worth mentioning: the scenery, something only attainable with that crazy hollywood budget, is breathtaking. Money well-spent. Absolutely gorgeous, each location in perfect tune with both the story and the seasons).

That's pretty much it. Great story held up by great acting (check out that kid who played the Dalai Lama; he blew me away!) and made to feel lush and alive with astonishing locations. Worth renting if you're not sure you'll dig it, worth buying if you know you do.

Rating:
Summary: New respect for Brad Pitt
Review: I watched this movie for the first time when it was released in the theaters -- at that time I thought it was good, but not great. Since then, I've had a chance to attend an event in which the Dalai Lama spoke, and have come to see this movie in a new light. The story of the personal transformation of Harrar is uplifting and inspiring. I was moved by the tenderness between the young Dalai Lama and Heinreich Harrar. I used to be one of those that thought Brad Pitt was more suited to roles in "teen movies," but seeing "Seven Years in Tibet" proved me wrong. He has a depth in his acting that I didn't realize before. He portrayed Harrar with sophistication and complexity. He showed the arrogant, selfish side of his character with equal believability as his portrayal of the tenderness and grief Harrar must have felt in his growing love for his friends in Tibet.

Rating:
Summary: An absolute snore-fest
Review: Yes, the photography of the movie is beautiful. However, watching the story was horribly slow. It was just boring to see how the relationship between Harrer and the Dalai Lama unfolds so slowly. No emotional strings were strummed. I sat there watching the movies like I spent seven years in Tibet. And when there is action, it is unfairly depicted. The movie makes the Chinese army into a mob of dehumanized villains. I feel that this is the most uncomfortable, high-production movie I have sat through in a very long time. If you want good drama, watch something like The Shawshank Redemption. If you want good cinematography, watch One Hour Photo. If you want a DVD coaster, use your Seven Years in Tibet DVD. Avoid this piece of junk unless you want to fall asleep.

Rating:
Summary: its not in english
Review: I recieved the dvd 4 days after i ordered it and it was not in a standard dvd case its was in a normal music cd case and it was all in some asian language not even the title was in english. im looking for the senders e mail so i can maybe return it for the english version.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful film with a colorful soundtrack
Review: Before I came across this film, I was familiar with the soundtrack. Being a cellist, seeing that Yo-Yo Ma was the soloist for the performances on the album caught my attention. The music won me over!

Seeing the film, the breathtaking landscapes and rich colors of Lhasa won me again. I was (and still am) so caught up with the beauty of it all that I really haven't noticed if the acting seems forced or unconvincing.

As for the DVD, I *would have* liked extras on it! :( Unfortunately, on this edition, there are no behind-the-scenes clips or commentaries. For that, I give this item 4 out of 5 stars.

Rating:
Summary: Almost two films
Review: This is almost two films, the first one taking place before the main characters reach Tibet, when we're exposed to the extremely unlikeable character of Harrer and we learn to dislike him intensely; the second film deals with Harrer and his "friend" after they arrive in Tibet after escaping from a POW camp. In the first film, we learn fascinating lessons about mountain climbing and this part of Asia during the rise of the Nazis, and in the second we learn about Tibet and the young Dalai Lama. That said, this is an extremely entertaining film that's beautiful to watch, if we can get past our dislike of Pitt's character. Personally, I would have liked to see more growth in Harrer, more of a change as he realizes just how selfish he truly is--in the end, I'm still not sure that I'd like to sit down and have a conversation with the man. The acting is good, the cinematography is excellent, and the story is good, so this is one that I'd recommend. Add to that the historical and cultural lessons that we learn, and it turns it into a highly recommended film.

Rating:
Summary: Seven Years in Tibet
Review: This is one of the most heartwarming films about Tibet and H.H. The Fourteenth Dalai Lama that I've seen. It shows H.H. as a little boy, learning to be what he was born again to be. The Dalai Lama.

