The Porter: The Untold Story at Everest (2020) User Reviews

Youtube level, low production standard document of one man's experience.

[Rob-O-Cop · 6/10 · 14 February 2021]

Not trying to diminish what Nathaniel did, but "white dude carries way too many bags up a hill for other white people who would rather pay someone to do it rather than tire themselves out" isn't really that interesting a story, even though almost 30 reviews would have you believe it is. The production values aren't much, in that a lot of it is shot inside a dimly lite hut, the sound is pretty rough with much of the outdoor sound being covered in wind noise, a wind sock apparently wasn't packed, so I'm guessing it was all camera or phone microphone.

It is an interesting insight into the local world of porters though so it definitely gets merit points for that.

Raw and inviting

[keskyle · 8/10 · 6 January 2024]

This is how I love my documentaries, raw with no post-edit music and voiceover asserting a condescending 'insert appropriate emotion here'.

I can feel the cold, the stillness, and the altitude through the wind. Like the crackle of putting needle to vinyl, those who want fidelity in their productions are probably too young to remember the nostalgia of sounds in this cleaned-up world.

There's an attachment here to the everyday lives of these remote community people, mainly due to the static point-of-view shots at close quarters which allow the eyes wonder around the mementos, and I felt like a polite guest invited into their world.

The world needs more documentary amateurs who are not funded by huge budgets, so stories are told as reality because some of the best stories are made with empty pockets.

I Watched Because Of The Topic And Was Disappointed At The Lack Of Insight And Real Time Story!

[silicontourist · 8/10 · 17 June 2022]

Original enough for me to want to see it is what I thought when I came across this documentary. It is unfortunately not deserving of the many 10 stars (IMHO) that are scattered amongst the reviewers; but I have a feeling some of those are from people he actually knows. I did enjoy watching it but what irked me about the whole story was the sheer lack of content. It was like watching the highlights of his adventure and not an actual documentary; that gave up the whole story instead of these rushed segments. Once he started the trail it was a case of Day 1, woke up trekked, ate and went to sleep...Day 2, woke up and trekked again, ate and went to sleep! That is all the viewer is given and so felt more like a 55 minute trailer for a more revealing experience story.

Sound, lighting and general camera work was poor and felt like an amateur group that had not prepped properly for the task at hand. In fact, the only thing that was well prepped was his well learnt ability to speak the Nepal dialect he was conversing with. I give it an 8 star generously, but more so for its originality, its attempt and the guts of the whole experience. With better story experience and technical improvements etc, this would have been a really good watch.

Its worth a watch but you won't learn too much of what should have been available to learn!

Beautiful and unpretentious.

[zeejaybcue · 10/10 · 27 September 2020]

So often these nature trek docs take on a self-righteous tone, and The Porter rises above the pack in both its portrayal of porters and in the humble yet adventurous attitude of its other subject, Nate. While it rightly touches on the hardships of porter life, the highlight of this film is the joy, hospitality, and sense of humor of the porters and locals as Nate ascends Everest. Beautifully shot and endlessly inspiring.

I watched this as if it were an award winning documentary

[CasualConnection · 9/10 · 1 September 2020]

And it should be. Wow, this was amazing in so many ways. Thanks a lot for making this, and sharing it with us for free. I will make a full review some day. 10 out of 10 for me, worth every second, I didn't want it to end... P.S. the trailer and headers do not do this documentary any justice.

Incredible, inspiring and funny

[qvjupqmyn · 10/10 · 26 September 2020]

Such a brilliant, informing, funny and awe inspiring film. To follow the journey in the documenting wasn't just entertaining but it was so well done it made you feel you had the pleasure of doing so.

I've watched it a few times now and each time you pick up some new or a little one liner that you missed before.

It's such a fantastic watch, it deserves nothing but success.

Uncover the Truth of Mt. Everest!

[wanderlustdani · 10/10 · 26 September 2020]

What truly captivated me about this documentary was how raw it was. Not only was the quality of the footage incredible, but the storyline had me feeling as if I was right there with them.

I found myself deeply invested in Nate's story and everyone that was introduced along the way. I also felt an emotional connection to the hardships and joy they felt throughout the journey.

For anyone who is passionate about adventure, looking to learn something new, or wants to become transported into the Himalayas I highly recommend The Porter: The Untold Story at Everest. You won't be disappointed!

The life of Mount Everest porters documentary

[tmjnkmail · 26 September 2020]

Nate takes on the audacious goal of emersion into the porter life. The film does an impressive job of documenting the daily life of the nepali people who carry loads up the trail to Mount Everest.

Pretty but empty

[agfw-282-778003 · 3/10 · 1 August 2022]

Really wanted to love this documentary going in to it and whilst the scenery was lovely and the general idea that a porters life is a hard one, nothing new was really discovered.

I understand the idea was for the young white western man to challenge himself, I found the experience a bit empty.

More frank, open discussions with the native porters and their families would have been eye opening I'm sure, along the lines of the old timer he spoke to and how they where treated 10 or so years back by the local populace.

I'm hoping he donated his earnings to the other porters and didn't remove the opportunity for a local porter to earn some money for the season.

I can see potential and I hope this inspires more from this team, just with a bit more content and interest in local culture and work life.

Free spirit proving you can live as out of the box as you dare

[haydnflores · 10/10 · 26 September 2020]

Having travelled across Spain, Belize, and Guatemala with Nate, I know him as the go-with-the-flow American who never has any qualms with anyone.

