For the second weekend in a row, let’s talk about another “based on true events” film. Last week saw the release of THE SOCIAL RECKONING, which could be called a “sequel docudrama”. For this weekend, in between the superb documentary features, MUSK and YOU CAN SEE EVERYTHING, here’s one that’s more of the classic “biopic”, though it’s also a rousing “natural wonder set action-thriller”. We’re still a couple of months away (hopefully) from the frigid snows of Winter, so this film might be somewhat of a “prep”, so that whatever “hits” won’t seem nearly as brutal as the conditions of this true tale. This all took place nearly 75 years ago, thanks to the courage, stamina, and skill of several men. At the forefront was the ‘national hero” named TENZING.
In the film’s opening “prologue,” we meet a pre-teen Tenzing Norgay, a Sherpa shepherd tending to his flock in the shadow of Chomolungma, AKA Mount Everest. Stumbling upon the camp of a baffling group of strangers, he spies a pair of boots. As he slips them on, he is startled by their owner, George Mallory (Johnny Flynn). Returning home, Tenzing dreams of being part of a mountain climbing team. But he’s got to help his poor, struggling family. When they lose their home and livestock, they make the arduous journey through the mountains. When Tenzing is struck by a fever, his parents stop at a monastery in Nepal. As the lad is treated, his folks decide to continue their travels and promise to return for him. They never come back. Instead, this “outcast” deals with the local hostility in the nearby village. Eventually, Tenzing catches the eye of a sweet local woman named Dawa, leading to marriage and children. Seeking to better their life, he relocates to Darjeeling and applies to be part of the Sherpa guide team for the Shipton expedition. Luckily, their supervisor, Henderson (Caitronia Balfe) is touched by his spirit. Years later, in 1952, Tenzing (Genden Phuntsok) is the principal guide for the Swiss expedition, which came the closest to Everest’s summit. Norgay’s personal life has also changed as Dawa has passed away, leaving him to raise their two children. Soon, Tenzing is recruited by Brit John Hunt (Willem Dafoe) for his expedition. But Tenzing will only accept if he is made part of the official climbing team, rather than one of the guide/supply-carriers. It’s “unheard of”, but Hunt finally agrees. Tenzing still must convince and assure his children that he will return safely. The mission soon begins as he meets his fellow climbers and forms a fast bond with a New Zealander, Edmund Hillary (Tom Hiddleston). The two become a team that vies to be chosen as the duo who will be the very first to reach the top of Everest.
Much like the film’s title subject, Phuntsok ably guides this talented cast through this grand adventure story. Despite his almost frozen smile, he shows us the concerns and fears surrounding this hero. He wants to conquer that mountain, but not at the cost of his struggling family. But Phunstok brings that determined “can-do” spirit to compelling life. He makes a terrific dramatic team with Hiddleston, whose Hillary treats him as a “defying danger” brother-in-arms (sharpen that pickaxe), while also tempering his own fears, especially when he nearly ends his quest so close to his goal. Dafoe is excellent as usual as the gruff but often warm father/leader of the team. Speaking of warmth, Balfe brings much of that to her role as the expedition arranger. A bit of dramatic tension comes from Tenzing Jigmey as Pasang, the veteran guide who has been “passed over” by Tenzing.
Helmed by director Jennifer Peedom, the film is more than merely a grand, breathtaking celebration of the peaks that touch the clouds, though it is quite glorious. But while we’re dazzled, Peedom never allows us to forget the deadly dangers in each icy step. At the sign of sudden snow swirls, the climbers drop and lie flat, wondering if this will be their burial site. As the men gasp for breath, using air tanks like scuba divers, we hold our breath as the elements are defied. Cinematographer Stefan Duscio expertly doubles New Zealand locales for Nepal. It’s all enhanced by the stirring score from Rebekka Karijord. And big kudos to editor Simon Njoo, who keeps the narrative clear, despite the inspired flashbacks. For fans of tru-life amazing adventures, TENZING guides us to the peak of an incredible life.
3 Out of 4
TENZING streams exclusively on AppleTV
