The Lost World of Tibet: A Different View

The centerpiece of Emma Hindley's BBC documentary The Lost World of Tibet is rare archival footage, mostly in color, shot in Tibet by diplomats, medical personnel, and scientists prior to the Chinese invasion of 1950. Capturing the beauty of the locale, the footage also documents many of the religious festivals that dominated Tibetan life, and it offers glimpses of the Dalai Lama as both a lively child and later as a serious, studious youth preparing for his “doctoral” defense in Buddhist philosophy (a public debate in which he demonstrated his knowledge of refined spiritual principles). Hosted by Dan Cruickshank, the documentary puts this amazing footage in historical context through both informative narration and interviews with, among others, the Dalai Lama himself, who reacts with glee at the sight of his father and brother in images viewed on a laptop computer, and also reflects on his early life and the loss of his country's unique culture after the Chinese occupation. Other expatriates, who regret the long separation from their homeland, offer their observations as well, suggesting that Tibet's isolation and political naiveté prior to 1950, combined with its lack of a modern military, accounted for the ease of the Communist takeover. Although this will undoubtedly appeal to people active in the movement for Tibetan independence, viewers with a more general interest will also appreciate this often fascinating glimpse into a sadly lost world. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)