Seven Years in Tibet (1997) - full transcript

Why must you be this way?

Why is there always a problem?

It's a good question.

Do you want to go home?

Do you want to turn around?

- Yes!

- It's the Himalayas!

How long have I been talking

about the Himalayas?

- How long?

- Far too long.

Horst, when we get there,

can you give me a hand, please?

- Yes, of course.

- Ingrid, stop it.

Let's try to make the best of this.

Where's this idiot who's

supposed to meet us?

Move!

Mr. Harrer.

I have your tickets.

- I'm late. Take me to my train.

- No, you don't understand.

I am Peter Aufschnaiter.

I am leading the expedition.

- How do you do?

- Here's our celebrity!

Mr. Harrer?

May I say, Mr. Harrer, on

behalf of the Reichssportsfuhrer...

we are honored to have such a

great German hero on the team.

Thank you, but I'm Austrian.

Yes, but I'm sure that

as a distinguished member...

of the National Socialist Party,

you would be proud to plant...

our country's flag on the summit

of Nanga Parbat when you reach it.

Hans Lobenhoffer.

Lutz Chicken.

And a picture with your lovely wife.

And Mr.--

Horst Immendorf. Family friend.

No picture necessary.

When is the little one due,

Mrs. Harrer?

About the time my husband

reaches the base camp.

Thank you.

Why don't you tell the entire

stinking country our troubles?

I'm getting on that train. Do you

have anything you want to say?

Fine.

Go. Leave.

I'll see you in four months.

- Take good care of her, Horst.

- I will, Heinrich.

We will travel 5,000 miles.

When we reach India,

we will head for the Himalayas...

and the ninth highest peak

on Earth, Nanga Parbat.

Germany calls it ''Unserberg--

Our Mountain. ''

Before us, four German

expeditions attempted it.

All failed.

Eleven climbers were killed

in storms and avalanches.

By now, the conquest of Nanga

Parbat is a national obsession--

a matter of German pride.

July 29, 1939.

We have already made

Camp Four at 22,000 feet.

Overhead is the Rekiak Glacier

and a difficult climb up the icefall.

The baby must be at

least one month old now.

I have been so

confused and distracted.

I can't climb with

my usual confidence.

Are you all right?

Shit!

- Are you all right?

- Shall we come down?

Lost a crampon!

Go ahead!

The weather's getting bad.

We should rope up.

- Did you hurt yourself back there?

- Just a scratch. I'll lead.

Rocks!

Look out below!

Hold me!

Have you got me?

Hold me!

You should have told me

how bad that wound was.

I should take a look at it.

I could sew it up.

It's not your problem.

Actually, it is my problem.

- It's my life.

- What?

When you conceal a serious

injury and put my life at risk...

I consider that my problem.

No, you put your life at risk.

I saved it, so shut up!

Please, it is not your place--

Shut up!

The next time you lie

about an injury, Heinrich...

you're off the team.

Try it.

August 4th, Camp Five.

Some fierce storms have passed.

My teammates are nervous

about the avalanches...

so we've been holed up for days.

Aufschnaiter should take advantage of

this lowland weather to make high camp.

But he disagrees with me. Fool.

It seems the others don't

mind sitting here waiting...

hoping, doing nothing.

So much time to question

one's self is not good.

I am beginning to think this

whole expedition was a mistake.

Run! Avalanche! Get out!

Leave everything!

Put that down!

We are going down now!

If they're frightened of a storm,

send them down to Camp Two.

I could summit on my own!

Always give the best man his shot!

He's trying to tell us

he's the best man.

Give me two Sherpas.

I can make Camp Six by tonight...

and my final attack tomorrow!

- We are going down now as a team!

- I've earned that peak!

- I want that peak!

- As a team! That's an order!

That is an order! An order!

Follow me!

Dalai Lama photo.

Good protection.

Take it, Si Hib.

It will protect you.

No, that means nothing to me.

Dalai Lama. Dalai Lama photo.

Si Hib, take it.

Good protection for you.

Good afternoon, Herr Harrer.

Well, let's hope that Germany

retreats from Poland...

as quickly as you did

from your mountain.

It might save you

some prison time.

What is this? Who are you?

- I'm sorry, but you're under arrest.

- What charge? Failure to summit?

I'm afraid not.

You see, war has been declared between

His Majesty's Government and Germany.

So all enemy aliens on British Empire

soil are now prisoners of war.

- Stop, or I'll shoot!

- Hands up!

