Lunana: Il villaggio alla fine del mondo

A deceptively simple film that deeply probes into the meaning of 'home' and 'exile' - both literally as well as emotionally. A wonderful exploration of 'belonging' and 'longing'. I have rarely seen a movie where joy and sadness sit so finely balanced together. Set in a stunningly beautiful location, its real beauty lies in the depiction of the genuine warmth, kindness, mutual respect and general goodness of the villagers bringing about the gentle transformation of the teacher. Long may these communities continue, they may just have the answers to the questions that so many of us don't even know how to ask anymore. The role of Pem Zam, the young class captain, is inspired casting - the girl just shines! A film to truly warm you where it matters. (Thank you to the WOW Festival 2021 for screening this)

This simple but delightful tale, of a young teacher in the Bhutanese capital who dreams of emigrating to Australia who is reluctantly and unexpectedly sent to the high mountains area to teach in a remote tiny village school is both unusual and also a true story. It's a terrific feel good experience with I think a broad audience appeal which gives a real insight into Bhutanese life and transports its audience somewhere pretty extraordinary. It is a slow and considered film and it takes its time, but I was engrossed and lost in the place and landscape and ended up thoroughly enjoying the experience. The film is not going to set the world alight, but in its own quiet way it's a fine achievement.

Just keep a gopro on anyone who is going to Lunana and you will get the entire scene, dialogue and emotion. The film is so real and well done. Overall an excellent movie.

Most of the extra hospitality shown by the people of Lunana may not be convincing for the people from outside, but its true: thats the way it is, the people in the villages are so welcoming and the movie shows it very well. From time to time, many teachers from India was working in some of these remote places of Bhutan. Many who returned were fed-up with the city life in India or outside and then went back.

In 2018 Indian teachers who worked in Bhutan were invited for a reception program in Kolkatta, India and Thimpu and HM thanked all of them personally. Many of the first set of teachers, who worked for more than 30 years in remote Bhutan were filled with tears bringing back the emotional connection between them and the villagers. A video which was played during the session in which the real hurdle of reaching some of the remote places was shown.. How they walked for days to reach some of these remote places. This element of emotion and hardship was much more intense.

Yes, actually the people in these villages are happy. May be the length could have been cut down a little to remove some of the cliche.

Must watch movie. Hope it reaches the OTT platforms soon.

Lunana is a heartfelt story about a young teacher's self-discovery, along with his enticing journey from an urban setting in Thimphu (Bhutan's Capital) to the rural outskirts of his country. The story not only strives to showcase his voyage to become a better human being but also what his assignment meant for the villagers and the poor but ambitious pupils, who were denied rights to their Education and Learning.

The importance of education is unprecedented in any civilised community. In the 'developed' countries, the scenario for providing education to the younger populace is mostly favourable; whereas, for the 'developing' nations, there are still plenty of issues that need to be dealt with. And it has to be done immediately. The film aims to initiate the necessary dialogue regarding the same, and I admire the creators for their honest intentions down here.

Apart from its clear thematic goals, even from a strictly cinematic stance, I must say I'm impressed. Thanks to the Academy, for bringing this to my attention. This was my first ever introduction to Bhutanese films and culture. Notwithstanding, never for a moment did it look like a film made in a foreign land with foreign members, such was its prudent showing, so relevant and so benignant.

For the cons, there is just one and let me be blunt about this, I didn't like how it ended. Even though, I know not every story has to end on a positive note but I was anyway rooting for the same to happen here. Cause to me, it seemed like the nicest way to wrap up the narrative and I'm sure many would feel the same thing. If only the makers had conformed to the means of conventionalism, the outcome would have been even more delightful.

Lunana is the reason I watch movies to escape from the everyday realities of this harsh world. A selfish young man who is required by the government to teach is not happy with the situation. He dreams of becoming a singer in Australia to leave behind his life in Bhutan. Lunana is a remote village with no electricity or indoor plumbing. A "schoolroom" has no supplies but the children are eager to learn. The teacher is the one needing a lesson in humanity, and boy does he get one from the young ones. The scenery is spectacular, the cast exceptional and the story a captivating and hopeful wish for the rest of us. I was blown away by Lunana and am praying for the Oscar for best foreign language film for 2021.