As part of the Adelaide Film Festival "Prince of the Himalayas" was on screening today, with a little speech from the director. It proved to be a very refreshing and interesting ride. Prince of the Himalayas brought a savage and splendid Tibet to life and its gorgeous scenery is the perfect setting for the grand drama it portrays.
The movie stayed very true to the original plot of Hamlet, but the change of setting and a few extra touches made it worth a revisit. Main difference was the bigger emphasis on a battle on the spiritual level, maybe reminiscent of Tibetan Buddhist traditions and notions of karma and rebirth.
The biggest attractions of the movie however are by far the landscape, sets and costumes. The contrast between the stark and often barren landscape and the exquisite costumes made for some awe-inspiring moments. The whole look of the film steered clear from the Tibetan view as we have seen it for a long time: no monks in crimson, purple and golden robes, but a bizarre mix of wolf skins, splendid silks, leather straps, snow leopard hides, wool, and deep colored fabrics and jewelery. Together with the original Tibetan language, the movie became the fabled Shangri-La, but with tragedy at its core.