No, you don't understand!

I'm Austrian! I'm a climber!

I have nothing to do

with your silly war!

I can walk myself.

This is an insult!

You think you have the

last word, but you don't!

Pigs! All of you, pigs!

October 15, 1939.

Reaching prison camp,

I make a promise to myself.

I will be lying beside Ingrid before

the summer solstice of the new year.

The Himalayas are

right in front of us.

It will be easy to escape

and get lost in them.

My fourth escape attempt

brings me no closer to my goal.

How far did you get this time?

All I have achieved is a certain

dubious celebrity among the prisoners.

If only my hand could

express what is in my heart.

I hear the guards are

mailing letters for you.

Yes.

Would you mail these?

Thank you.

Hey, Heinrich, have

you read this book?

It was checked out to you.

- We need to talk to you.

- What about?

About this.

Impressive. When do

you plan to leave?

After monsoon season. And you?

I see you've chosen

my route through Tibet.

The few foreigners who have tried

never came back. So, good luck.

- Would you like to come with us?

- Why?

After all, you are the authority

on jailbreak around here.

- We could benefit from your experience.

- Please.

Stop this embarrassing charade.

Every time you escape, the

patrols are doubled and tripled.

It is making life very difficult

for the rest of us.

I prefer to travel on my own,

but thanks for thinking of me.

The mailman has come.

Dear Heinrich..

Please sign the enclosed divorce

papers and send them to my lawyer.

Horst and I intend to be married

as soon as the divorce is finalized.

As for your letter,yes.

Your son, Rolf Harrer, was born

while you were climbing the mountain.

He is now two years old

and calls Horst ''Papa. ''

When he is old enough,

I will tell him...

his real father was

lost in the Himalayas.

It seems the kindest thing

to say considering...

you never wanted

the child anyway.

Needless to say,

I have no intention...

of''resolving our differences''

as you suggested.

They were resolved the

moment you left Austria.

I'm sorry you have been

imprisoned in India...

and hope this dreadful war will

soon be over for everyone's sake.

Ingrid.

I'm coming with you.

This is your plan?

In my humble opinion,

this is ridiculous.

Then since you are so humble,

we won't ask your opinion.

Open the charts. Turn around.

Keep your back to the

gate. Open the charts!

Keep talking.

Wait for my signal.

We are clear. Okay.

Open the gates!

See to this. Open the gates!

I'm going off on my own.

So, good luck.

First escape from prison

camp, November 18, 1939.

Rolf Harrer--

three and a half months old.

My 30th birthday, July 6,1941.

Rolf Harrer-- exactly one year,

11 months and 26 days.

Last escape from Dehra Dun.

Rolf Harrer--

Take two and sleep it off.

I'll send you a bill in the morning.

What are you doing here?

I missed you so much.

I thought I'd pay you a visit.

What about the others?

The Italians were caught

outside Nelang.

Lutz and Hans got sick

and had to turn back.

- Sorry to hear that.

- I'm sure you're heartbroken.

May I impose upon your generous

nature and camp here tonight?

Be my guest.

Thank you. It is

very gracious of you.

- Good.

- What else do you have in there?

A ten-piece orchestra?

By the way, I heard the

Japanese have retreated...

all the way back to Shanghai so even

if you make it to the Chinese border...

you may have difficulty

catching up with them.

I don't care if they're repelled

all the way back to Tokyo.

You should if you want

to get back to Austria.

- But I don't.

- Don't what?

- Plan to go back.

- Why not?

No particular reason.

When you get

there, tell my wife...

that two years in prison camp is roughly

equivalent to four years of marriage.

And I'm glad to be

free of them both.

I'm not going back either, not

until this shameful war is over.

- And where are you headed?

- Tibet.

Then on to China, see if I

can find some work there.

And you?

By my calculations, the Chinese

border is 2,058 kilometers away.

Tibet is 68.

It's a long way to travel

with such a heavy load.

No,just full of food.

- Precisely.

- Mine.

That's too bad.

Those mountains are treacherous.

There are glaciers to be crossed.

If you had roped up to me,

I could have kept you alive.

Considering your performance

the last time we roped up...

I think I'm safer without you.

Of course.

But I think you are wrong about

that Tibetan border calculation.

By my measurements,

it is 65 kilometers.

Care to wager a kilo

of food on that?

All you've got is

some stale crackers.

But I'm right. I'll win.

Tibet, the roof of the world.

It feels as though we have

ascended a medieval stone fortress...

towering above

the center of Asia.

