As the mountaineering genre continues its march into the mainstream, a graduate student awaits a thesis on male climbers and their mothers, wives, or partners. Touched up in summer’s Oscar-winning “Free Solo” and “The Alpinist,” those relationships get screen time in “14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible,” about Nepali climber Nirmal Purja, known as Nimsdai, and his attempt to reach the top of the world to climb 14 highest peaks in seven months. (The previous record was seven years.) While his wife, Suchi Purja, charmingly tries to explain why her husband takes risks to civilians, it is his ailing mother who underlines more tender lessons about her son’s drive, as well as the mortality we all face.
As a young man, Purja enlisted in his country’s legendary armed forces, the Gurkhas, and later joined the United Kingdom’s Special Forces. He seized on the climbing effort, which he called “Project Possible,” as a way to highlight the contributions of Nepalese mountaineers, who are more than the Sherpas to Western expeditions. Early on, the project’s four other climbers—Mingma David Sherpa, Geljen Sherpa, Lakpa Dendi Sherpa, and Gesman Tamang—are introduced as vital characters. They are as devoted to Purja’s seemingly crazy mission as he is.
Much of the documentary’s climbing material was created by Purja and his team. Director Torquil Jones uses that footage, as well as fresh interviews (the alpine legend Reinhold Messner becomes beautifully existential) and some vibrant animation to craft a documentary exploring themes of generosity, danger, drive, and national character.
By expanding its opening – from the ascents to visits to Purja’s childhood home and brief dives into Nepal’s history – “14 Peaks” expands a genre that often focuses on the achievements of individuals to celebrate lessons about big dreams and common tyres.
14 peaks: nothing is impossible
Not judged. Running time: 1 hour 39 minutes. Watch on Netflix.
