Cheap Seven Years in Tibet (DVD) (Brad Pitt, David Thewlis) (Jean-Jacques Annaud) Price

Related Products

Customer Reviews of Seven Years in Tibet

Undeservingly Under-rated
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.

---

Long, but worthwhile
Surprisingly enough, Brad Pitt didn't compromise this film! I always question the use of big name actors in important movies. Yes, I consider this to be an important movie. Every time I watch it, I am overcome with the beauty and tragedy of Tibet, the wondrous mystery of Tibetan Buddhism and the life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. It's a true account, which chronicles the experiences of Heinrich Harrer. His transformation parallels that of the Tibetans who regularly make the pilgrimage to Lhasa for spiritual purification. This DVD has no extras at all, but worth the price for the film alone. The transfer to digital is good. It would've been nice to have some information on the true account of Harrer as well as info on the Chinese occupation of Tibet. You might also wish to check out the soundtrack featuring Yo-Yo Ma.

---

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 issue.

This country fought a civil war for slavery, but unconciously sympathetic to the ghost of the most notorious slavery society: Dalai Lama.

What an irony!

Pitt seems brighter than the Play Girl icon and religion-lost R. Gear, but his taking of this role appears culturely illiterate.