One of the first questions that almost invariably came up during school quizzes was who first conquered Mount Everest. The answer, of course, was Sherpa Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary. The sad part is that, for many people, that is also the extent of their knowledge about the two men. They remain little more than answers to a piece of quiz trivia. With very little awareness of the lives behind the historic achievement.
For many, even the name Sherpa Tenzing might as well be his actual name. As opposed to a reference to his heritage. It is perhaps surprising that a feature film about the expedition that immortalised him and Hillary has taken this long to arrive. Given how firmly he is etched into the history of mountaineering. Thankfully, the wait proves worthwhile. For much of its running time, Tenzing is a worthy biopic that does justice to the man and the remarkable journey that made him a legend.
Director Jennifer Peedom is a particularly fitting choice to tell this story. Her previous documentaries, Sherpa (2015) and Mountain (2017), demonstrate a keen understanding of the relationship between people and the formidable natural world they inhabit. That experience comes through in the film’s genuine sense of adventure and the seriousness with which it approaches its subject. Working alongside screenwriter Luke Davies, Peedom gives the material a solid narrative structure. They ensure the story is about more than simply recreating a famous expedition.
The attention it pays to Tenzing’s life before the historic climb also turns out to be its greatest strength. The flashbacks to his family provide an insight into the circumstances that shape the man he eventually becomes. One telling scene sees Tenzing desperately trying to learn a phrase in English, knowing that it might be his only chance of securing a job with the club organising Himalayan expeditions. It is a small but revealing moment that captures both his determination and the obstacles standing in his way.
That episode also comes full circle when the film explores the resentment Tenzing faces from other Sherpas, some of whom believe he secures his position largely because of his ability to speak English. There is another interesting layer to this conflict in the revelation that Tenzing is actually of Tibetan descent rather than Sherpa ancestry. The resulting discrimination and mistrust add an unexpected layer to his personal journey. These tensions provide some of the film’s richest dramatic material. It also shows that Tenzing’s struggles extend well beyond the physical challenges of climbing a mountain.
The performances do much to bring these experiences to life. Genden Phuntsok portrays Tenzing with considerable poise and dignity. While Tenzin Dalha captures his younger counterpart’s wide-eyed innocence. Particularly in the face of the intimidating mountain. His tender moments with his first wife, Dawa (Thinley Lhamo), also offer a welcome glimpse of the more personal side of his life. Together, these performances help make Tenzing a figure worth investing in. Rather than simply a historical personality whose achievements we already know.
Choosing to shoot in New Zealand instead of relying heavily on green-screen effects also yields benefits. The country’s sweeping landscapes, already familiar from The Lord of the Rings, provide a suitably majestic backdrop for a story of this scale. The cinematography excellently uses these vistas, giving the expedition the visual grandeur it deserves. Equally deserving of praise is the sound design. It shifts into an almost deafening, immersive intensity when the climb demands it. While allowing the quieter, more intimate flashback sequences to breathe without overwhelming them. It is an effective combination that makes the mountain feel like an imposing presence throughout.
The film’s decision to keep its focus firmly on Tenzing does, however, come at a slight cost. Edmund Hillary, despite being the other half of this historic partnership, remains something of a supporting character. A little more attention to his personality and motivations would have added another dimension to the story and made their partnership more interesting. Thankfully, Tom Hiddleston prevents the character from getting lost in the background. Even while playing second fiddle to Phuntsok, he ensures that Hillary never feels entirely overshadowed.
Nevertheless, this is a historical event that commands attention, and Peedom gives it the cinematic treatment it deserves. At a brisk 125 minutes, the film never overstays its welcome, delivering a rousing adventure that is as visually spectacular as it is emotional. More importantly, it reminds us that behind the familiar quiz answer was a man with a life, struggles and ambitions of his own. A fine tribute to one of mountaineering’s most remarkable figures.
