Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Brad Pitt | ... | ||
David Thewlis | ... | ||
BD Wong | ... | ||
Mako | ... | ||
Danny Denzongpa | ... | ||
Victor Wong | ... | ||
Ingeborga Dapkunaite | ... | ||
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Jamyang Jamtsho Wangchuk | ... | |
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Lhakpa Tsamchoe | ... | |
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Jetsun Pema | ... | |
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Ama Ashe Dongtse | ... | |
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Sonam Wangchuk | ... | |
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Dorjee Tsering | ... | |
Ric Young | ... | ||
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Ngawang Chojor | ... |
Lord Chamberlain
(as Ven. Ngawang Chojor)
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After the death of 11 climbers, Austrian Heinrich Harrer (Brad Pitt) decides to add glory to his country and to the German pride by climbing Nanga Parbat in British India, and leaves his expectant wife behind. Egoist and a loner, he does not get along with others on his team - but must bend to their wishes after bad weather threatens them. Then WWII breaks out, they are arrested and lodged in Dehra Dun's P.O.W. Camp. He attempts to break out in vain several times, but finally does succeed along with Peter Aufschnaiter (David Thewlis), and end up in the holy city of Lhasa - a place banned to foreigners. They are provided food and shelter, and Peter ends up marrying a tailor, Pema Lhaki, while Heinrich befriends the Dalai Lama. He meets regularly to satiate the child's curiosity about the world, including Jack the Ripper and 'yellow hair'; in return he is exposed to teachings of Lord Buddha and even constructs a movie theater, while getting news of the end of the war; his divorce; and ... Written by rAjOo (gunwanti@hotmail.com)
I saw this film for the first time last night after hearing a great many people recommend it to me. I don't know why I waited so long! This is a soul stirring movie that is perfect in its simplicity. I don't think it's the best performance Brad Pitt has ever offered, but he was quite good. David Thewlis (an amazing actor who never receives as much praise he deserves) gave a perfect performance. But the real beauty of the film is the Tibetan people and their lifestyle. The cinematography was breathtaking and perfectly matched the mood of the film. I loved this movie so much that I'm going to buy it immediately. I love uplifting epic types of movies and this is truly one of the better ones I've seen in a while. In fact, it's one the better movies I've seen in a while.