Suvadip Bhattacharjee

This is a well-made historical movie. It depicts a turbulent period in the history of Tibet which is not so known because of China's aggressive intervention and secretive policies. However the director Jean-Jacques Annaud has carefully touched the relevant points with his artistic skill. The scenes of mountaineering are an amazing addition to the whole episode. The transformation of Austrian mountaineer and SS officer Heinrich Harrer is astonishing. One would feel both pain and pleasure after watching his destiny. The boy in the role of Dalai Lama played an excellent part in the whole drama. The combination of his personality, curiosity, and gradual development of wisdom gives one clue to the making of a great world leader of peace in the later phase of his life.