Seven Years in Tibetis an underrated movie with so much going for it that it is surprising it did not get more attention. Directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud and based on the 1952 memoir of Heinrich Harrer of the same name that recalls his experience asbeing one of the first Europeansto enter Tibet and blend in with its people,Seven Years in Tibetfollows the journey of an Austrian mountain climber, Heinrich Harrer who develops an inspiring friendship with the Dalai Lama during China’s occupation of Tibet.
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The Premise
The film has a unique premise that makes it truly stand out. It starts by following the journey of two Austrian climbers (Heinrich Harrer) and (Peter Aufschnaiter) who attempt to climb Nanga Parbat, the ninth-highest mountain on earth, known as the “killer mountain.” However, when World War II breaks out, the two mountaineers get arrested by British powers and are sent to a prison camp in the Himalayan highlands.
Fortunately, the two climbers escape the war prison camp and cross into Tibet by traveling in disguise. Their arrival in Tibet completely changes their lives, almost like giving them a new rebirth. The film completely encapsulates the idea of the journeys that change your life which is abeautiful ode to life itself. It is a reminder that a completely different life could be one choice away if we would only dare to embrace the unknown and have a little bravery in us.
The Connection
One element that this film embodies well isthe power of connection.The connection that Harrer and the Dalai Lama develop is truly captivating and uplifting. The pacing of the film gives their relationship the perfect room to breathe and evolve and grow into something full of beauty and introspection. This story respects the idea that people from completely different worlds, backgrounds, and beliefs can unite in an intellectual discourse that helps them become better human beings that have a better understanding of the world.
What makes this specific relationship memorable is the age difference between the Dalai Lama and the climber, which does nothing but add purity and excitement to the friendship. No matter who we are, or what age we are, we can learn something from someone. It’s a reminder to always keep oneself in check and not to underestimate anyone because of any prejudices or biases we might have.
The Scenery
This motion picturehas beautiful cinematographyand is packed with gorgeous scenery throughout that will have you remembering its frames for a long time. The places, the props, costume design, and overall ambiance does an outstanding job of transporting you to the exact adventurous mood of the film. The movie starts somewhere and ends up somewhere completely different, but the change of costumes, scenery, and people do not feel rushed, abrupt, or out of place in any scene. Everything runs very smoothly.
On top of that, the exploration of Tibet, a Buddhist territory known as “the roof of the world”, and its people are truly an enthralling experience because of its natural grandeur, culture, and heritage. It simply feels and looks different which stirs something in you.
The Religious Aspect
Seven Years in Tibetdoes a good job of capturing the spirituality of the people of Tibet and Buddhism, one of the largest religions in the world that started in India around 2500 years ago. The film gives us insight into the beliefs of Buddhist individuals and the role of the Dalai Lama asa spiritual leaderand how that makes their day-to-day life different from people who identify with other religions or who are not religious.
The movie takes a fresh approach to this by making us see that discovery through the eyes of Heinrich who originally has a lot of pride and arrogance but who is humbled by a new experience that is foreign to anything he has ever known. It is a charming dive into the vastness of the world, with all its varying sub-worlds, reminding us that no matter how much we relate to our world and narrative, we all are part of something much bigger. It reminds us that there are many ways to live and experience the world and that despite our differences, we can co-exist and complement each other if we can be tolerant and accepting of others.
The Character Development
The film depicts character developmentso masterfully as it follows the journey of Heinrich first through his climbing attempts, his arrest and the seven years he spends in Tibet which gives the viewer time to see how he changes and evolves throughout the different circumstances he encounters. Throughout the film, we see Heinrich change and internalize his experiences, through the Dalai Lama’s teachings of tolerance and patience, and we see the Dalai Lama expanding his knowledge of the world through Heinrich’s tutoring him in Science, Mathematics, Geography, and English as they both become better humans because they influence each other.
A Look at War and Political Invasion
Furthermore,the film looks at World War II, and China’s occupation of Tibet which both are very harsh moments in history to experience that led to years of turmoil. Wars have always been part of the narrative of the world, yet when we see some of its elements on the screen, we are reminded of the darker parts and chronology of how things came to in the present day. What is fascinating is that what happened in the movie is based on reality and to see how people handle adversity, especially adversity unknown to many people who are fortunately living in stable conditions, serves as a wake-up call to the privilege a lot of individuals get to experience.
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The Build Up
The film’s pacing is very adequately done as it gives each arc in the story the time and development it deserves. The two-hour and 16-minute film takes its time, but each scene counts and serves a person. With all that happens in the movie, the movement, the characters, and the change of events, it doesn’t need to be rushed, and the movie is directed in such a way that will make you attached to the characters and how things turn out at the end. The film has a story to tell and a great one and the viewer is left not knowing what will happen even at the end, the film leaves you wanting more, making you feel nostalgic for the experience and journey it took you on.
Simply put,Seven Years in Tibetis a multilayered movie full of richness that will educate you and inspire you on different levels.
