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If it hadn't been for Brad Pitt signing on to play the lead role of obsessive Austrian mountain climber Heinrich Harrer, there's a good chance this lavish $70 million film would not have been made. It was one of two films from 1997 (the other being Martin Scorsese's exquisite Kundun) to view the turmoil between China and Tibet through the eyes of the young Dalai Lama. But with Pitt onboard, this adaptation of Harrer's acclaimed book focuses more on Harrer, a Nazi party member whose life was changed by his experiences in Tibet with the Dalai Lama. Having survived a treacherous climb on the challenging peak of Nanga Parbat and a stint in a British POW camp, Harrer and climbing guide Peter Aufschnaiter (nicely played by David Thewlis) arrive at the Tibetan city of Lhasa, where the 14-year-old Dalai Lama lives as ruler of Tibet. Their stay is longer than either could have expected (the "seven years" of the title), and their lives are forever transformed by their proximity to the Tibetan leader and the peaceful ways of the Buddhist people. China looms over the land as a constant invasive threat, but Seven Years in Tibet is more concerned with viewing Tibetan history through the eyes of a visitor. The film is filled with stunning images and delightful moments of discovery and soothing, lighthearted spirituality, and although he is somewhat miscast, Pitt brings the requisite integrity to his central role. What's missing here is a greater understanding of the young Dalai Lama and the culture of Tibet. Whereas Kundun tells its story purely from the Dalai Lama's point of view, Seven Years in Tibet is essentially an outsider's tale. The result is the feeling that only part of the story's been told here--or maybe just the wrong story. But Harrer's memoir is moving and heartfelt, and director Jean-Jacques Annaud has effectively captured both sincerity and splendor in this flawed but worthwhile film. --Jeff Shannon
Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Raz
Format:Blu-ray
Interesting story about love and history. A slice of Tibetan modern history with prominent figure still alive today - Dalai Lama. Get time to proper enjoy the story.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:DVD
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.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Gary Selikow
Format:VHS Tape
This review is dedicated to the people of Tibet , and the dream that one day Tibet may be free of the detestable Red Chinese occupation.
It is a brilliant movie , which shows the beautiful and peaceful Tibetan culture ,and then focuses on how it is cruelly destroyed by Mao's unspeakable regime.
It also focuses on the life of Austrian mountain climber Heinrich Harrer (Brad Pitt) focusing on how an arrogant and self-indulgent man learns humility and decency from Tibet , and from the boy Dalai Lama who was to become one of the greatest men of our time.
It begins in Nazi occupied Austria in 1939 . Harrer leaves to climb mountains ends up in Lhasa ,Tibet. Here we view a land of peace and spiritual enlightenment , such a contrast from a Europe which at the time was going through World War II and the Holocaust. After the end of World War II and the Third Reich , we see another monstrous tyranny ,Communist China emerge .Red China visits unspeakable horrors on peaceful Tibet , and they treat the pleas of the Dalai Lama for peace , with more and more terror.
It is interesting to see towards the end of the movie how the Red Chinese flag and portraits of Mao defacing Tibet in 1951 mirror those of the Swastika , and portraits of Hitler , at the beginning of the movie , defacing Europe in 1939.
Unfortunately Tibet is now largely forgotten by the world , and one wonders when the world will speak up against this diabolical occupation.
It is a brilliant movie , which shows the beautiful and peaceful Tibetan culture ,and then focuses on how it is cruelly destroyed by Mao's unspeakable regime.
It also focuses on the life of Austrian mountain climber Heinrich Harrer (Brad Pitt) focusing on how an arrogant and self-indulgent man learns humility and decency from Tibet , and from the boy Dalai Lama who was to become one of the greatest men of our time.
It begins in Nazi occupied Austria in 1939 . Harrer leaves to climb mountains ends up in Lhasa ,Tibet. Here we view a land of peace and spiritual enlightenment , such a contrast from a Europe which at the time was going through World War II and the Holocaust. After the end of World War II and the Third Reich , we see another monstrous tyranny ,Communist China emerge .Red China visits unspeakable horrors on peaceful Tibet , and they treat the pleas of the Dalai Lama for peace , with more and more terror.
It is interesting to see towards the end of the movie how the Red Chinese flag and portraits of Mao defacing Tibet in 1951 mirror those of the Swastika , and portraits of Hitler , at the beginning of the movie , defacing Europe in 1939.
Unfortunately Tibet is now largely forgotten by the world , and one wonders when the world will speak up against this diabolical occupation.
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4.0 out of 5 stars
Most recent customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
"At the end of the world his real journey began."
Heinrich Harrer (Brad Pit) has a son before he is ready. Rather than cope with the situation he runs off to India to do a little mountain climbing because "When you're climbing... Read more
Published on Oct 30 2006 by bernie
1.0 out of 5 stars
Ironic issue
The fact is simple that most of Americans know nothing about Tibet.
This country liberated itself from Britain but inherited many colonial scars from Britan as the Tibitan... Read more
Published on May 23 2004
1.0 out of 5 stars
propaganda
This film is a kind of propaganda. Historycally and oviously, Tibet has been a part of China for a thousand years and Tibetean is one of Chinese group. Read more
Published on May 14 2004
5.0 out of 5 stars
A White Silk Scarf
This is a story about a stubborn and arrogant man who needs to push his body to its absolute limits, but who dedicates very little of his energy to his soul or intellect. Read more
Published on May 11 2004 by Rebecca Whiting
3.0 out of 5 stars
Where lies the truth?
I haven't read the book of the same title by Mr. Harrer, but have seen the film twice, once in English and later dubbed in German. I liked it very much, and so did my sons. Read more
Published on Feb 27 2004 by Professor Joseph L. McCauley
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Wonderful Film
Seven Years in Tibet is one of my favorite movies of all time (next to The Godfather). The photography is beautiful and the story engaging. Read more
Published on Feb 27 2004 by "wolfie48"
5.0 out of 5 stars
New respect for Brad Pitt
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. Read more
Published on Sep 9 2003
1.0 out of 5 stars
An absolute snore-fest
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... Read more
Published on July 21 2003 by M. Mach
1.0 out of 5 stars
its not in english
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... Read more
Published on Jun 8 2003 by "ed90621"
4.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful film with a colorful soundtrack
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. Read more
Published on May 7 2003 by "ciudadlejana"
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