Seven Years in Tibet
|
List Price: Our Price: $4.27 You Save: $10.68 (71%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $2.05 (click here) Category: DVD See more DVD releases |
|---|
Buy this DVD movie at online store in your country
Canada
Canada
Movie Reviews of Seven Years in Tibet
Movie Review: Yes, the Cinematography is Great...
Summary: 4 Stars
I'm getting just a teensy bit tired of movies described as great when the greatest thing about them was the cinematography. I gather that we think when we can break down the elements that went into a movie - cinematography, sound, lighting, special effects, direction - we sound like we're knowledgeable about `films'. I've done it, too. It's a way to weasel out of a dispute if anyone challenges my fondness or hatred for a movie. "Ah yes, you're right, it wasn't that good/bad overall. But the cinematography was good/bad." Since I'd noticed that the cinematography in Eraser, an incredibly boring movie, was good, I figure all I am is pompous. Anyway, the cinematography in Seven Years in Tibet is great, as are most of the individual elements. It's just that there's something a little flat about the story, which keeps the movie from being great. It's based on the real life story of Heinrich Harrer, who, from what I understand from other sources, had an interesting life, but wasn't an especially interesting character, nor an open or out-going one. With these restrictions, Brad Pitt does a good job with the portrayal. The look back at the Tibetan culture in the 1940's was interesting. Overall, the movie is better than Dances with Wolves (speaking of pompous), and not as good as Lawrence of Arabia (but then, what is?), and the quality of the DVD is good. It's not a wildly exciting movie, but it's entertaining and enjoyable.
Movie Review: Engaging movie about the Dalai Lama and Tibet
Summary: 4 Stars
Seven years in Tibet kept me interested from beginning to end, yet I don't know whether to describe this movie as an epic or not. The sweeping panoramas of Tibet provide a spectacular backdrop for this engaging drama about the relationship between an Austrian mountain climber (Brad Pitt) and the Dalia Lama which spans many years. Set during World War Two and subsequent years, this movie is based on a true, if unusual story. Action buffs will be well warned to stay away from this movie if they won't be satisfied with more than one action sequence. The Himilayan scenery is impressive but it is the acting of Brad Pitt which elevates this movie to its lofty heights. Pitt plays an arrogant Austrian who walks out on his wife because she is giving birth to a son he never intended. Arrested in the Himalayas by the British on the outbreak of war the movie chronicles his time in prison, his escape attempts and his subsequent refuge in Lhasa with the Dalai Lama. The Chinese invasion and occupation of Tibet provide the only real action in the movie, but Pitt manages to convey the softening personality of the Austrian in a way which keeps the viewer intrigued. An enjoyable film and valuable insight into the life and upbringing of the Dalai Lama. Highly recommended.Movie Review: Almost two films
Summary: 4 Stars
This is almost two films, the first one taking place before the main characters reach Tibet, when we're exposed to the extremely unlikeable character of Harrer and we learn to dislike him intensely; the second film deals with Harrer and his "friend" after they arrive in Tibet after escaping from a POW camp. In the first film, we learn fascinating lessons about mountain climbing and this part of Asia during the rise of the Nazis, and in the second we learn about Tibet and the young Dalai Lama. That said, this is an extremely entertaining film that's beautiful to watch, if we can get past our dislike of Pitt's character. Personally, I would have liked to see more growth in Harrer, more of a change as he realizes just how selfish he truly is--in the end, I'm still not sure that I'd like to sit down and have a conversation with the man. The acting is good, the cinematography is excellent, and the story is good, so this is one that I'd recommend. Add to that the historical and cultural lessons that we learn, and it turns it into a highly recommended film.Movie Review: A Sensitive And Personal Story Of Self Discovery
Summary: 4 Stars
Sensitive and beautiful in every respect; Seven Years in Tibet, is an underrated film. Brad Pitt took another undue critical beating, with many viewers are distracted by his good looks. He gave a very good performance beginning as a self-centered and arrogant young man; who becomes a more fully realized and happy human being, as a result of his experiences. Pitt is no male Meryl Streep, when in comes to slipping into accents. This was not a major distraction, besides, Austrian and German accents are slightly different. Most Americans would not know this, as many were quick to criticize Pitt's 'German' accent.The spiritual aspect of the story is very strong, but subtlely delivered. Again, this movie is not one that would be enjoyed by moviegoers who require high thrills per minute. The movie is a thinking person's movie about growth and spiritual discovery. While this was not a perfect movie, Seven Years in Tibet is worth seeing, and leaves a strong impression for a more sensitive movie viewer.
Movie Review: Long, but worthwhile
Summary: 4 Stars
Surprisingly enough, Brad Pitt didn't compromise this film! I always question the use of big name actors in important movies. Yes, I consider this to be an important movie. Every time I watch it, I am overcome with the beauty and tragedy of Tibet, the wondrous mystery of Tibetan Buddhism and the life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. It's a true account, which chronicles the experiences of Heinrich Harrer. His transformation parallels that of the Tibetans who regularly make the pilgrimage to Lhasa for spiritual purification. This DVD has no extras at all, but worth the price for the film alone. The transfer to digital is good. It would've been nice to have some information on the true account of Harrer as well as info on the Chinese occupation of Tibet. You might also wish to check out the soundtrack featuring Yo-Yo Ma.