This is the highest

country on Earth.

And the most isolated.

There it is.

Tibet.

- Exactly 68 kilometers.

- Congratulations.

Unfortunately, you've

eaten all your winnings.

Yes.

Just smile and say yes.

It's better that way.

It's amazing what you

learn in prison, isn't it?

Tibet.

- No foreigners allowed in Tibet.

- Oh, please!

No foreigner!

Oh, please!

Yes. Thank you. Of course.

No translation needed.

Some people are glad to see us.

Don't let it get to your head.

When the Tibetans clap hands, it

means they are driving out evil forces.

We need to find food.

It is the prophecy. It says here...

in the final testament of

great thirteenth Dalai Lama.

''It may happen that, in Tibet,

religions and government...

will be attacked

by outside forces.

Unless we can guard

our own country...

monks and their monasteries

will be destroyed.

The lands and property of

government officials will be seized.

The Dalai Lama and all the

revered holders of the faith...

will disappear and

become nameless.''

Now you understand why we are

not welcome to foreigners here?

Yes, but you must understand

we're not here to threaten or harm.

We just need food,

and then we'll be on our--

His Excellency, the Garpon.

Your Eminence, we're

happy to see you.

We wanted to apologize.

Apologize.

And give you this

really special gift.

Please, from us.

Long live the Dalai Lama,

His Holiness.

Thank you for the picture.

Go back to India!

Two days into Tibet's western frontier

and we are graciously kicked out.

Our guides have strict

orders to escort us...

to the Indian border

some 40 kilometers away...

and to shoot us

if we attempt escape.

Must mean hello.

As long as they

don't try to kiss me.

We have to stock

up. I'm broke.

Don't look at me.

We have to eat, Peter.

Know what time it is?

It is not negotiable.

My father gave it to me

when I climbed Mount Blanc.

Everyone's climbed

Mount Blanc.

If I had a watch like

this, I would trade it.

- Where did you get this jacket?

- North Tibet.

Communism soldier come

from China. Very nice.

They give food, money. Very

nice. Communism soldier.

You like military

uniforms, yes?

I have German army

boots. For you. Yes?

Wait.

Give me these, for the guards.

Look!

Like this. You like?

Very good. They're tough.

My friend, shall I show you

how German soldiers march?

You must make this face.

Come! Yes.

Stop!

Excellent. Yes.

You, with practice.

Now, I will show you

how German soldiers run.

Stand like this.

Guess what?

All clear.

Know what time it is?

You think I'm so happy

to be traveling with you...

I should foot the bill?

You are such a big man

you don't need to contribute?

You have a problem?

Remind me...

what you said at the

bazaar back there.

''If I had a watch like

that, I would trade it.''

You do not have one.

You cheap, lying bastard!

You have three!

This is junk from

some Italian prisoners.

I don't give a shit!

Haven't you ever

heard of a principle?

What principle?

You want a watch?

Go ahead. Pick one.

- And keep your principles.

- Look at you!

Caught being a selfish

brat and you're gloating!

You're acting like an old

woman. What do you want?

Try apologizing.

Try feeling a little remorse.

And if all else fails, try

wiping that smirk off your face!

Take your stinking

watch and shut up!

I don't need another boring sermon from

some frustrated glorified tour guide.

No wonder you

are always alone.

No one can stand

your miserable company.

Please, take them.

It was wrong of

me to hide them.

- Keep this.

- No.

I didn't deserve it either.

Go ahead.

He'll be three and

a half years old now.

Pretty soon, she'll tell him

I was lost in the Himalayas.

Which is fine.

Why?

Better a dead father

than a lousy father.

Write him a letter.

Let him know you're still alive.

New York.

Venice.

- Paris.

- Your Holiness, where are you?

It is time for your lesson.

Your Holiness, where are you?

It is time for your lesson.

Dear Rolf Harrer..

I'm a person you don't know...

a man you've never met.

But you are someone

who occupies my mind...

and my heart...

in this distant land

where I have gone.

If you can imagine a hidden place

tucked safely away from the world...

concealed by walls of high,

snowcapped mountains--

a place rich with all the strange

beauty of your nighttime dreams--

then you know where I am.

In the country where

I am traveling, Tibet...

people believe if they walk

long distances to holy places...

it purifies the bad deeds

they've committed.

They believe the more

difficult the journey...

the greater the

depth of purification.

I've been walking from one faraway

place to the next for many years--

as long as you have lived.

