Himalaya (1999)

An aging chief's last stand, lessons for the new, and the education of a young chief-to-be played against harsh Nature in Nepal's Dolpo. When his son dies returning from Tibet's salt lakes,... See full summary »

Directors:

Eric Valli, Michel Debats

Writers:

Nathalie Azoulai, Olivier Dazat

Stars:

Thilen Lhondup, Gurgon Kyap, Lhakpa Tsamchoe

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 8 wins & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Thilen Lhondup	...	Tinle
Gurgon Kyap	...	Karma
Lhakpa Tsamchoe	...	Pema
Karma Wangel	...	Passang
Karma Tensing	...	Norbou / Urgien
Labrang Tundup	...	Labrang
Jampa Kalsang Tamang	...	Jampa
Tsering Dorjee	...	Rabkie
Rapke Gurung	...	Tundup
Pemba Bika	...	Tensing
Karma Chhewang	...	Meme / Paljor
Tenzen Charka	...	Chopga
Yangzom	...	Dawa
Gyalsen Gurung	...	Chewan
Phuti Bika	...	Deld

Storyline

An aging chief's last stand, lessons for the new, and the education of a young chief-to-be played against harsh Nature in Nepal's Dolpo. When his son dies returning from Tibet's salt lakes, Tinle blames Karma, his son's friend, refuses to give Karma his blessing as the new chief, and organizes a rival caravan to take the salt to lower Nepal to trade for grain. He, a few old men, his son's widow, his grandson, and his second son, a monk, set out on the arduous journey. Fearing storms, Karma has led his caravan out of the village before the auspicious day ordained by the lamas. Tinle's group catches Karma's before the final pass; the two stubborn men lock wills with Tinle's grandson watching.

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Plot Keywords:

nepal | buddhism | himalayas | salt | caravan | 

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Taglines:

NepaliOscarMovie

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Official Sites:

Kino International Official Site (French)

Country:

France Switzerland UK Nepal

Language:

Tibetan

Release Date:

22 June 2001 (USA)

Also Known As:

Himalaya

Filming Locations:

Dolpo Valley, Nepal

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$14,831, 1 April 2001, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$2,481,690, 21 April 2002

Company Credits

Production Co:

Galatée Films,France 2 Cinéma,Les Productions de la Guéville

Technical Specs

Runtime:

108 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital DTS-Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The director, in the commentary on the DVD, says that he was inspired by the book "Caravan Towards Buddha" by Andre Migot. This book was titled "CARAVANE VERS BOUDDHA" when it was published in 1954, but can now only be found under its alternate (English) title, "Tibetan Marches" (translated by Peter Fleming). See also "Au Tibet sur les traces du Bouddha (Collection Itinéraires)" by André Migot.

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Quotes

Tinle: You know, sometimes I've felt like telling the lamas where to go. A real chief always starts by disobeying.

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Connections

Referenced in Cinemania (2002)

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Soundtracks

La Cérémonie
Music Composed and orchestrated by Bruno Coulais
(P) & © 1999 Galatée Films
Label: Varèse Sarabande
Music Composed and orchestrated by Bruno Coulais
(P) & © 1999 Galatée Films
Label: Varèse Sarabande

User Reviews

Interesting

This film is about conflict & mistrust between generations. Walking is the minor element. The mutual mistrust between the 2 generations were very well portrayed. Although there was an obligatory change from mistrust to mutual respect, the story is still very convincing and gripping. The film almost seemed like a documentary of the villagers' life, which is what makes the film even more interesting.

The location of filming were really stunning. The scenery of the barren mountains and snowy mountains were totally breathtaking. This film may be boring for some people, but for people interested in the Tibetan culture, this is a film for you.