Seven Years in Tibet could have been a good movie. Historically accurate, it gives a detailed look into the past of Tibet and it's current ruler. The Tibetan customs and religious views are played out throughout the film and Annaud went to no limitations in showing the beautiful landscapes. Still, Seven Years in Tibet circles around Brad Pitt's character, someone who can't make up their mind whether they are good or bad. In the beginning, he's rotten and self-centered; in the ending, he's kind and a perfect father... But the only way to tell that time has passed is the dates they post in the lower portion of the screen. There was no sense of timeline in Seven Years in Tibet and many of the scenes seemed unfinished or sketchy at best. The most prominent figure was the Dalai Lama (Jamyang Wangchuk) but even his superb job couldn't cover up the obvious flaws.

Review by Erik Samdahl. Erik is a marketing and technology executive by day, avid movie lover by night. He is a member of the Seattle Film Critics Society.