It was 1990 when Brad Pitt was already considered one of the most famous actors in Hollywood and around the world. After starring in such minor blockbusters as Interview with the Vampire (1994), Legends of the Passion (1994) and Seven (1995), the actor decided to try something new in his career. Then the opportunity arose to play the famous Austrian mountaineer Heinrich Harrer in “Seven Years in Tibet”. What he didn’t know is that this adventure in the mountains would result in headaches and a 17year travel ban to China.
You certainly didn’t expect that. (Photo: disclosure).
The story of Heinrich Harrer, portrayed by a Hollywood actor
The story goes back to 1997. The name chosen for the adaptation of Heinrich Harrer’s story was JeanJacques Annaud. Heinrich, on the other hand, was an Austrian mountaineer who wanted to climb Nanga Parbat on behalf of Nazi Germany. However, his mission was not completed. World War II began and during his descent Harrer was captured by British soldiers on Indian territory.
The film tells the story of the Austrian’s attempt to escape from the concentration camp together with his friend Peter Ausehnaiter. After Harrer manages to escape and meet the Dalai Lama, he changes his view of the world and life. But where does Brad Pitt fit into this story? Well, he was chosen for the role of the protagonist, which meant he had to spend a long time in Tibet.
At first, according to the Hollywood star, it was a wonderful experience. It took six months to prepare and I was completely immersed in another culture. In Brad’s words, “It’s impossible not to leave feeling special.” Despite the actor’s fond memories, filming was a complicated affair.
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complications
First, the complications arose due to the boycott suffered by the team from China, from which Tibet would like to be independent. Because the shooting took place in Ladakh on the Tibetan border. China, on the other hand, took advantage of the proximity, constantly cutting off electricity and forcing local families not to cooperate with production.
Ultimately, the team relocated filming to the Andes Mountains of South America so that it could be completed with relative ease. This change of plan naturally increased the cost of production, which totaled $70 million. Luckily, the film was a hit for its time, grossing 131 million worldwide.
However, the Chinese government was not satisfied and even threatened Sony’s distribution of the film. For the Chinese commanders of the time, the film was not only a displeasure at the friendship between Brad Pitt and the Dalai Lama, but also a hymn to Tibet’s freedom, exposing China as an oppressor.
The ban
Ultimately, the Chinese government decided to take action against the entire film crew, including Brad Pitt, and ban them from the country for the rest of their lives. The film has since been banned by national censors across the country for its negative portrayal of China and the military.
The sanction was almost fulfilled. Brad Pitt, already established Hollywood star, returned to Chinese countries in 2014 when he accompanied Angelina Jolie to promote Maleficent in Shanghai. 17 years had passed.
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