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Himalaya Movie Review

Himalaya is a 1999 Nepalese adventure drama film directed by Eric Valli and starring Thinle Lhondup. It is a moving, grandiose look into this intriguing, harsh region of the world.

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“Don’t forget – a chief commands his men,

but receives his orders from the gods“

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When an aging chief’s son dies returning from Tibet’s salt lakes, Tinle blames Karma, his son’s friend, refuses to give Karma his blessing as the new chief, and organizes a rival caravan to take the salt to lower Nepal to trade for grain. Many then set out on the arduous journey. Watching these men as they brave this hard journey and then even a true snowstorm was powerful as the movie’s theme of people versus gods was beautifully explored.

The Himalayas are among the most inhospitable regions of the world, and the movie truthfully depicts that harshness through imposing scenery and many difficulties that they face along the way. Just taking a look at the Nepalese culture from their way of living to the cuisine to even the monasteries was wonderful. The frescoes being made during the film’s runtime was particularly fascinating.

What did not appeal to me as much was all the drama between the characters, who are honestly very well developed, but still all this drama about who will be the new chief was overdrawn and ultimately not as interesting as the rest of the film. It all led to that expected outcome. Yes, the ending was moving, but predictable nonetheless.

Still, Tinle remains a memorable figure as this old man who is so set in his ways that he can’t look past his nose. Karma is less interesting, but Tinle is the heart and soul of the movie. I also loved the kid. Tserin is both adorable and funny in some of his childlike remarks about the things happening around him.

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Himalaya was gorgeously shot and solidly directed, though the pacing left a lot to be desired. But the imagery of the mountains and the caravans with the yaks was just so arresting. It offers a look at an interesting culture that seems out of time and place, making the movie both exotic and spirited in its adventure.