The Cup

I first saw this movie in a theater several years ago, not knowing what to expect. I remember that the children's singing at the beginning of the movie sounded a little harsh (unlike anything I'd heard before) but, by the end, the same singing enchanted me, I heard its sweetness, and I left knowing I had to see the movie again to take it all in. Since then I've bought the movie and I'm delighted that my young soccer-loving nieces and nephews (from different countries) love the movie as well, and want to see it whenever they visit--a tiny little contribution towards cross-cultural awareness. Great movie for kids and adults.

Phorpe or The Cup is probably the best foreign film I have ever seen, no kidding. It excels beyond a limit in every area, the acting from the young Budhist children are excellent, while the screenplay is brilliant and original. Phorpe (The Cup) is simply one of the best, most intriguing, and most original films I have seen in a long time.

In short, it is exactly the sort of movie New Zealand should be making. A funny, touching and exquisite picture that should be cherished.

Rating: 9

Being that two of my many passions in life are soccer and movies I was very interested in seeing this film.

Needless to say, I really enjoyed it. Sometimes a little slow but more than makes up for it. Besides having some VERY funny moments and wonderful characters (that kid was just a scream) the movie really de-mystefies the budhist monks that Westerners seem to sterotype as extremely devoted and mystical.

In reality they are just like us. They have their passions, and joke about everything just like everyone else. They are shown in this film for what the truly are, 'human'. Sure the movie shows the practices which is interesting to see, but it then shows scenes of the devotees, talking about girls, fascinated by the outside world (soccer), not practing their studies, being lazy, and acting just like everyday people.

Great fun film.

Rating 8 out of 10

PS - Yes I'd try my darndest too to not miss the World Cup final.

What a funny, charming movie. It's nice to know that boys will be boys, wherever they are. Even while in exile in a monastery. The scene of them looking at girls in magazines is great. The fact that it's based on true events makes it all the more charming. I loved it!

The story focuses on a group of monks in a Buddhist monastery who are avid football fanatics. Their love of the game gets them into trouble with the authorities of the monastery, who try to persuade them to concentrate on their studies.

The story is predictable, no surprises. But the setting of the story contrasts well with the zealousness with which the monks pursue football. This is a movie with contrasting themes, with a dash of plain humor mixed in. Good for those tired days, when you want to relax and enjoy a simple movie without needing to too get intellectually involved.