Spirit versus oppression

Rating: 9/10 (27 November 2005)

The first time I watched this movie, I didn't pay much attention, so I didn't pick up the most important details. Second time I was drawn in and then I could really enjoy this movie. "Seven years in Tibet" follows the story of an Austrian alpine star and his life in Tibet. His encounter with Tibet, its culture and people is highlighted very well by the excellent director Annaud and the scenery is incredible.
Brad Pitt excels in one of his first solid roles and makes this a worthwhile experience along with David Thewlis, B.D. Wong, Mako, the beautiful Lhakpa Tsamchoe and the young actor playing Dalai Lama. There is humor, drama and tensions here as well as tragedy and political intrigues. Wong is especially effective as the treacherous Ngawang Jigme, the man who becomes the main responsible for his country's fall. This subplot is the most interesting in the film and shows us how traitors have existed and will exist anywhere in the world, even in such a religious and "pure" country as Tibet.
All in all, it's a very strong experience and enriching one also. Here we see the everlasting battle of the spirit against oppression, but in contrast to other such movies, this one has a more pessimistic ending. Oppression triumphs. This is clearly one of the most important movies of the last decade.