Seven Years in Tibet - Brad Pitt as Heinrich Harrer (1997)

Description:

Heinrich Harrer is an Austrian mountaineer who is forced to be a hero for the Nazi propaganda. He leaves Austria in 1939 to climb a mountain in the Himalayas. Through a series of circumstances (including POW camp), he and fellow climber Peter Aufschnaiter become the only two foreigners in the Tibetan Holy City of Lhasa. There, Heinrich's life changes forever as he becomes a close confidant to the Dalai Lama.

Pictures:

Movie Review:

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 worthwhile film.

One Individual's First Time Reaction to this Film:

There are so many spiritual moments in this movie. I was literally captivated from start to finish. The theme of mountain climbing was fascinating and the sheer beauty of the snow laden mountains gives the story a purity of spirit.

In my humble opinion, this is Brad Pitt's finest movie yet. As the Austrian mountain climber, Heinrich Harrer, he brings a sexy warmth to a freezing climate. At first Heinrich is only concerned with his own existence and is quite out of touch with his spiritual self. He abruptly leaves his very pregnant wife to fend for herself as he runs off to join an expedition to climb Nanga Parbat in British India in 1939.

He seems to be on a personal journey with destiny lending a hand. While climbing, he is captured and spends time as a prisoner of war. Not even this experience breaks the chains that seems to hold his soul captive. In his case, the enemy doesn't help him to develop patience and compassion. It takes the heart of a child to show him why he should climb down from the mountain of his own pride, so he can take on a higher challenge, love.

This is a breathtakingly beautiful story of two souls who find one another under the most hostile situation. For a brief moment in time, they know true friendship, despite the age and cultural differences.

Unfortunately, mankind is rarely happy with what they have and when Tibet comes under attack, the tranquility and harmony of the Tibetan city of Lhasa is completely destroyed.

While humans have the ability to destroy one another, they also have the ultimate responsibility to love one another and nothing is more difficult when your philosophies of life clash so horribly. While peace is the ultimate goal, this movie brings the realization that evil is alive and well and that at times, evil seems to have an upper hand in many countries.

Still, the hope for peace and happiness for every human burns in some hearts like a flame for the rest of the world to see. Finding a reason to live in a difficult situation and not running from your responsibilities to friends, family and country is also emphasized.

Thoughtful and will leave you with a feeling of peace and hope.

Quotes from the Dalai Lama I found recently:

When you practice gratefulness, there is a sense of respect towards others.

We have to take seriously our concern for all of humanity. When we focus on our individuality, humanity inevitably suffers. Whether we love humanity or not, we must realize that we are part of it. That is why being compassionate is actually in my own best interest. And a symptom of my own peace of mind that I can share comfort with others around me.

It is constructive and worthwhile to analyze our emotions, including compassion and our sense of caring, so that we can become more calm and happy. Hatred, jealousy, and fear hinder peace of mind. When you're angry or unforgiving, for example, your mental suffering is constant. It is better to forgive than to spoil your peace of mind with ill feelings.

Altruism is the best source of happiness. There is no doubt about it.

Info About the Book:

Seven Years in Tibet is a non-fiction book by Heinrich Harrer, originally published in 1954. In 1997 it was made into a Hollywood film.

Both book and film tell how the Austrians Harrier and Peter Aufschnaiter, having been interned by the British while mountaineering in the north of India at the beginning of World War II, escape across the border into Tibet. There they become acquainted with a completely different way of life, and are introduced to the Dalai Lama, still a boy. They remain in the country until the Chinese invasion of 1950.

The film was directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud and starred Brad Pitt and David Thewlis. The score was composed by John Williams and features cellist Yo Yo Ma.

Credits:

Directed by
Jean-Jacques Annaud

Writing credits (WGA)
Heinrich Harrer (book)

Becky Johnston (screenplay)

Cast (in credits order) verified as complete
Brad Pitt .... Heinrich Harrer
David Thewlis .... Peter Aufschnaiter
B.D. Wong .... Ngawang Jigme
Mako .... Kungo Tsarong
Danny Denzongpa .... Regent
Victor Wong .... Chinese 'Amban'
Ingeborga Dapkunaite .... Ingrid Harrer
Jamyang Jamtsho Wangchuk .... Dalai Lama, 14 Years Old
Lhakpa Tsamchoe .... Pema Lhaki
Jetsun Pema .... Great Mother
Ama Ashe Dongtse .... Tashi
Sonam Wangchuk .... Dalai Lama, 8 Years Old
Dorjee Tsering .... Dalai Lama, 4 Years Old
Ric Young .... General Chang Jing Wu
Ngawang Chojor .... Lord Chamberlain (as Ven. Ngawang Chojor)
Duncan Fraser .... British Officer
Benedick Blythe .... Nazi Official
Tom Raudaschl .... Lutz Chicken
Wolfgang Tonninger .... Hans Lobenhoffer
Samdup Dhargyal .... The Garpon
Chemchok .... Garpon's Agent
Tenzin Jangchub .... Declaration Monk Official (as Ven. Tenzin Jangschub)
Angphurba Sherpa .... Tibetan General (as Major Angphurba Sherpa)
Tsering Wangdue .... Burly Guide
Yama Ngudup Cheshatsang .... Burly Guide
Kalsang Dhundop Lungtok .... Ice-Skates Vendor
Sonam Bidhartsang .... Jacket Vendor
Lama Champa Tsondu .... Watch Vendor
Geshe Lobsang Nyma .... Ling Rinpoche
Geshe Yeshi Tsultrim .... Trijang Rinpoche
Lama Champa Chandu .... Dalai Lama's Room Attendant
Pemba Norbu Sherpa .... Young Sherpa
Karma Apo-Tsang .... Messenger to Great Mother
Ngawang Tenzingyatso .... Jokhang Monk Official (as Ven. Ngawang Tenzingyatso)
Choeden Tsering .... Military Instructor
Lama Jampa Lekshe .... Monk Head of Security
Lama Thupten Nugdup .... Head of Security's Aide
Daniel Tedeschi .... Marchese
Gerardo Ebert .... Horst Immerhof
Sebastian Zevalia .... Younger Rolf Harrer
Philipp Kriechbaum .... Older Rolf Harrer
Lobsang Gendun Rinpoche .... Tibetan
Tenzin Gyaltsen Rinpoche .... Tibetan
Sharpa Tulku Rinpoche .... Tibetan
Zongra Tulku Rinpoche .... Tibetan