Tenzing

Dale Ranger4.5

“I am, Mister Amazing!”This really was a treat. Telling the story of Tenzing Norgay, known by many as Sherpa Tenzing. This is the story of his life starting at an early age and his family having to venture over the mountains to seek a new life.Tenzing got sick and his parents had to leave him while he recuperated.Even from an early age the mountain was always there, looming over him and casting a shadow of awe. This man was born to be a Sherpa and a climber and it’s great seeing the story of how he got there and his relationship with Edmond Hilary.Hilary: “This is why we are here.”Tensing: “I have always been here.”Willem Defoe is excellent as the group leader, running the group like a military squad.Tom Hiddleston is really endearing as Edmund Hilary, I love how his respect and admiration grows.Genden Phuntsok is great as Tenzing and he really looks like him as well. All of the actors that play him in different stages of his life were well acted and believable.This is a pretty incredible story of one man and his journey. Growing up in such a harsh place, desolate yet beautiful. Meeting his wife and living a fascinating life.This is such a rewarding story and it is so well shot by Jennifer Peedom. She has a lot of experience shooting mountain regions and does it so well.The scenery, views and wide vistas are amazing as you would expect. This is made to be watched on the big screen.(Limited release in cinemas next week, definitely check it out if you can. I saw this at TIFF 26)I have been lucky enough to visit some of these parts of the world so it is fascinating to see them again on screen, but this is a story for everyone. Seeing your dream and willing it into existence. A film about determination that is entertaining all the way. “I just met one of the climbers called Mallory, he had a hairy face just like a yak.”

KJL56784.5

There is so much love poured into every frame of this film. And I'm a sucker for this type of true story...especially when it's done well.I didn’t know until the talkback afterwards that this had been directed by a woman. Jennifer Peedom has done a stunning job bringing this true adventure to life. The end product shows just how deeply she and her crew and cast cared for capturing this remarkably accurate depiction of a man obsessed with reaching the apex of Mount Everest. I could almost feel the reverence coming from every person who was a part of this project.The Cinematography by Stefan Duscio is quite glorious in moments. As I watched things unfold I kept wondering how the actors themselves were in such precarious situations. But then you have to realize what contortions the cinematographer and his crew must have been in to capture some of these wild and harrowing shots. There’s also a fine screenplay by Luke Davies. Honestly, everyone involved, in front of and behind the scenes, brought such care to this tale.That was all very evident in the conversations after the screening with several of the major players: including Tom Hiddleston, Willem Dafoe, Genden Phuntsok as Tenzing, Caitriona Balfe, and director Peedom. What a treat it was to hear the passion from each of them as they recalled stories of their journey in bringing this wild and true adventure to the silver screen. (Watched on Oct. 8th, 2026)

George Clark4.0

What a special movie Tenzing really is. A standard biopic on one hand, but a truly fascinating, inspirational film on the other. Genden Phuntsok is brilliant as Tenzing Norgay, it’s fascinating watching his story unfold with his younger year flashbacks equally as gripping as ‘modern day’, and Genden really holds his own alongside two greats, Tom Hiddleston and Willem Dafoe, who are also brilliant throughout. Mount Everest has always fascinated me and its films like Tenzing that push that tenfold. Jennifer Peedom’s story is truly beautiful and shows the true force of Everest in all its might. The sweeping landscapes and mountains are gorgeous to watch and the focus on the small communities is wonderful. I really enjoyed this! Make sure to check it out when it hits Apple TV on the 16th October!