by Tim Richards.

Tibet. To Western minds its name evoked a sense of wonder, of Shangri-La nestled in the tranquil mountains of the Himalayas. Not many would actually travel to it, but we were comforted to know it was there. In our increasingly complex modern life with its quickening pace, new technology and rampant consumerism, Westerners loved to think that somewhere there were cultures living in peace, serenity and simplicity, their Ying to our Yang. We'd never give it all up, but by God we liked to know that someone else could live without it all. And so Tibet lived on at the edge of our consciousness, a faraway place of simple ways and intriguing philosophies.

World War II defeated the fascists and liberated the colonies, but it also gave international communism its greatest surge forward this century. Added to the Soviet Union's 30-year example was half of Europe, some smaller Asian territories and the world's most populous country, China. In place of weak, divided governments of emperors and nationalists, China under Mao Zedong was a nation that commanded respect. With its vast population and acquisition of nuclear weapons, the new nation was a colossus intent on being involved in the world and mastering its own defence. Surrounded by potentially hostile neighbours, including newly independent India, China was intent on securing its BORDERs. In this context, Tibet could not be ignored.

In 1950 the Red Army invaded Tibet, destroying its small, poorly-equipped army at Chamdo. By 1951 it had occupied Lhasa, though Tibet's spiritual and temporal head, the Dalai Lama, was allowed to remain in his palace as nominal leader of his people. This delicate peace lasted only briefly. In 1956 Tibetans in two regions started a revolt against Chinese rule, and three years later the whole country was in arms. 87000 Tibetans are said to have died in the revolt, and the Dalai Lama was forced to flee his country.

It is hard to imagine the circumstances in which Tibet could become fully independent once more, short of a complete Soviet-style collapse of the central government in Beijing. This is not to admit hopelessness; it is well within the power of people and governments around the world to insist on Chinese respect for Tibetans' culture and human rights, and for Tibet to have some degree of autonomy in its affairs. This film's thought-provoking story is likely to continue that push.

See also: Kundun movie review by Narelle

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