A few days ago, Richard Gere reappeared without Alejandra Silva in our country to attend a new cultural and social event. The actor took the opportunity to share a message that no one will forget.
Last Tuesday, April 29, Richard Gere attended the BCN Film Fest in Barcelona to present Wisdom and Happiness, the documentary he produced about the Dalai Lama. This audiovisual production once again reveals his most activist side.
This work, halfway between a biopic and a quick meditation class, represents a new chapter in Richard Gere's firm fight against China's occupation of Tibet. A conflict that led the aforementioned spiritual leader into exile in India in the late fifties.
In an ironic tone, some wondered that day if Alejandra Silva's boyfriend could have something in common with Donald Trump, given his hostile stance toward China. An idea that the actor and activist denied with a simple gesture: "Trump's motivations are purely economic."
Additionally, during his speech, Richard Gere spoke openly about the current situation in China. "They're very quiet. They know the world is changing radically right now and that China will be the beneficiary of these changes," he began explaining.
"The war in Ukraine suits them because they're going to have cheap oil from Russia for the next generations. They see that Russia is also declining and have a century-long plan that includes taking over Siberia."
Meanwhile, Richard Gere believes that "they can also see that the United States is retreating and they're ready to take its place." "It's a great moment for China," he added.
Richard Gere Shares a Message Without Alejandra Silva's Presence That Has Left More Than One Speechless
That's why, for Richard Gere, the compassion conveyed by the Dalai Lama seems to be the only possible way out, as reflected in the documentary. It addresses topics such as toxic masculinity and climate change, considered by the spiritual leader as humanity's great challenges.
"He's always thinking about how to help others, even while sleeping. He had a particularly hard time during the pandemic because he was isolated... And he needs contact with people to share his love, compassion, and generous spirit," the actor said about this spiritual leader.
According to Richard Gere, "for him, we're all equal, and he's right. Human beings, children, animals, or insects: we all seek happiness and avoid suffering. Nothing else matters."
It should be remembered that in 1993, during the Oscar ceremony for Best Art Direction, he took the opportunity to denounce "the horrendous human rights situation in China and Tibet." He also sent a message to Deng Xiaoping, asking for the withdrawal of Chinese troops.
That controversial intervention cost Richard Gere his ban from future Academy ceremonies until he was awarded in 2002 for his role in Chicago, a musical by Rob Marshall.
In 1997, Richard Gere faced censorship again for his activism when he starred in Red Corner. In that thriller, he played a businessman unjustly accused of a crime in China. The situation became so tense that MGM decided to remove him from promotion just as he was about to appear on Oprah Winfrey's show.