I have seen seasons change

across the high plateaus.

I have seen wild kiangs

migrate south in winter...

and sweep back across the

fields when spring appears.

In this place, where

time stands still...

it seems that

everything is moving...

including me.

I can't say I know

where I'm going...

nor whether my bad

deeds can be purified.

There are so many things

I have done which I regret.

But when I come to a full stop,

I hope you will understand...

that the distance between us

is not as great as it seems.

With deep affection...

your father, Heinrich Harrer.

Get up.

My God!

I'll give you these.

Yellow head!

- No! Wait! We have nothing!

- Give me money!

We have no money!

Give me watch!

- Give me clothes!

- We have nothing for you!

Wait!

Where are you headed?

I have permit.

Lhasa. I have permit.

It is unseemly for the spiritual

leader of Tibet to spy on people.

Only a month ago, we were certain

of death at the hands ofbandits.

And today, we have reached the

gates of the forbidden city of Lhasa.

It is as difficult

a goal as Mecca...

and precisely as attractive

because it is closed to all foreigners.

Even in our

miserable condition...

we feel the lure

of Tibet's holiest city...

home of the Dalai Lama.

Only a few foreigners had

penetrated its mysteries.

Oh, my God!

- Is it over?

- No, it is not over.

You are invited to stay

for lunch, if you like.

We'd like that very much.

I am Tsarong.

Welcome to my home.

I am Peter.

Lord Chamberlain,

may I request...

an audience with the regent

and ministers of the cabinet?

It's about two foreigners

who came to Lhasa.

With respect, Rinpoche...

if your intention is to stop the Chinese

from recruiting political allies...

then demanding that they

stop trying to bribe monks...

is not the most effective tactic.

I asked the opinion of the ministers,

not that of a mere secretary.

Of course. Forgive me.

You may leave now.

Start translating the

letter as written.

Of course.

Do you realize how many men

could survive such an ordeal?

We should respect them.

If we return them to India,

they'll surely go back to prison.

But they have no purpose here,

Kungo Tsarong. No place to live.

I have invited them to stay

at my guest quarters...

assuming you would grant them

permission to remain in Lhasa, of course.

Invited them to

stay at your place?

But why?

Must one have reason

to help those in need?

Beast.

I think she said you stink.

You do not need to

introduce yourselves.

I know who you are.

I am Pema Lhaki.

Ngawang wishes to make a gift to

you, so please take your clothes off.

Let's get started.

I don't have all day.

Well, this is most kind

of Ngawang Jigme.

Who is he to be so thoughtful?

Secretary to the ministers

of the government.

He wished to make you

a gift of new clothes.

Please select your preferred

article of clothing.

You're a seamstress?

I am a tailor, sir, the

only tailor in Lhasa...

who has been to Calcutta and

can reproduce these silly costumes.

So, I pick?

Yes, choose whichever you like.

- And you can make any of these?

- Yes.

- Very good.

- Did you make this?

- Yes.

- Beautiful.

- Thank you.

- Do you like this?

Whichever you like.

I will have this

handsome tweed jacket.

And this pair of sporting

woolen trousers, please.

- Good choice.

- Thanks.

And you, sir?

- Perhaps you could choose for me.

- Thank you.

Please, sir, take off your chu-pa.

I would like to measure.

Stand still, please.

This way, please.

- Stand still.

- Sorry.

- No moving, please.

- I'm sorry.

That way, you will

never fall. It's perfect.

Still, walking up mountains

is a fool's pleasure, Heinrich.

Not so foolish, really.

Look at this.

Go ahead.

That's after I climbed

the Eiger North Face.

That's Olympics. Gold

medal. Not important.

Then this is another great difference

between our civilization and yours.

You admire the man...

who pushes his way to

the top in any walk of life...

while we admire the man

who abandons his ego.

The average Tibetan wouldn't think

to thrust himself forward this way.

Gentlemen.

- I'm sorry. Have we met?

- No, we have not.

I am Ngawang Jigme.

- Yes, of course.

- Forgive us.

Thank you for

your generous gift.

It's wonderful. Thank you.

You are most welcome.

I am sure we will meet again.

Perhaps you could

help us explain...

why the ministers...

demand that the

Chinese government...

''...cease making generous

financial contributions...

to Tibetan monasteries.''

Do our gifts displease

your government?

I cannot speak for the regent

nor the ministers, Excellence.

I am only a mere secretary.

Not for long, I presume.

Sit down.

