Sacred Symbols in the Film "Seven Years in Tibet"

B a c k g r o u n d . Genre-wise the article is a form of publication of analytical conclusions resulting from researching religious symbolism within the movie. The material for interpretation was derived from mass media, in particular cinematography. The article describes religious symbolism within the movie "Seven Years in Tibet" (1997). It is made apparent that the wide array of religious symbols in modern cinema requires a new approach. M e t h o d s . Issues with defining religious symbolism in cinema have inspired a search of appropriate methods and research methodology. The article utilizes analytical approach based on religious symbolism found in the artistic source material – in this case a movie. R e s u l t s . With that considered the goal of the scientific research was to track down instances of religious symbolism in "Seven Years in Tibet" movie. It has been determined that, despite the film's ostensibly secular framework, it incorporates elements of religious symbolism. The mountains are depicted as a site of spiritual transformation for the protagonist, serving as a metaphor for inner growth. The motif of legs symbolizes the individual's journey toward enlightenment and perfection. Themes of reincarnation and ahimsa are presented within a Buddhist context, reinforcing the film's engagement with Eastern philosophical concepts. The narrative arc involving the hero's loss and eventual reunion with his son reflects a well-established archetype within mythological discourse. C o n c l u s i o n s . Brief research concludes that the religious symbolism in the film "Seven Years in Tibet" is present both explicitly and implicitly.