The Monk and the Gun (2023)
Genre: Drama / Comedy
Duration: 107 minuten
Country:
Bhutan / Taiwan / France / United States
Directed by: Pawo Choyning Dorji
Stars: Tandin Wangchuk, Deki Lhamo and Pema Zangmo Sherpa
IMDb score:
7,1 (4.407)
Releasedate: 9 September 2023
Reviews & comments
mrklm
-
- 11629 messages
- 10041 votes
In 2006, shortly after Bhutan finally has access to radio, television and the Internet, the king decides to announce the first democratic elections. An old monk [Kelsan Choejay] then orders his youthful pupil Tashi [Tandin Wangchuk] to find a gun in the village of Ura. American weapons collector Ronald Coleman [Harry Einhorn] has come to Bhutan to track down a rare and extremely valuable rifle with the help of guide Benji [Tandin Sonam]. Tshering [Pema Zangmo Sherpa] travels to Ura on behalf of the government to support Phurba [Tandin Pubz] and Tschomo [Deki Lhamo] in organizing practice elections. Mild, dryly funny satire about the (often problematic) consequences of introducing democracy among a people who are completely unfamiliar with the concept. Much of the subtle humor comes from the cultural differences between the materialistic West and a country where money is far from the greatest good. The slow pace won't suit everyone, but the patient and attentive viewer can find much to enjoy here, including a strong denouement.
Translated from Dutch · View original
Fisico
-
- 10039 messages
- 5398 votes
I really wanted to see a good movie and the plot really appealed to me, but no, this was not it. The main plot could still grab me with the elections in Bhutan where the country would become a democracy. Nice to see that satirical approach woven into the movie. How representatives had to convince people of the why, but actually had no idea what it was about. And certainly not when it is first to practice.
Especially in the countryside where people don't pay attention to national politics. It sometimes produces surprising and funny scenes. The subplots took me out of the rhythm a bit. I wasn't so convinced by that arms dealer and the whole fuss about that gun.
The film still managed to save itself somewhat with the beautiful images of Bhutan on a cultural level, but also the flora. Beautiful stylistic images at times.
Translated from Dutch · View original
lang pee
-
- 3328 messages
- 1441 votes
This slow film was right up my alley. What a beautiful, sometimes slightly comical piece of work, with wonderful images of the beautiful nature and culture of Bhutan.
It seems like little is happening, but in fact, a great deal is happening. Changes, such as democracy and modernization, are difficult to reconcile with the old way of life.
They were always the happiest people in the world, but they are now facing a difficult situation. There is high youth unemployment, and many people are leaving Bhutan because some now have TV and internet and dream of things they never knew or even thought about before.
Wangchuk, who's actually a musician, is simply fantastic in his role. He also makes beautiful music with his band, The Misty Terrace.
Took a long time, but for me it could have lasted even longer...delicious
Translated from Dutch · View original
Corporate & Media
Realtimes Network
Innovatieweg 20C
7007 CD, Doetinchem, Netherlands
+31(315)-764002
