The Movie That Got Brad Pitt Blacklisted from China for 20 Years—What Really Happened?

Brad Pitt’s career is a testament to longevity, with a reputation that has remained robust even as his roles have evolved from heartthrob to critically acclaimed actor. From Se7en to Inglourious Basterds, and from Fight Club to 12 Monkeys, Pitt has shown remarkable versatility across various genres, solidifying his place as one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. His personal life, including his high-profile marriage to Angelina Jolie, has also captivated the public, further cementing his status in the global spotlight.

Despite his widespread popularity, Pitt’s career has not been without its bumps along the way, with one of the most notable setbacks stemming from his role in the 1997 film Seven Years in Tibet. The historical drama, directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud, not only became a critical point in Pitt’s career but also led to a nearly 20-year ban from China.

Seven Years in Tibet is based on the memoir of Heinrich Harrer, an Austrian mountaineer and former SS officer who is interned in India during World War II. The film chronicles his escape to Tibet, his integration into the local community, and his role as a tutor to the young Dalai Lama. While the movie was generally well received by audiences, its portrayal of the Chinese military and the Dalai Lama sparked major controversy, particularly in China. The Chinese government condemned the film, accusing it of depicting their military officers as brutal and arrogant and criticizing the film’s sympathetic portrayal of the Dalai Lama, a figure seen as a threat by Chinese authorities due to his stance on Tibetan independence.

The controversy surrounding Seven Years in Tibet was so intense that China imposed a ban on Pitt, as well as the film’s director, Jean-Jacques Annaud, and co-star David Thewlis. The government’s displeasure was made clear, and for nearly two decades, Pitt was barred from entering the country.

While Annaud was eventually allowed to visit China in 2012, when he was invited to chair the jury at the 15th Shanghai International Film Festival, Pitt’s ban remained in place until 2016. The reason for his eventual return? His film Allied, a World War II drama, was partially financed by the Chinese company Huahua Media, marking the first time since the Seven Years in Tibet controversy that Pitt was able to set foot in China again.

Pitt’s long absence from China is a reminder of the complex relationship between Hollywood and global politics. While Seven Years in Tibet was a critical success, its portrayal of sensitive political matters led to a fallout that hindered Pitt’s access to one of the world’s largest film markets for nearly two decades. Despite the obstacles, Pitt’s career has continued to thrive, and his eventual return to China shows just how much the landscape of international cinema and finance has shifted in recent years.

While the ban may have been a significant chapter in Pitt’s journey, it’s clear that his global influence remains undiminished. With the release of Allied in 2016, followed by several other acclaimed roles, Brad Pitt has proven that, even in the face of international controversy, his star power is unshakable.