As a historian, it’s rare that I get to watch films about historical figures that I know nothing about. But I’d admittedly never heard of Tenzing Norgay before watching Apple Film’s new film Tenzing about his 1953 ascent to the summit of Mount Everest. People who are interested in extreme mountain climbing are likely more familiar with the Nepalese-Indian who was part of the first team to reach Everest’s summit. But for the rest of us, this film does an excellent job of introducing us to Tenzing and his impressive achievement.
The film opens on a young Tenzing (Samdrup Dorje Lama) on the Tibetan plateau in 1924, where he encounters an early group of foreigners who have come to attempt to climb Everest. He’s fascinated by their quest (and their boots) and comes face to face with notable English mountaineer George Mallory (a quick cameo by Johnny Flynn).
This chance encounter sparks a dream in Tenzing, who becomes determined to climb Everest, or Chomolungma, as it’s called in Tibetan. In Tibet, the mountain is associated with the Buddhist goddess Miyolangsangma, who they believe resides at the top. Despite his family’s insistence that no one will be able to reach the summit, Tenzing is dedicated to his new plan, even as his family must leave their home after a disease kills their yak herd.
The story unfolds in non-chronological order, jumping between Tenzing’s boyhood, his adolescence in the 1930s, and the present day expedition in 1953. This allows the audience to gain the right bits of his backstory to make a more emotional impact, particularly his relationship with his wife, Dawa (Thinley Lhamo).
The focus of the film is on the British expedition in 1953, headed by John Hunt (Willem Dafoe). After over thirty years of unsuccessful attempts to reach the mountain’s summit, the British were determined to be the first to succeed, especially since they wouldn’t have another chance for several years, as they traded off turns with the French and the Swiss. They also were contending with a coming monsoon, which had ruined the Swiss expedition the year before.
Director Jennifer Peedom expertly weaves in beautiful nature footage amongst the story, which makes sense given her background as a nature documentary filmmaker. It’s clear that her work on Sherpa (2015) and Mountain (2017) set her up to be the perfect director to bring Tenzing’s story to the screen. The movie was filmed in Kathmandu and the Everest region of Nepal for the village scenes, and in New Zealand for the mountain scenes. Stefan Duscio’s cinematography brings a sense of awe to the shots of the mountain, making it seem appropriately intimidating and breathtaking.
Like director Peedom, writer Luke Davies (best known for his Oscar-nominated screenplay for 2016’s Lion) is Australian. Thus, it’s not surprising that the film isn’t afraid to take on the racism of the British, and even their prejudice towards New Zealander Edmund Hillary (Tom Hiddleston), who explains to Tenzing, “They take care of their own; they made an empire out of it.”
The commentary on the conflicting views towards nature that the British and Nepalese share elevates the film beyond the usual survival story. The native people’s spiritual view of Everest is contrasted with the British belief in their ownership of the mountain and their need to conquer it.
Tenzing is anchored from strong performances, particularly from the three actors who play the titular character at different times of his life. Genden Phuntsok is excellent as the older Tenzing, but Tenzin Dalha also makes a lasting impression in the adolescent role. The scene in which he returns home in shock from being accepted for his first expedition is one of the lasting moments from the film that has stayed with me after watching it.
Dafoe brings great energy to Hurt despite it being a more subdued role compared to his usual filmography, while Hiddleston provides Hillary with a quiet determination even if his Kiwi accent does come and go. The film drags in the middle, but its worst attribute is wasting the talents of an underutilized Caitríona Balfe, who plays expedition secretary Jill Henderson.
While Tenzing is about the main character’s ascent of Mount Everest on the surface, it’s really a story about how Tenzing managed to surpass expectations despite being considered an outsider by everyone around him. From being judged by his wife’s rich family to facing the racism of the British expedition members, he is constantly condescended to. Even the other Tibetan Sherpas call him an outsider because he’s not from the Sherpa ethnic group, but he ends up earning their respect through his thoughtful leadership and climbing skills.
Even if you have little interest in mountain climbing, Tenzing is worth watching to learn the inspiring story of Tenzing Norgay who achieved his dreams despite all the forces working against him and to see the stunning mountain visuals.
Tenzing is now available to watch on Apple TV.
Leave a Reply