El monje y el rifle

A beautiful, feel good movie from the director of Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom. The film captures a moment in time when Bhutan is transitioning to democracy (told through the parallel journeys of an American tourist and young Bhutanese monk). It also showcases Bhutanese culture, people and society. The film is fun, funny, irreverant, smart and full of phalluses! There are layers of meaning around democracy, buddhism and the influence of western values on this himalayan kingdom. The script is superb, the cinematography is beautiful, and I love the casting of one of Bhutan's biggest music stars as the main character (the monk). Love this!

I really don't know how to critique a movie or anything so I'll just say what I felt. When I saw the title of the movie, the first thing in my head was why is a monk and a gun together? And the reveal as I watched the movie and how everything came together was a beautiful symbolic representation and perspective to everything in our lives I'd say. The movie was set around the time democracy was introduced in Bhutan and I was just a kid that time so I remember not understanding much about it and didn't realise that our country was changing. Seeing the movie gave me a glimpse of how it went down and it was so fun to watch. Lastly Tandin Sonam I love you no homo, your character was my favourite.

This lovely film depicts Bhutans transition to democracy through portrayals of villagers living peacefully in the remote hills within a humorous story of a visiting American trying to do a business deal with people for whom money is all but meaningless. Gorgeous scenery and terrific performances from a mainly unprofessional cast of locals.the director captures his love of his native country, the only one with a Gross Happiness Index. He greatly respects the simplicity of the villagers life while showing that democracy isn't a given, it must be taught and given meaning to a country whose life under a revered King has been at peace and harmony for centuries.

All I can say is, once in a generation, a genius person, like Director Pawo Choying shows up on the planet, and offers another treat to movie goers.

Why do supposedly great films need to be always sad, heavy and you leave the hall rather not so happy. Pawo's movie "The Monk And The Gun" is not that kind of movie. It is a feel-good one that is for everyone and relevant across all language and cultures. A good dose of suspense, comedy, satire based on a factual story. One must have accumulated good 'Karma' to be able to watch it. The world would be a much better place if most people view this movie. You will do yourself a big favor by watching this movie just as how I felt when I saw it at the Palm Springs film fest. Enjoy!

Incredible work and a proud moment for Bhutanese, Bhutan and film-making from this part of the world.

Spectacular interweaving of themes, characters, emotion, spiritualism, symbolism, and the very core of the Bhutan and her cultural significance and perhaps, its relevance in this day and age.

Story-telling at a different level.

Every single artiste bears out their roles. And the spectacular visual vista of beautiful Bumthang that's superbly captured.

Best wishes at the Oscars. May Pema Lingpa himself and the ever-watchful guardians of Pelden Drukpa all collectively shower their love and blessings.