Review of Sherpa (2015) by Marty M — 16 Jun 2016

I am a rock climber and have had a few attempts at mountain climbing in the show. So one thing I didn't expect after seeing Sherpa was that it really put me off climbing Everest - not that I've ever considered it - but the film makes you feel just how cold it is; how hard it is and how dangerous it is. The cinematography and atmosphere truly make you feel like you're there. One interviewee continues despite a snow storm - shivering, at times barely visible for the snow - that's just what it's like up there.

The film starts out following Phurbu Tashi - about to become the climber with the most summits of Mt Everest (22) - and it follows him throughout the tragic events of 2014 and his journey from a hard working team manager of eager Sherpa climbers to accepting his responsibility as a father and husband. He loves climbing, but he sees this as his job.

The film provides many points of view - from the Sherpa people to the foreign guides & clients as well as the family members and even descendants of Tenzing Norgay - first person to reach Everest's summit along with New Zealand's Edmund Hilary.

Central to the film is Phurbu's boss - by his accent I judge him to be a New Zealander - a passionate mountaineer who has seen many die in the pursuit of their dreams, so wants to continue after the tragedy. When the Sherpa guides decide they don't want to take the risk, he makes comments to his clients about threats being made by thugs - you feel embarrassed knowing he's making it up. Another guide, Sumit Joshi, explains that in this situation everyone needs to have their own way of dealing with it - if that's through making up stories to save face - so be it. Ultimately the season ended and no more lives were lost. Sadly 2015 was even more tragic in Nepal.

Make no mistake - Everest is a special place and everyone there is working hard. The criticism of the foreigners attitudes seem based on a few unfortunate comments. The climbing community is close-knit and respectful. I hope this film only goes to improve people's understanding of what is involved.

Ultimately this is a brilliant piece of story telling about an amazing part of the world and amazing people.