The Monk and the Gun

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.

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!

From the director of Lunana, The Monk & the Gun is gentle in its approach, skilful in its execution and sharp in its political satire. An arresting & amusing comedy-drama that attempts to capture the upheaval in the unassuming ways of Bhutanese life as the nation prepared to transition from monarchy to democracy, the film creates scenes of confusion & hilarity without much effort, and offers an interesting outsider perspective to the country's culture & way of life. Simple, sincere & splendidly photographed, Pawo Choyning Dorji's sophomore feature exhibits more confidence in his direction and beautifully underlines the fragility of democracy through its earnest storytelling.

It is a call to make things right before it's too late. I have the potential to set my values and principles right. We have the potential to set our community and country right. Together we can set the course of humanity right.

It was Pawo's way of performing Pacham (dance of heroes) with a modern and powerful tool of filmmaking to enlighten individuals and bring peace to the world, which makes it so transformative and enlightening to watch & experience. It is equally entertaining.

The film captured the real essence of Buddhist principles, the vision of Bhutan, and the richness of Bhutanese culture. A must-watch film to receive the gift of innocence in times of ignorance.

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.