Seven Years in Tibet MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +3 1/2 Content: +1/2

In the autumn of 1939, Heinrich Harrer (Brad Pitt), the famous Austrian mountain climber and his countryman Peter Aufschnaiter, set out to conquer Nanga Parbat, on of the highest peaks in the Himalayas. The self-centered Harrer, preoccupied with only his own desires, abandons his wife and unborn son to travel to Tibet. But early into the expedition, Britain declares war on Germany and seizes all German citizens on English soil as prisoners of war, including the Austrian mountainclimbers who are climbing in British-controlled Tibet. During his months at the POW camp, Heinrich writes his wife and son, the only two things keeping him alive. But his wife writes him back asking him to sign the enclosed divorce papers, and his son disowns him and asks him to stop writing. Heinrich and Aufschnaiter finally escape, and with no intent of going home, they travel to the mysterious city of Lhasa, home of the Dalai Lama. The young Dalai Lama and Heinrich become good friends, but when WWII ends and Chinese communists invade Tibet, the boy convinces Heinrich to return home and reunite with his son. Transformed and emotionally awakened by his journey through Tibet, Heinrich travels back to Austria with hope and fear. Everything about this movie makes it one of the most entertaining movies of the year.

It also happens to be one of the cleanest PG-13 movies in recent history. The only objectionable element in the film is the occurrence of four s-words and one moderate crude word. Some moderate violence takes place when Chinese soldiers invade Tibet, but it never becomes gory or excessive. Some may even consider the battle scene tastefully done. The movie provides in-depth depictions of the Buddhist religion, but does not glorify or encourage acceptance of the religion. Devout Christians will not be offended. The theme of the film is simple: pursue to fulfill the needs of others and you will be at peace with yourself -- a lesson Heinrich learns powerfully. Moviegoers will not be disappointed if they make a journey to the theater to see SEVEN YEARS IN TIBET.

Preview Reviewer: Jason Shepherd
Distributor: Tristar Pictures, 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232