A Felicidade das Pequenas Coisas

Bhutan! My first film that talks about this country and I must say that it was quite captivating to listen and watch the people from this remote place:) Albeit their claim of fame is how happy they are, at least at the official levels, the movies shows the regular life of villagers and city folks: not as happy as they say. Love, community life, family , are all universal expressions that have been captured countless times in movies, but the unique setting of this particular movie, combined with a very unique culture, make this endeavor stand out! Again, nothing ground-breaking here, but just a very enjoyable, well made movie.

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)

Bhutan's official entry to 2022's Oscars, that also was shortlisted, is simple yet so emotional. It's real, sweet, uplifting and heartwarming. It nicely tackles powerful and important topics like education in rural places, home and moving away. Cinematography and locations are amazing, with many stunning sceneries.

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.

Nominated for Best International Feature Film Oscar at the upcoming Academy Awards, Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom is simple in structure & earnest in its approach but the drama it packs in is a familiar one minus any conflict or complexity that's expected from such setups. Instead, it serves better as a fascinating insight into the Bhutanese culture & modest living through the unassuming ways of their countryfolk.

Written & directed by Pawo Choyning Dorji, the story follows a schoolteacher with different aspirations who's sent to the most remote school in the world where he, detached from his westernised comforts, slowly begins to understand the value & importance of his work and learns to appreciate the beauty of rural life. The narrative unfolds at a quiet pace but fails to do anything interesting to make itself stand out from the norm.

Shot in gorgeous mountainside locations and exquisitely assisted by its serene camerawork, the imagery comes imbued with a soothing quality & sense of calmness that makes the ride worthwhile but the transformation that our protagonist undergoes still feels simplistic since the story never digs into the character deeper than the surface and simply hurries through the process. Also, acting from the supporting cast is more authentic than the lead.

Overall, Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom isn't without its merits and is a sincere effort by all means. Where most similar stories work towards something more complex or ambitious, this one finds comfort in the stillness of its surroundings. Though it only glances at its themes and is devoid of surprises, its silent reflection on what it means to be a teacher and how the simplest events in life can profoundly affect our being makes this Bhutanese drama worth a shot.