True story of Heinrich Harrer, an Austrian mountain climber who became friends with the Dalai Lama at the time of China's takeover of Tibet.True story of Heinrich Harrer, an Austrian mountain climber who became friends with the Dalai Lama at the time of China's takeover of Tibet.True story of Heinrich Harrer, an Austrian mountain climber who became friends with the Dalai Lama at the time of China's takeover of Tibet.
- Director
- Writers
- Heinrich Harrer(book)
- Becky Johnston(screenplay)
- Stars
Top credits
- Director
- Writers
- Heinrich Harrer(book)
- Becky Johnston(screenplay)
- Stars
- Awards
- 3 wins & 8 nominations
Videos2
Ngawang Chojor
- Lord Chamberlainas Lord Chamberlain
- (as Ven. Ngawang Chojor)
- Director
- Writers
- Heinrich Harrer(book)
- Becky Johnston(screenplay)
- All cast & crew
- See more cast details at IMDbPro
Storyline
After the death of 11 climbers, Austrian Heinrich Harrer (Brad Pitt) decides to add glory to his country and to the Austrian pride by climbing Nanga Parbat in British India, and leaves his expectant wife behind. An egoist and a loner, he does not get along with others on his team - but must bend to their wishes after bad weather threatens them. Then WWII breaks out, they are arrested and lodged in Dehra Dun's P.O.W. Camp. He attempts to break out several times in vain, but finally does succeed along with Peter Aufschnaiter (David Thewlis), and they end up in the holy city of Lhasa - a place banned to foreigners. They are provided food and shelter, and Peter ends up marrying a tailor, Pema Lhaki, while Heinrich befriends the Dalai Lama. They meet regularly; while he satiates the child's curiosity about the world, including Jack the Ripper and 'yellow hair'; he is exposed to the teachings of Lord Buddha, He even constructs a movie theater, while getting news of the end of the war, his divorce, and his son's refusal to communicate. But nothing will prepare him for the devastation about to descend when Communist China decides to attack, leading to the deaths of over 1 million Tibetans, the destruction of over 6000 monasteries, and betrayal from their very own people. —rAjOo (gunwanti@hotmail.com)
- Taglines
- At the end of the world his real journey began.
- Genres
- Certificate
- PG
- Parents guide
Did you know
- TriviaJetsun Pema is the real-life sister of The Dalai Lama. In this film she plays the mother of The Dalai Lama and hence her own mother.
- GoofsWhen Peter bargains with his watch about how much food they should get he shows the 3 with three fingers (the British way) and not two fingers and the thumb (the German/Austrian way).
- Quotes
Dalai Lama: We have a saying in Tibet: If a problem can be solved there is no use worrying about it. If it can't be solved, worrying will do no good.
- Crazy creditsAs the end credits roll, a view of the mountains of Tibet is seen.
- SoundtracksClair de Lune
Written by Claude Debussy
Top review
Long journey
I had no idea there was at least one other movie about this (from 1959) - I usually try to watch the original movies of something before I watch a Remake or reimagination. Having said that, since this is a real life story ... maybe it is ok to just go for this one. With an exceptional Brad Pitt, who does not get enough credit for his acting abilities ... which might coincide with him being an treat when it comes to his looks.
Usually woman are reduced to the way they look, but I think we can agree that Brad Pitt and his status as sex symbol are also well documented. But this was more to show off his acting abilities. And how he could transform himself - by learning an accent. I mean he is blond and all, so why not be an Austrian, right? But he is just a spectator - even if he has trouble leaving his wife behind - promising her a swift return .. well I don't have to tell you how that works out.
The movie shows real people, but amidst all the drama, there is quite a lot of action too. I did not expect this from this movie. But it was quite welcome ... even if it was horrible acts in reality of course. So not condoning any of that. But saying that it brings some well needed context and heightens the drama even more in this. You may feel inclined to check all the things that really happened after watching the movie, which of course is a good thing.
Usually woman are reduced to the way they look, but I think we can agree that Brad Pitt and his status as sex symbol are also well documented. But this was more to show off his acting abilities. And how he could transform himself - by learning an accent. I mean he is blond and all, so why not be an Austrian, right? But he is just a spectator - even if he has trouble leaving his wife behind - promising her a swift return .. well I don't have to tell you how that works out.
The movie shows real people, but amidst all the drama, there is quite a lot of action too. I did not expect this from this movie. But it was quite welcome ... even if it was horrible acts in reality of course. So not condoning any of that. But saying that it brings some well needed context and heightens the drama even more in this. You may feel inclined to check all the things that really happened after watching the movie, which of course is a good thing.
helpful•40
- kosmasp
- Apr 5, 2021
Details
- Release date
- Countries of origin
- Official site
- Languages
- Also known as
- Siete años en el Tibet
- Filming locations
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $70,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $37,957,682
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $10,020,378
- Oct 12, 1997
- Gross worldwide
- $131,457,682
- Runtime2 hours 16 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 2.39 : 1
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