Parents' Guide to

Seven Years in Tibet

By Tony Nigro, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Soul-searching story won't interest younger teens.

Movie PG-13 1997 136 minutes
Seven Years in Tibet Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 14+

Based on 2 parent reviews

F Letcher
F Letcher Parent of 15-year-old
July 4, 2023
age 15+

One of the best films ever!

This is one of the best movies ever! Based on a true story, the plot is compelling and the scenery is spectacular. This film gives viewers a taste of other cultures and how they think and live. It also shows how difficult experiences can help someone to become more compassionate and humane. A must-see for middle teens and up.
MotherHubbard
MotherHubbard Adult
December 22, 2013
age 13+

Excellent film

Excellent educational film about Buddism ,the Dalai Llama and Tibet during World War 2. Historically accurate and a starting point for delving deeper into the history of the country and Buddism.
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

As World War II heats up, gold medal winning Austrian mountain climber, Heinrich Harrer (Brad Pitt) in his attempt to escape both impending fatherhood and the war, flees his country to climb the Himalayas. What was originally to be a four-month climbing adventure quickly turns into a seven-year odyssey when a sudden arrest and escape from a British prisoner of war camp, has Harrer and his German associate, Peter Aufschnaiter (David Thewlis), immersed in the new and exotic culture of Tibet. The two foreigners find contentment in the beautiful and legendary holy city of Lhasa. There, the young religious leader of Tibet, the Dalai Lama, is intrigued by the yellow-haired foreigner and seeks his knowledge on the contents of the world outside of Tibet. While advising this amazing young monk, Heinrich intellectually matures and begins to learn humility, coming to terms with his estranged son in Europe.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2 ):
Kids say (4 ):

SEVEN YEARS IN TIBET is truly an epic film. At once historically accurate and emotionally honest, the movie's taut construction keeps the story moving to the point that the 140-minute is largely accessible. It offers a plethora of positive lessons, particularly the peaceful, humane teachings of the Dalai Lama that inspire Heinrich's acceptance of paternal responsibility. Despite Brad Pitt's inconsistent German accent, his portrayal of Heinrich remains as compelling as the film's breathtaking Himalayan vistas.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Buddhism's role in East Asia and how the teachings of Buddhism motivated Heinrich to be a better father. They can also discuss World War II history and the subsequent Cold War era, and the effects of Communism in Asia.

Movie Details

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