Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Violence, trauma, language in story of perseverance.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
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Where to Watch
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Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
MOUNTAIN QUEEN: THE SUMMITS OF LHAKPA SHERPA tells the story of the first and only woman to climb Mount Everest 10 times. Lhakpa lives in Connecticut, where she works at Whole Foods and is a single mother for her two daughters. The girls are embarrassed by their modest house, and one of them has withdrawn from her family. Slowly, we learn the background of their circumstances. Lhakpa sets out on yet another Everest climb. Will summiting the peak again bring her and her family peace?
Is It Any Good?
Although the backstory is only slowly revealed, this intimate personal tale may come as a surprise for viewers expecting just a documentary about an extraordinary female athlete. Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa works on both levels, weaving together handheld and drone footage from Everest climbs as well as interviews and scenes from Lhakpa and her family's lives. This creates suspense that extends into both realms: Will she make it to the top of the mountain, and what demons has she faced (and escaped) at home? Ultimately, it's Lhakpa's winning personality and endurance—mental and physical—that make her story, and this documentary, so inspirational.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the details of Lhakpa Sherpa's life story given in Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa, and the many ways she has shown perseverance. Can you think of examples in your own life where you have shown determination and overcome obstacles?
What did you learn about Mount Everest and the Sherpa people in this film? Where could you go to learn more?
How does this film compare with other documentaries you've watched? Was there anything missing for you to feel you fully understand the film's subject and main points?
What messages might viewers take away from this film about immigrants in the United States?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : July 31, 2024
- Cast : Lhakpa Sherpa , Shiny Dijmarescu , Sunny Dijmarescu
- Director : Lucy Walker
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Asian Movie Actor(s) , Southeast Asian Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , STEM
- Character Strengths : Perseverance
- Run time : 114 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some language
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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