Brad Pitt plays an Austrian mountain climber and through a chain of events ends up in Tibet. The Dalai Lama as a boy was enthralled by these western men and a lifetime friendship evolved.

This is not just a "chic flick." It's a film with some of the most magnificent beauty, as well as a direct message involving the current, ongoing tyranny of the Red Chinese who took Tibet away from the Tibetans.

Buy it, you won't be sorry. Especially if you have a pension for injustice.

Victoria

Rating:
Summary: Culture and History
Review: Jean-Jacques Annaud, director of "Seven Years in Tibet", captures the essence of a non-violent culture during World War II, as Robert Fraisse recreates the forbidden city of Lhasa with his magnificent cinematography.

Brad Pitt portrays Heinrich Harrar, a selfish Austrian husband who alienates his pregnant wife to join a mountain climbing expedition in India. Harrar's team is caught and imprisoned in an English POW camp during the outbreak of World War II, and he and a partner, Peter Aufschnaiter (David Thewlis), cunningly make an escape to Tibet's holy city. In Lhasa, Harrar meets the Dalai Lama (Jamyang Jamtsho Wangchuk) who looks at the world in such amazing delight that it touches him deeply. Harrar and the Dalai Lama share their secrets of life, and Harrar becomes a renewed humanitarian full of charm and kindness.

Pitt has trouble mastering a German accent, but putting that aside he captures his character with expertise. Jamyang Jamtsho Wangchuk gives an astounding performance and seizes the audience's admiration. "Seven Years in Tibet" is definitely a history lesson that combines cultural, social, and humanistic views.

Rating:
Summary: I thought this movie was beautiful
Review: I'm sure this is not the exact retelling of the story of Heinrich Harrer, just as Madonna's "Evita" is not the true story of Eva Peron or Argentine history. But, like "Evita," I think that "Seven Years In Tibet" is a beautiful movie on its own merits. I don't see anything morally wrong with a movie taking liberties with stories, at least not when the real history is available to those who are interested in finding it out (people who want the real story have the biographies available to be read).

Judged on its own merits, this movie is beautiful and has stunning cinematography (in light of my reference to "Evita" above, it's interesting to note that this movie was actually filmed in Argentina). I don't know enough about Tibetan Buddhism to know what was true and what wasn't in this movie, but I do know that the reflections on Tibetan Buddhist teachings regarding peace and non-violence were very inspiring. I am grateful for anything that helps bring light to what the Tibetans have been through, and makes people interested in learning about peace, nonviolence, and spirituality. I believe this movie will do this for some people. I also think the young man who played the Dalai Lama did an excellent job, as did the rest of the cast.

Those who enjoyed this movie and are interested in the history of the Dalai Lama may also want to see "Kundun," avialable on VHS and DVD.

Rating:
Summary: Engaging movie about the Dalai Lama and Tibet
Review: Seven years in Tibet kept me interested from beginning to end, yet I don't know whether to describe this movie as an epic or not. The sweeping panoramas of Tibet provide a spectacular backdrop for this engaging drama about the relationship between an Austrian mountain climber (Brad Pitt) and the Dalia Lama which spans many years. Set during World War Two and subsequent years, this movie is based on a true, if unusual story. Action buffs will be well warned to stay away from this movie if they won't be satisfied with more than one action sequence. The Himilayan scenery is impressive but it is the acting of Brad Pitt which elevates this movie to its lofty heights. Pitt plays an arrogant Austrian who walks out on his wife because she is giving birth to a son he never intended. Arrested in the Himalayas by the British on the outbreak of war the movie chronicles his time in prison, his escape attempts and his subsequent refuge in Lhasa with the Dalai Lama. The Chinese invasion and occupation of Tibet provide the only real action in the movie, but Pitt manages to convey the softening personality of the Austrian in a way which keeps the viewer intrigued. An enjoyable film and valuable insight into the life and upbringing of the Dalai Lama. Highly recommended.