Seven Years in Tibet

Director: Jean-Jacques Annaud

Cast: Brad Pitt, David Thewlis, B.D. Wong, Mako Jamyang, Jamtsho Wangchuk, Lhakpa Tsamchoe, Jetsun Pema

Genre: Drama/Biography/History 1997

Running time: 136 mins. 

Rating:★★★★

A true story of the adventure of an Austrian prisoner of war who is transformed by his friendship with the young Dalai Lama.

The intense, but very serene red and golden undertones with the Dalai Lama's beginning story versuses the harsh muted blue undertones with the Heinrich Herrer's (Brad Pitt) story is very curious and beautifully executed. Also, the warm climate versuses the cold icy climate to illustrate the two characters' differences in personalities is organically done. Heinrich's stubborn and anger issues gets him in trouble with his men, his relationship with his wife, up to when he becomes a war prisoner. 

As he and his unwanted companion try to make their escape to India to Austria, where neither have a real desire to go back, they find themselves unwilling be dragged into more trouble. Though in the mist of his long treacherous journey, Heinrich slowly and somewhat reluctantly dealing with the demons he left back home. He is lost at where his purpose lies. All the meanwhile, the Young Dalai Lama is trying to hold onto the joys and innocence of his childhood instead of fulfilling the prophecy.

While in Tibet, they are welcomed at the holy city Lhasa. Heinrich is taken back with the people's hospitality and  the difference in cultures, such as,"admiring the man who abandons his ego." The war continues, life continues to fail at getting any better or hold any joy for him. Will he learn from his mistakes or continue to be a victim to them? When Harrer is introduced to the Dalai Lama, he is taken back with awe and bewilderment. During their time together, Heinrich becomes a close friend and tutor to the young spiritual leader, while finally find a purpose and joy to life.

The film is beautifully shot that the audience feels just as trapped, as Herrer, in the situations he is put in and just as bewildered in the cultural and holy differences in Tibet. The Dalai Lama's innocence, simple joys in everything, and incredible wisdom makes me want to continue to have a desire to learn and be open to new things. Life might not turn out the way we want exactly, sometimes it turns out to be better in the long run. And finally, it is ok not to know everything right now.