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 of bandits.
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.