A man of such obvious

talent cannot be satisfied...

with just translating letters.

Your diplomatic skill...

would be richly rewarded here.

Serving my country faithfully

is reward enough, Excellence.

I ask permission

to take my leave.

It looks like we're both in

need of a good tailor today.

Yes, there's a--

Please, take a seat.

Do you like these?

I'll buy them for you.

Thank you, but I

don't eat much meat.

- Don't eat meat?

- He says they are knives from West.

You put them on

your feet to cut meat.

They are ice skates.

You put them on your feet...

to skate...

to glide--

sort of dance on ice.

- Yeah.

- Why?

- Why not?

- It's another fool's pleasure.

Let's get them.

How mu--

No, for this?

Ten.

And for this?

Did you see?

Did you see that?

- Did you hurt yourself?

- No, thank you. I'm okay.

Here we go. Up.

- You okay? Did you bang your head?

- No, I'm having fun.

- You must hold on.

- Watch me!

- Do not look too much at the ground.

- All right.

- Look only into my eyes.

- Yes, all right.

Can I help you?

Here, take my hand.

- Are you happy?

- Very happy.

I try to picture you, Rolf...

and this is what I see..

a young boy who is

strong and bright...

a boy filled with

curiosity about life...

a boy who isn't afraid

to learn from his mistakes.

Hello, married woman.

Hello, bachelor man.

Congratulations.

Well, come in.

The Japanese army is facing

a growing challenge...

not from China's

unified front...

but from the powerful

Chinese Communist Army.

Under the control

of Mao Tse-tung--

The rumor is that the

Communists have taken over...

the whole of North

and Central China.

Rumor? It's a fact.

Ngawang keeps me up-to-date

on all China's war news.

So, how are things

at Kungo Tsarong's?

Frankly, I wouldn't know.

I moved out five months ago.

Really? Has it been this long

since we have seen you?

- Apparently it has.

- And have you been busy?

This is why I'm extremely busy...

since I've been hired to survey

the entire city of Lhasa.

Unfortunately, your place is too

far out for me to include it on my map.

We like our privacy.

Yes, apparently so.

What about women? Have

you met anyone you like?

Women.

Since I failed miserably

with an Austrian wife...

an exotic failure with a

Tibetan wife seems misguided.

But to answer your question,

no, I haven't. You?

A friend's good

fortune is a blessing.

I'm sorry you resent ours.

You must be very

lonely and sad.

The war is over!

Have the Communists won?

Your war, my friend.

Germany has surrendered.

- Where are you going?

- Back home. Austria.

Mr. Harrer, letter.

We miss you.

I miss you.

''Dear Mr. Heinrich Harrer:

You are not my father.

Please stop writing me letters.

Rolf Immendorf.''

Honorable Harry Harrer?

- Yes?

- A letter for you.

The Honorable Heinrich Harrer

doesn't want any more letters.

It is from the Great Mother

of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama.

Thank you for

coming, Mr. Harrer.

Thank you for inviting

me, Great Mother.

Do you know the rules of

protocol concerning my son?

Not exact-- I know one bows

and performs prostrations.

When you are in the

presence of His Holiness...

you must always be standing...

bent in obeisance, hands

folded in supplication.

If seated, you must always

be seated lower than he.

Never look him in the eye.

Never speak before he does.

Always refer to him

as ''Your Holiness.''

Never turn your back to him.

And never, never touch him.

He is the reincarnation

of Avalokiteshvara...

the Bodhisattva of Compassion.

After his recognition,

he was renamed...

Jetsun Jamphel Ngawang

Lobsang Yeshi Tenzin Gyatso...

Holy Lord, Gentle Glory,

Eloquent, Compassionate...

Learned Defender of the

Faith, Ocean of Wisdom.

His Holiness, the Dalai

Lama, would like to meet you.

As his advisors have not permitted

a private audience with you...

His Holiness has asked me to bring

you along to my monthly audience.

I'd be honored and moved.

Yellow head.

You have hair on your

arms too? And legs?

- How about you?

- Mr. Harrer.

It's an honor to meet

you, Your Holiness.

Do you like movies?

You know, I haven't seen

a movie in about eight years.

- But as I recall, yes, very much.

- So do I.

- I'm glad to hear that.

- I have a movie projector. And films.

I want to build a movie

house. Here, at the Potala.

- With seats and everything.

- Seats would be advisable.

Can you build it?

- Excuse me?

- Can you build a movie house for me?

