Seven Years in Tibet (1997)

David Thewlis: Peter Aufschnaiter

Photos 

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Quotes 

• Heinrich Harrer : Ugh! Butter tea, it was never my cup of tea.

  [Peter begins to pour another cup] 

  Heinrich Harrer : No, no, no. One was enough.

  Peter Aufschnaiter : [continues pouring]  Yes. We must follow the custom. A fresh cup of tea is poured for the loved one departing.

  [picks up the tea] 

  Peter Aufschnaiter : No, no, no, no, no. It sits untouched, waiting for his return.

• Heinrich Harrer : In my humble opinion, this is ridiculous.

  Peter Aufschnaiter : Well, then, since you're so humble, we won't ask your opinion.

• Peter Aufschnaiter : Oh, by the way, I heard the Japanese have retreated all the way back to Shanghai. So even if you make it to the Chinese border you may have difficulties catching up with them.

  Heinrich Harrer : I don't care if they've retreated all the way back to Tokyo.

  Peter Aufschnaiter : You should if you want to get back to Austria.

  Heinrich Harrer : But I don't.

  Peter Aufschnaiter : You don't what?

  Heinrich Harrer : Plan to go back.

  Peter Aufschnaiter : Why not?

  Heinrich Harrer : No particular reason. But when you get there tell my wife that two years in prison camp is roughly equal ant to four years of marriage and I'm glad to be free of them both.

• Peter Aufschnaiter : Know what time it is? You think I'm so happy to be travelling with you I should pay for it? You're such a big man that you don't need to contribute?

  Heinrich Harrer : You have a problem, Peter?

  Peter Aufschnaiter : It reminds me of what you said at the bazaar back there. 'If I had a watch like that I would trade it.' You do not have one, you cheap, lying bastard! You have three!

  Heinrich Harrer : This is junk from some Italian prisoners.

  Peter Aufschnaiter : I don't give a shit! Haven't you ever heard of a principle?

  Heinrich Harrer : What principle? What? You want a watch? Go ahead, take one, and keep your principles.

  Peter Aufschnaiter : Look at you! Caught being a selfish brat and you're gloating!

  Heinrich Harrer : You're acting like an old woman, Peter. What do you want?

  Peter Aufschnaiter : Try apologizing. Try feeling a little remorse. And for all that's fair try to wipe that smirk off your face!

  Heinrich Harrer : Take your stinking watch and shut up! I don't need another boring sermon from some frustrated glorified tour guide.

  Peter Aufschnaiter : No wonder you are always alone. No one can stand your miserable company.

  [exits] 

  Heinrich Harrer : [Heinrich runs downhill chasing after Peter]  Please, take them.

  [offers the three watches to Peter] 

  Heinrich Harrer : It was wrong of me to hide them.

  Peter Aufschnaiter : [Peter takes the watches and attempts to return an attached wedding band]  Keep this.

  Heinrich Harrer : No. No. I didn't deserve it either. Go ahead.

• Peter Aufschnaiter : You should have told me how bad that wound was. I should take a look at it. I can sew it up.

  Heinrich Harrer : It's not your problem.

  Peter Aufschnaiter : Actually it is my problem. It's my life.

  Heinrich Harrer : What?

  Peter Aufschnaiter : When you conceal serious injury and put my life at risk I consider that my problem.

  Heinrich Harrer : No, you put your life at risk. I saved it so shut up!

  Peter Aufschnaiter : Please, it's not your place.

  Heinrich Harrer : Shut up!

  Peter Aufschnaiter : Next time you lie about an injury, Heinrich, you're off the team.

  Heinrich Harrer : Try it.

• Heinrich Harrer : Those mountains are treacherous. There are glaciers to be crossed. If you had roped up to me, I could have kept you alive.

  Peter Aufschnaiter : Considering your performance the last time we roped up I think I'm safer without you.

  Heinrich Harrer : Of course.

• Heinrich Harrer : Some people are glad to see us.

  Peter Aufschnaiter : Don't let it get to your head, Heinrich. When the Tibetans clap hands, it means they are driving out evil forces.

  Declaration Monk Official : [...]  It is the prophecy. It says here in the final testament of great thirteenth Dalai Lama. It may happen that in Tibet, religions and government will be attacked by outside forces. Unless we can guard our own country, monks and their monasteries will be destroyed. The lands and property of government officials will be seized. The Dalai Lama and all the revered holders of the faith will disappear and become nameless. Now you understand why we are not welcome to foreigners here?

• Peter Aufschnaiter : [the Chinese generals disembark the plane and are greeted by minister Ngawang Jigme's obeisance, bringing a smug smile to the lead general's lips]  History repeats itself, even in paradise.