Tenzing is the inspiring tale of one of the most important mountain climbers in history who, with Edmund Hillary, became the first person to reach the summit of Mount Everest. Source: Australian Catholics.
In 1953, many world events were taking place – the death of Joseph Stalin, the coronation of Elizabeth II, even the first Cinemascope film, The Robe.
But, midyear, the whole world paid attention to Asia, specifically Nepal and Mount Everest in the Himalayas.
In those days, everyone knew that the sherpa, Tenzing Norgay, along with New Zealander, Hillary, had ascended Mount Everest to the summit.
With a screenplay by Luke Davies (Lion), director Jennifer Peedom has given viewers a portrait of Tenzing, beginning in the 1920s as a young lad, working with his parents in Tibet. The family falls on hard times. They make a trip to Nepal, and because of an illness his parents have to leave him. We see Tenzing’s fascination with the British mountaineers, especially George Mallory (Johnny Flynn), who encourages him.
He wants to become a sherpa, but is considered to be from the wrong tribe. However, his wife encourages him and he perseveres with his application and is finally employed. By 1953, he was the sherpa who had reached the heights of the Himalayas, the guide with the Swiss team.
The film’s focus then becomes the ascent of Everest, with camera work showing the peaks and crags, the crevasses, the snow landscapes, the huge storms and one frightening sequence involving a fall.
Tenzing draws its audience into challenge – portraying the hardships of climbing, physical endurance, altitudes and breathing difficulties, disappointments and triumphs.
Genden Phuntsok is an engaging lookalike for Tenzing. Tom Hiddleston is Hillary and Willem Dafoe, narrator for several of the director’s documentaries, is Sir John Hunt. A film for all seasons.
Review by Fr Peter Malone MSC
Tenzing: Starring Genden Phuntsok, Tom Hiddleston, Willem Dafoe. Directed by Jennifer Peedom. 125 minutes. Rated PG (coarse language).
FULL STORY
Tenzing (Australian Catholics)
