This is an important point in Lhamu’s story, part of her difficulties and maybe even demise. Equipment is as important as one’s physical condition and “weather’s luck,” as a participant dutifully notes. All this only emboldened the lady, but with no training, the task ahead seemed colossal. However, Lhamu’s natural fitness abilities and acclimatization to the altitude gave her an advantage. Thus she trained with alpinists and ascended other peaks before trying Everest a few times unsuccessfully. During her ordeal, she even found time to build a happy family and became a national sensation inspiring women all over Nepal.
Pasang: In the Shadow of Everest draws many parallels between its protagonist’s journey and citizens’ uprisings demanding more freedom in 1990s Nepal. Thus, Lhamu, wanting to reclaim her land, became somewhat of a political activist by swiftly arranging expeditions one after the other without much help. As an unflinching and slightly stubborn person, she did it and achieved her longtime dream. However, Lhamu paid the ultimate price for it, though her legacy lives on. To this day, she is considered Nepal’s pride, honored by politicians, blessed by religious leaders, praised by the populace, and a role model to many girls.
“…does its heroine justice.”
Lhamu’s uplifting and inspiring story undeniably has all the making for a cinematic biopic. It’s a cautionary tale of resilience, includes a “girl power fighting thy power” factor, and has a tragic conclusion. One interviewee might have already found the best tagline when he said, “To have ambition is wonderful, but to go beyond is catastrophic.”
As a documentary, Pasang: In the Shadow of Everest does its heroine justice. Svendsen introduces Lhamu to audiences by providing an array of interviews from family, friends, experts, famous climbers, and people she met along the way. Despite a few technical flaws one could easily overlook, the film abounds with archival footage and makes the most of the landscape at its heart. Moreover, it will be remembered for shining a light on this untold powerful story about a woman who decided to have it all and realize her dream her way.
"…uplifting and inspiring..."
