The film is incredible tense and from the first frame you feel the rising level of impending doom. Even for those that have little knowledge of the actual events of the disaster, the film fills you with that dark sense of foreboding. It frames the climbers (accurately or not) as a group of driven people with little regard for their own safety or the tons of rubbish that modern day mountain climbing leaves behind.

The film is big in almost every way, a big cast, a big adventure and a big mountain. With such a large and note worthy cast, you are only really given a brief insight into each character and the film’s structure is very much based on an ensemble approach. This gives the proceedings a forward momentum that isn’t distracted by too much individual examination. As events unfold you are given little respite from the horrors about to unfold.

There will be few if any films this year that will provide an experience as intense as Everest. There is an almost constant struggle in your mind while watching this film as to why anyone would risk so much to get to the top of Everest and by the time the film’s main protagonists actually reach the summit, you are so worn out from the tension it become increasingly difficult to fathom the appeal. Entertaining yes and mostly riveting but the draw of climbing peaks that massive remains elusive.

Rob Hudson
www.facebook.com/UniversalPicturesAU

In 2013, the world’s media reported on a shocking mountain-high brawl as European climbers fled a mob of angry Sherpas. Director Jennifer Peedom and her team set out to uncover the cause of this altercation, intending to film the 2014 climbing season from the Sherpas’ point of view. Instead, they captured Everest’s greatest tragedy, when a huge block of ice crashed down onto the climbing route, killing 16 Sherpas. For the Himalayan workers repeatedly traversing the mountain carrying supplies, the risk of this hazardous endeavor is multiplied. This stunning documentary, shot by high-altitude cinematographer Renan Ozturk, explores the unequal relationship between cashed-up foreign expeditions and their guides. It is also a story of family and tradition, as exemplified by Phurba Tashi Sherpa, an experienced climber at the heart of this commanding film.

www.sherpafilm.com

Competition will be drawn 30 March 2016, winners will be notified by mail.

The film is incredible tense and from the first frame you feel the rising level of impending doom. Even for those that have little knowledge of the actual events of the disaster, the film fills you with that dark sense of foreboding. It frames the climbers (accurately or not) as a group of driven people with little regard for their own safety or the tons of rubbish that modern day mountain climbing leaves behind.

The film is big in almost every way, a big cast, a big adventure and a big mountain. With such a large and note worthy cast, you are only really given a brief insight into each character and the film’s structure is very much based on an ensemble approach. This gives the proceedings a forward momentum that isn’t distracted by too much individual examination. As events unfold you are given little respite from the horrors about to unfold.

There will be few if any films this year that will provide an experience as intense as Everest. There is an almost constant struggle in your mind while watching this film as to why anyone would risk so much to get to the top of Everest and by the time the film’s main protagonists actually reach the summit, you are so worn out from the tension it become increasingly difficult to fathom the appeal. Entertaining yes and mostly riveting but the draw of climbing peaks that massive remains elusive.

Rob Hudson
www.everestthemovie.com.au