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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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: [subtitled version] Why did you come with me?
Norbou: When you left the monastery, I remembered what one of my masters said. 'When two paths open up before you, always choose the hardest one.'

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Connections

Featured in At the Movies: Crazy/Beautiful/Baby Boy/Pootie Tang/Lost and Delirious/The Crimson Rivers/Himalaya (2001)

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Soundtracks

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

User Reviews

Have a nice trip!

I'm glad I've seen this one at the movie theater! Such a beautiful piece of photography will, of course, look great on the TV, too. And the story is by no means secondary: a warm tale of human endurance, indeed. But watching those images of Nepal on the big screen was just something I thank heavens I was able to do! Delightful!

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

Gross USA:

$2,619,885

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$21,069,306

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