Beautiful, Empty, False

Rating: 2/10 (2 August 1999)

I've read all the comments on this film. I am a great admirer
of the Dalai Lama. As such, I read the book upon which this
film was based. The movie is an ugly and demeaning fictionalization of the truth. I do not criticize it for
altering small details or events for dramatic purposes; it is
not a documentary. But the script CHANGES the impact, reaction,
realities, and changes in EVERY main character. It vastly alters
the real relationship between Harrar and the young Dalai Lama.
From the ridiculous rivalry for a Tibetan woman (which demeans
the culture of Tibet) to Harra's music box gift, to Harrar's
change of heart, everything about this movie is false - except
for the amazing photography. I understand that the shots of the
Potala (the palace) were smuggled out of Tibet. However,
changing a real story about the relationship between two people,
one of them very important to this world, in order to build up a
movie star is sad