A completely open mind and free spirit, Nate is a master of seizing opportunities that test the limits of the human body and mind.

The Porter displays a phenomenal perspective from the Himalayas that few have seen before. Watching this documentary has me thinking of out of the box dreams within my grasp.

Meeting Nate

[gerritonstein · 26 September 2020]

During my trek to Gokyo in 2019 I met Nate 2 times It was in the beginning of his experience as a porter Immediately he got me with enthusiasm The way he talked about the subject and his approach of the delicate subject showed me his compassion and integrity I saw this documentary a year later and was surprised about how he managed to get the right tone and sphere of the living in the Himalayan

An incredible journey that shows us a side of Everest we never usually see.

[Brandir802 · 10/10 · 26 September 2020]

I found this film by accident and started to watch it without really thinking. But I was quickly drawn into the film. It is very subtle and understated, letting the sherpas and the scenery tell the story as Nate went through the same experiences as a group of sherpas taking equipment/suppliers to Everest basecamp for 'western' tourists.

It was an incredible journey that shows us a side of Everest we never usually see.

Incredible story and production

[michaelcrhoads · 9/10 · 26 September 2020]

The incredible footage and amazing voyage that Nate takes really helps bring the situation down to a somewhat relatable level. An average American putting himself in the shoes, actual shoes, of an impoverished/struggling class of people. It shows how incredibly difficult and dangerous the profession they're in to provide for their families. Foreigners come into their country and user their services, which I have no issue with, but the film exposes how they're seen as disposable and treated entirely unfairly. It causes you to think about how your actions do affect the people that you encounter even while traveling for a short period of time.

There really isn't a personally produced film like it and it sets a new bar for the genre.

Incredible

[connorcyoung-97062 · 10/10 · 29 September 2020]

This is a powerful film that opened my eyes to an incredible injustice. Everyone should watch this film and spread Nate's message, hopefully leading to positive change.

Bringing light to these issues can bring change

[kathkristu · 10/10 · 15 October 2020]

Thank you for bringing light into this issue. This documentry clearly shows us about the unorganized accomodation and low salary rate for porters. I was really concerned about their health and safety, carrying that big load.

With the clients as well, not everyone is in a situation of tipping hundred dollars for sure. In most circumstances, people have this mindset in Nepal that, white faces are rich and have a lot of money, which is obviously not always true.

Hopefully, this will help to improve the current situation. Namaste🙏

Bravo

[jr_bordley · 9/10 · 29 September 2020]

A fascinating film. An eyeopener. I knew nothing about the porter culture before viewing this film. I had my seventh grade World Geography students watch this film to complement our studies of South Asia. I had my advisees watch this film for inspiration during the early months of corona lockdown in spring 2020. It is definitely worth watching. Thank you for sharing your story and bringing attention to the struggles of porters.

A Harrowing Reality Check

[jnannen · 10/10 · 28 September 2020]

A visceral and necessary testament to the power of the human spirit. The filmmaker's lust for life and quest for understanding are contagious. 10/10 would recommend to anyone who may need to zoom out on their life and take careful stock of the luxuries afforded to Westerners and how we might pay that privilege forward to rally behind a worthy cause and champion the rights of those who are deeply and wrongfully mired in an oppressive cycle of back-breaking labor and crippling poverty. If you require a worthy cause to rally behind, watch this film immediately.

Never seen another film quite like it

[leobraudy · 10/10 · 29 September 2020]

Nate takes the viewer into a side of climbing Everest arguably no other Westerners have ever seen, let alone filmed. An eye opening film and a must watch.

wonderfully done and deeply insightful

[mjroberson · 10/10 · 28 September 2020]

A raw and unique look into the life of a sherpa. This film does a phenomenal job demonstrating some of the vastness of this life by allowing those who should be telling their story to tell it. Important lessons in privilege, empathy, and resilience wrapped up in a documentary that will hopefully be a catalyst for positive change throughout the region and industry. Enjoy and reflect

Fantastic Documentary

[alyssaoke · 10/10 · 27 September 2020]

Really encompasses what life is on the way to Everest Base Camp for a porter. Extremely difficult, shows just how hearty the locals are for little pay.

A beautiful treacherous film!

[hyperevax · 10/10 · 18 October 2020]

This documentary opens your eyes to a whole different slope of the trials and tribulations the porters face everyday on Mount Everest. An incredible film, informational, moving, and beautifully filmed! Well done Nate!

Absolutely Amazing

[purnapun-65796 · 10/10 · 6 November 2020]

Absolutely amazing documentary. Good work Nate bhai

Amazing documentary.

[sumitbainola · 10/10 · 21 January 2021]

Really brave way to experience the work of porters. other people don't even mention porters in their videos really nice to see this documentary.

really a dive into the porter life

[raunakpatil · 9/10 · 27 February 2021]

Feels like we actually spend days into the Himalayan porter lifestyle from the comfort of our home...really make us appreciate the life we are living...guaranteed increased Respect for everyone doing hard work for there family.

Amazing story

[simonewolter · 10/10 · 1 November 2021]

I met nate in Nepal. And this guy just follows his dreams. Powerful. Enthusiastic. Wonderful person. And the film.. Wow. Just wow.

Feels so close like being a part at the life of the porters. Thanks for just doing it.. First movie you dit it alone.. Full respect.