As "Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa" (2023 release; 104 min) opens, we are at "Everest Camp Four, a/k/a the Death Zone", and Lhakpa Sherpa is there, making contact with Base Camp, where her daughter Shiny is awaiting the latest update from her mom. We then go to "Connecticut, Six Weeks Earlier", where Lhakpa is working at Whole Foods, supporting herself and her 2 daughters. At this point we are 10 minutes into the movie.
Couple of comments: this is the latest documentary from British director Lucy Walker ("Waste Land"). Here she reflects on the remarkable live and times of Nepali woman Lhakpa Sherpa (we learn that everyone in Nepal has the same last name: Sherpa). It is almost too hard to comprehend it all, but the film lays it out very nicely, jumping back-and-forth in time between today and the past. The film makers address the most difficult issues (an abusive marriage) head on, and how, despite all of the factors weighing against her, Lhakpa perseveres and along the way sets many Everest records. But let's be clear: the "summits" referred to in the movie title do not reflect just her mountaineering.
"Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhaka Sherpa" premiered at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival to immediate acclaim. The movie is currently rated 100% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. Netflix started streaming this some months ago, and suggested it to me based on my viewing habits. Thank you Netflix! If you are interested in another Everest-related movie, or simply in the mood for a remarkable and awe-inspiring life story, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.
