The Sun Behind the Clouds

While Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam's documentary acknowledges that the Chinese takeover of Tibet in 1950 was a crime, followed by an effort to suppress Tibetan religious and cultural identity that is an ongoing tragedy, The Sun Behind the Clouds also points out that after a half-century-plus, rifts have developed within the Tibetan nationalist movement. Using the demonstrations against Chinese control that broke out inside Tibet and among expatriates at the opening of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing as a backdrop, the filmmakers contrast the continuing agitation for full independence with a more moderate and nuanced position staked out by the exiled Dalai Lama, who has put forward a proposal for greater cultural autonomy in a Tibet that would remain politically part of China. While this might be a workable solution, interviews here with ordinary Tibetans, protesters, and activists—as well as footage of Chinese officials—suggest otherwise, while the Beijing government has so far indicated no willingness to compromise. Moreover, although showing the greatest respect for the Dalai Lama, the documentary intimates that he and his followers have been ineffective in explaining their ideas to most Tibetans, or in persuading them to set aside more extreme demands. The editing here is occasionally clumsy, but the film provides valuable insight into the differing aspirations within the contemporary Tibetan community. DVD extras include the full interview with the Dalai Lama, and three deleted scenes. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)