Austrian mountaineer Heinrich Harrer journeys to the Himalayas without his family to head an expedition in 1939. But when World War II breaks out, the arrogant Harrer falls into Allied forces' hands as a prisoner of war. He escapes with a fellow detainee and makes his way to Llaso, Tibet, where he meets the 14-year-old Dalai Lama, whose friendship ultimately transforms his outlook on life.
Brad Pitt
as Heinrich Harrer
Jamyang Jamtsho Wangchuk
as Dalai Lama, 14 Years Old
David Thewlis
as Peter Aufschnaiter
BD Wong
as Ngawang Jigme
Mako
as Kungo Tsarong
Lhakpa Tsamchoe
as Pema Lhaki
Ингеборга Дапкунайте
as Ingrid Harrer
Duncan Fraser
as British Officer
Danny Denzongpa
as Regent
Victor Wong
as Chinese 'Amban'
Jetsun Pema
as Great Mother
Ama Ashe Dongtse
as Tashi