My advisors cannot disapprove,

and you will be well paid.

And you will have to come here

every day to build it, every single day.

When you are here, you'll visit me. We

can have conversations on many topics.

I would like to learn about

the world you come from.

For example, where is Paris, France?

And what's a Molotov cocktail?

And who is Jack the Ripper?

You can tell me many things.

I'm proud to be of service,

Your Holiness.

What is the problem?

Worms.

Please, no more hurting worms.

- Please.

- Worms?

In a past life, this innocent worm

could have been your mother.

Please, no more hurting.

It's impossible.

Please, no more.

But you see,

Tibetans believe...

all living creatures were

their mothers in a past life.

So we must show them respect

and repay their kindness.

And never, never harm

anything that lives.

You can't ask a devout people

to disregard a precious teaching.

Yes, but Your Holiness...

with true respect,

we can't possibly--

I'm sorry, but we can't

possibly rescue all the worms...

not if you want a theater

finished in this lifetime.

You have a clever mind.

Think of a solution.

And in the meantime, you can

explain to me what is an elevator.

Antarctica. That's down below.

Here.

Fantastic.

England.

Don't look at me for help.

Here?

Shift.

Oh, I know him.

Honk. Hello!

Turn!

Brake!

The robe of a minister is so much finer

than your old brown robe, isn't it?

Please.

Everyone, please.

You must be very clever to

get such a good promotion.

I did not intend to be

a secretary forever.

Apparently so.

Well, congratulations.

Evil omen!

From his headquarters

in Peking...

the Chairman, Mao Tse-tung,

was triumphantly proclaimed leader...

of the new People's

Republic of China.

Chairman Mao vowed that the first

task of the Communist regime...

is to reunite the

Chinese motherland.

He declared that the

remote kingdom of Tibet...

is an integral part

of the Chinese territory...

and mustjoin the

great new republic.

''...and must join

the great new republic.''

People's Republic of

China is advised...

the government of Tibet

recognizes no foreign sovereign.

We are an independent nation.

All the Chinese officials will be

expelled from the borders of Tibet.

We wish you a happy

return to your homeland.

Have a safe and pleasant

journey back to China.

May you have a safe and

pleasant journey back to China.

We wish you a happy

return to your homeland.

May you have happiness

and prosperity.

Let me see.

You have a very long lifeline,

unlike others here.

When we are facing

the light, it's day, yes?

When we are in

shadow, it's night.

So if the sun is just

rising in Lhasa...

that means it is just setting...

in New York City, perhaps.

That's why it can't be the

same time in every place.

- Does that answer your question?

- Yes!

Tell me more.

What else do you

want to know?

In a few moments, you will be

entering the world of mass media.

I can hear news from

all over the planet?

I don't know if they have live

broadcasts from the Tonga Islands...

but generally speaking, yeah.

Do you listen to news

from your country?

From Austria? No, not really.

Give me some light, Ku-Dun.

- Why? It's your home.

- Not anymore it isn't.

But don't you have

friends and family there?

A few friends, no family.

Keep the light steady,

Your Holiness.

Why? Is everyone dead?

Do you know there's another sentence

construction aside from the question?

I was married,

but I'm divorced.

What did you do?

I didn't want a child, so I ran

away to climb a mountain.

You have a child?

Although I've never seen him.

All right. Let me show

you how this thing works.

- Give it all you've got.

- Yes, Mr. Harrer.

Happy Christmas.

Thank you.

- What is this special occasion?

- This is Christmas.

And this is for you,

my friend. Go on.

''I found it in a shop

in the Barkhor.

It has traveled a long way

and finally come back home.

Thank you for your

friendship. Heinrich.''

It is incredible.

Thank you for saving my life.

...must be liberated

from religious oppressors.

Tibetans must be reunited...

- with their brothers and sisters...

- Turn that off.

- of the great family of new China.

- I'm very sorry.

Foreigners control

Tibet's corrupt government.

Our Tibetan comrades must be

liberated from foreign imperialists.

Tibet's million serfs

must be freed.

How many foreigners

are there in Tibet?

You, Heinrich.

Tibet will be liberated.

He asked for you, Mr. Harrer.

They were destroying the village

I was born in, Takster in Amdo.

It was terrible.

It was just a dream. You

had a bad dream. That's all.

But it was so real.

Where did it come from?

My mind could never

imagine such terrible things.

I can't sleep. I'm afraid

the dream will come back.

A couple of insomniacs.

Tell me a story.

