Watch Sherpa

Sherpa is a documentary film directed by Jennifer Peedom that explores the cultural divide between the local Sherpa community and the Western climbers on Mount Everest. The film primarily focuses on the events leading up to the tragic avalanche that struck the Khumbu Icefall in 2014, killing 16 Sherpa guides. The film introduces us to the Sherpa community in Nepal, who have been guiding Western climbers up Mount Everest for decades. They consider the mountain to be a sacred place and have a deep respect for the natural environment. The Sherpa guides risk their lives to help climbers achieve their dreams of reaching the summit, but they are often underpaid and undervalued.

The film features an array of characters, including Russell Brice, a Western climber who owns a company that leads expeditions up Mount Everest. Brice is shown to be a no-nonsense businessman who cares more about the success of his expeditions than the well-being of his Sherpa guides.

Another character featured in the film is Tim Medvetz, a former outlaw biker who is attempting to climb Mount Everest to raise money for injured veterans. Medvetz is portrayed as a determined and ambitious individual who is willing to do whatever it takes to reach the summit.

The film also introduces us to Pasang Tenzing Sherpa, a veteran Sherpa guide who has summited Mount Everest 21 times. Tenzing is shown to be a humble yet dignified individual who represents the local Sherpa community.

As the film progresses, tensions begin to rise between the Sherpas and Western climbers. The Sherpas feel undervalued and underpaid, while the Western climbers feel entitled to their services. The film depicts a cultural clash that leads to a violent confrontation between the Sherpas and a group of Western climbers.

The film also explores the aftermath of the 2014 avalanche, which killed 16 Sherpa guides. The tragedy sparked outrage among the Sherpa community, who protested for better working conditions and compensation. The Western climbers were also affected by the tragedy and were forced to reconsider their priorities.

Throughout the film, stunning aerial shots of Mount Everest and the surrounding landscape are interspersed with interviews with locals and climbers. The film provides a unique perspective on the mountain that is often romanticized in Western culture.

Overall, Sherpa is a thought-provoking documentary that sheds light on the cultural divide between the Sherpa community and Western climbers on Mount Everest. The film explores issues of class, race, and respect for the environment. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in mountaineering or cultural anthropology.

Sherpa is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received outstanding reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6 and a MetaScore of 93.