Well-made

Rating: 7/10 (2 July 2009)

I have neither read the novel nor have I seen the other film-version of this. Furthermore, I don't know the actual history, so I don't know how accurate this is. This has clear pro-Tibet, anti-Chinese(and, to an extent, negative towards Communism) agenda, but first-hand accounts of actual events are always going to be colored somewhat by the personal views of those providing them, so it could be argued that it fits and makes it all the more authentic. It follows a self-centered and arrogant mountain-climber as he goes through a journey(well, not only one, and of course, the literal one that he embarks upon is the less interesting). Respect is paid to the religion and traditions. The plot and pacing are good, and this is never boring. There is a measure of war-action and genuine, effective suspense, though neither are the focus. If those are what you're going for, look elsewhere. The acting is all excellent. This has beautiful imagery, and the cinematography and editing are impeccable. The DVD comes with a well-done and insightful making-of featurette of about fifteen minutes length, and two theatrical trailers, all worth the time. This has a little violence and disturbing content. I recommend this to fans of drama. 7/10