Tell me a story about

climbing mountains.

That's one way to fall asleep.

Those stories bore even me.

Then tell me what

you love about it.

What--

The absolute simplicity.

That's what I love.

When you're climbing,

your mind is clear...

freed of all confusions.

You have focus.

And suddenly the light

becomes sharper...

sounds are richer...

and you are filled with...

the deep, powerful

presence of life.

I've only felt that way

one other time.

When?

In your presence, Ku-Dun.

The Chinese have already secured

much of the northern border regions.

They have ransacked a village,

destroyed the monasteries...

burnt scriptures

and defaced holy relics.

We've been told they've

even killed some monks--

- Which village?

- Takster in Amdo.

It's where His

Holiness was born.

Go ahead.

When you were defense minister

to the previous Dalai Lama...

then you wanted to

reorganize the army.

Can you do it now?

The People's Liberation Army

is one million troops strong.

We have 8,000 men

with 50 pieces of artillery...

and a few hundred mortars

and machine guns.

The task is hopeless.

Then you refuse the

appointment, do you?

No. I accept it with honor.

You two gentlemen

know about wars.

What type of weapon

do you recommend?

It seems the Chinese troops are

advancing toward our northern borders.

Where's His Holiness?

The glory of a

British coronation.

Nowhere in the world is there

anything half so wonderful.

Only once or twice in the life of each

one of us comes such a day as this...

when we know that we are

watching history in the making...

when we know that generations

to come will look back on this day...

for May 12, 1937, will be

one of the dates in history...

that schoolchildren will learn about

maybe a thousand years from now.

Every moment the

thrill of excitement--

Do you think someday people will

look at Tibet on the movie screen...

and wonder what

happened to us?

The coronation

coach moves forward.

I don't know.

Don't you have

all the answers?

I don't.

On the same field where Tibetans

traditionally gathered for picnics...

ground was cleared

to build an airstrip...

so that the plane carrying three

Chinese generals could land.

Nearby, the Tibetan army

practiced its maneuvers.

Some of the soldiers

wear ancient mesh armour.

They bring old muskets

and spears as artillery.

The spectacle of a peace-loving nation,

vainly attempting to create a military.

The fears of war

on my friends'faces...

strike a deeply buried

personal chord.

Echoes of the aggressions

of my own country...

the will to overpower

weaker peoples...

bring shame to me.

I shudder to recall how once long

ago I embraced the same beliefs...

how at one time I was, in fact...

no different from

these intolerant Chinese.

The Tibetans say an enemy

is the greatest teacher...

because only an enemy can help

develop patience and compassion.

They believe with rock-like faith

that the power of their religion...

will protect them

against these Chinese.

In preparation for

the generals'visit...

sacred ceremonies are

performed throughout Lhasa.

Sculptures of deities have been

carved with great care in butter.

As the sun melts them, they become

a reminder that nothing lasts.

The rising star of the cabinet,

Minister Ngawang Jigme...

made an offering of his own

to greet the Chinese generals...

and lead them through Lhasa.

Raising their flag is an honor

the Chinese don't deserve.

When you are not strong enough to

fight, you should embrace your enemy.

With both arms around you,

he cannot point a gun at you.

Nothing in politics is a

matter of honor, my friend.

History repeats itself,

even in paradise.

General, we shall have

our audience with His--

General, the monks have been making

this mandala of sand for many days.

It is a symbol of

enlightenment and peace.

General!

We do not sit

lower than he does.

But, General, it is our custom.

I can sit down there.

Your Holiness, this is

General Chang Jing Wu...

General Than Gua,

General Than Gua San.

They wish to have

an audience with you.

May you have happiness

and prosperity.

They are promising regional

autonomy and religious freedom...

if Tibet accepts that China

be its political master.

Until I attain my majority, the

regent is the political leader of Tibet.

You should have requested

an audience with him...

to discuss these important

matters of the world.

My experience of

such things is limited.

I am a simple Buddhist monk.

All I know is the scripture

and the words of Lord Buddha.

He said, ''All beings tremble

before danger and death.

Life is dear to all.

When a man considers this,

he does not kill or cause to kill.''

You must understand.

These words are ingrained

in the heart of every Tibetan.

It is why we are a peaceful people

who reject violence on principle.

I pray you will see this is

our greatest strength...

not our weakness.

I thank you for your visit.

An offering to the

Enlightened Ones.

Religion is poison.

The Chinese have attacked

the Tibetan frontier near Den-Go.

