Despite exotic locations and spectacular widescreen photography, Jean-Jacques Annaud's film about the adventures in Tibet of Austrian mountaineer Heinrich Harrer during and after World War Two resembles a trudge through the foothills rather than an epic ascent. Looking suitably blond and Aryan as the climber, Brad Pitt delivers a solid performance (and his German accent's not too bad), but we never warm to his aloof character, even after his supposed spiritual transformation among the peace-loving and dignified Tibetans.

©ipc tx. Film content from TVTimes