Everest: A Climb for Peace

Filmmaker Lance Trumbull's Everest: A Climb for Peace, narrated by Lord of the Rings heartthrob Orlando Bloom, documents a pro-peace mission that has been praised by the Dalai Lama as a “tremendous achievement.” After a somewhat cursory prologue regarding the political tensions and violence that continue between Israelis and Palestinians, the film goes on to illustrate how warring factions can cooperate when joined in a common purpose: in this case, the conquest of Everest, the world's tallest peak. Filmed on location in Nepal, Tibet, Israel, Palestine, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and the U.S., Everest: A Climb for Peace offers breathtaking vistas of Everest while focusing on three men—a Palestinian and two Israelis—who set aside their differences to meet the challenge of Everest with a well-prepared team that includes Nepalese sherpas and other climbers from around the world. Of course, the threat of death is ever present, lending even more intensity to this dangerous yet noble (not to mention metaphorically rich) project to encourage a better and more peaceful future for humanity through tolerance. An inspirational film that is sure to appeal to climbers, pacifists, and general viewers, DVD extras include bonus footage. Recommended. Aud: P. (J. Shannon)