''Today at the dawn, 84,000 troops

of the 1st and 2nd Field Armies...

under the overall command

of General Chang Jing Wu...

attacked the Tibetan

frontier near Den-Go.

The Tibetan army believes an

attack on Chamdo is imminent.

Ngawang Jigme, our newly

appointed governor...

is preparing to send troops

toward the Chinese column...

in order to stop

their progression.''

As you know, Chamdo

is the gateway to Tibet.

If Chamdo falls, the

whole of Tibet will fall.

If I did not know that, I would not

have been appointed governor.

You do realize our troops are committed

to fighting the Chinese to the last man.

They would rather

die than surrender.

Rest assured, there will be no

surrender as long as I am in Chamdo.

Radio Lhasa.

Now.

We request permission

to surrender.

- But there will be no surrender--

- I said, ''Radio Lhasa.''

Permission to surrender now.

We lost the war in

11 days, Heinrich.

This surrender is

our death sentence.

And I'm afraid our friend

Ngawang Jigme has issued it.

He abandoned Chamdo and then

destroyed the ammunition dumps.

Without weapons

and ammunition...

there was no hope for the

troops who wanted to fight.

Our guerrillas could have held

the mountain passes for months...

even years.

It would have bought us time to make

appeals for help to other nations.

Now it's lost.

They broke down the gates.

Hello, my friend.

We did what was the

best for our country...

for Tibet.

On the way to Lhasa, I would see

Tibetans wearing these jackets.

''Chinese soldiers. Very nice.

Give food, clothes, money.

Very nice.''

It's strange to me that something

so harmless as a jacket...

could symbolize such a great lie.

After all these years, you still

do not understand Tibetan ways.

To return a gift is unforgivable.

A man who betrays his culture

should not preach about its customs.

There was a time I would

have wished you dead...

but your shame

will be your torture.

And your torture

will be your life.

I wish it to be long.

We pray that His Holiness,

the Dalai Lama...

will be granted the power

to unify his people.

We humbly ask the Tibetan

government to honor our request...

and let the Dalai Lama

attain his political majority.

You have the entire

palace in a panic.

I'm hiding from

the world for a day.

Kind of difficult

in a glasshouse, no?

It's The Moonlight...

by Debussy.

What else do you

know about this song?

Him, him and him.

I hope you've received your invitation

to the enthronement ceremony.

Yes. Thank you.

- It's next week.

- Thank you.

Do I look like an egghead?

No, they suit you.

We have a saying in Tibet...

''If the problem can be solved,

there is no use worrying about it.

If it can't be solved,

worrying will do no good.''

So stop worrying.

You have to leave Tibet.

Your life's at great risk.

Forgive my presumption, but I made

arrangements to get you out safely.

We should leave after the enthronement.

The Chinese would never expect it--

How can I help people if I run away from

them? What kind of leader would I be?

I have to stay here.

Serving others is my

path to liberation.

- Then I don't go either.

- Why not?

Because you are my

path to liberation.

The Buddha said, ''Salvation

does not come from the sight of me.

It demands strenuous

effort and practice.

So work hard and seek

your own salvation diligently.''

I am not your son...

and I never thought

of you as my father.

You were much too

informal with me for that.

Do you ever think about him?

And what do you think about?

It's not the conscious

thought really.

It's just always there.

When I crossed Tibet,

he was with me.

When I came to Lhasa,

he was with me.

When I sit

beside you, he's...

there with me.

I can't even imagine how I pictured

the world without him in it.

Then you should go

home and be his father.

I know.

You have finished

your job with me.

But you have to stay

for my enthronement.

I want you to see me

in all my pomp and glory.

It'd be a pleasure, my friend.

From the government of Tibet...

to Your Holiness, the

fourteenth Dalai Lama...

we ask you to rule your people...

as the spiritual and

temporal leader of Tibet.

By your prayers and

wishes, I humbly accept.

Butter tea. It was

never my cup of tea.

- One was enough.

- Yes, we must follow the custom.

A fresh cup of tea is poured

for the loved one departing.

It sits untouched,

waiting for his return.

May all travelers find

happiness wherever they go.

Without any effort may they

accomplish whatever they set out to do.

And having safely

returned to the shore...

may they be joyfully

reunited with their relatives.

Mr. Harrer...

from His Holiness.

- Hello, Horst.

- Hello, Heinrich.

Rolf, come out to meet him.

No, I don't want to.

May I?

Rolf, take your time.

Well done, son.

Well done.