Seven Years in Tibet

Average Customer Rating: List Price: $9.95 Asia Trips Trips Price: $2.72 Your Savings: $ 7.23 ( 73% ) Subject To Change Without Notice Availability: N/A Manufacturer: Sony Pictures Starring: Brad Pitt, David Thewlis, B.D. Wong, Mako, Danny Denzongpa Directed By: Jean-Jacques Annaud
Audience Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested) Binding: VHS Tape EAN: 9780800125110 Format: Closed-captioned ISBN: 0800125118 Label: Sony Pictures Manufacturer: Sony Pictures Number Of Items: 1 Publisher: Sony Pictures Release Date: 1998-09-15 Running Time: 136 Studio: Sony Pictures Theatrical Release Date: 1997-10-08
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Editorial Reviews: 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
Spotlight customer reviews: Customer Rating: Summary: PRECIOSA ENSEÑANZA Comment: Esta es la historia de un hombre arrogante, superficial y egoista que no piensa mas que en el mismo; esa arrogancia le lleva a llenar su vida de retos entre los cuales esta escalar los Himalaya para engrandecer su fama, dejando sola y abandonada a su esposa embarazada de su primer hijo; en esta tremenda odisea entre India y China, es hecho prisionero de guerra, se convierte en profugo y llega a caer tan bajo que se convierte en un vagabundo en la arida region del Tibet, donde llega a conocer al gran Dalai Lama...y este encuentro CAMBIA SU CORAZON; grandiosa pelicula, donde la espiritualidad, el valor de las cosas intangibles y el amor por los seres que amamos y herimos alguna vez con nuestro orgullo se imponen de una forma maravillosa; hay lagrimas, alegria, pruebas duras y todo es una oda a la amistad sincera entre un niño escogido por la divinidad y un extranjero aleman...asimismo nos muestra la horrible crudeza de la guerra y la crueldad del hombre hacia sus semejantes causada por sus ansias de poder y dominio; una pelicula INOLVIDABLE que nos lleva a sentir amor por lo que realmente vale en esta vida: el alma humana. Customer Rating: Summary: Only for Brad Pitt fans Comment: This movie bears little relationship to the book, which is a narrative of one man's difficult struggle to exist under trying circumstances. The book is fascinating, and tells us much about life in Tibet. The movie, on the other hand, was transformed into a story about how Brad Pitt discovers meaning in life. At least I'm guessing that was the theme, because I quit watching after an hour. Brad Pitt's voyage of discovery entertains little, and informs not at all. The one plus is that the scenery is spectacular. Customer Rating: Summary: A look at Tibet through the eyes of a foreigner Comment: Brad Pitt may not be the greatest actor in the world but he certainly isn't the worst since his participation in this informative and entertaining film about Tibet's eternal struggle with China would never have been made. I think it's a worthy effort on his part and as far as leading performances go, Pitt isn't too bad. I believe the same year or maybe a year later, Martin Scorsese also made his film about Tibet but that film concentrated on the evolution of the Dalai Lama and I found that to be even more enlightening than this story of a arrogant Austrian mountain climber who is changed spiritually by his experiences in Tibet. The direction by Jean Jacques Arnaud (Quest for Fire, The Name of the Rose) is fine and there are some fine supporting performances by David Thewlis as Pitt's companion, B.D. Wong as ambituous Tibetian agent, Ric Young as Mao Tse-Yung, and Mako as a high priest. Thus if you have an interest in Tibet's history, I do recommend this film and Scorsese's "Kundun". Customer Rating: Summary: AMAZING SCENERY Comment: I BOUGHT THIS BECAUSE I LIKE BRAD PITT, IT WENT FAR BEYOND MY EXPECTATIONS. SO WELL CAST, WELL ACTED, ENTERTAINING AND THOUGHTFUL. MR PITT DELIVERS AND ONCE AGAIN DISPLAYS HIS ABILITY TO BECOME THE CHARACTER-NOT UNUSUAL FOR HIM. THANKS BRAD Customer Rating: Summary: Seven Years in Tibet Comment: This is a great movie and i am extremely happy with this show. Thanks More Reviews