IMDb RATING
7.1/10
3.9K
YOUR RATING
An American travels into Bhutan in search of a valuable antique rifle and crosses paths with a young monk who wanders through the serene mountains, instructed by his teacher to make things r... Read allAn American travels into Bhutan in search of a valuable antique rifle and crosses paths with a young monk who wanders through the serene mountains, instructed by his teacher to make things right again.An American travels into Bhutan in search of a valuable antique rifle and crosses paths with a young monk who wanders through the serene mountains, instructed by his teacher to make things right again.
- Awards
- 7 wins & 10 nominations total
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Featured reviews
10kyipachu
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.
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.
Democracy is usually fought for. But for the Bhutanese, like shown in the movie, democracy came as a gift from it's King to his people. The movie gives us a glimpse of how the Bhutanese got democracy without any violence.
The ending of the film echoes the Bhutanese stubbornness in staying rooted, and their refusal to let the outsiders dictate how to feel about the changing times. Pawo made an excellent portrayal of the threat of western influence that comes with Democracy, with the character of Lopen Ron, however, he is left baffled and defeated by the country's eccentricities. The Bhutanese, very humbly and poetically expresses it's confidence in it's uniqueness.
Ron getting handed a Bhutanese symbol of strength and power in stead of the typical weaponry he is a fan of, is the best! This scene reiterates how the Bhutanese will continue to change with the changing times, yet still remain quaintly Bhutanese. Loved it!!!!!
The ending of the film echoes the Bhutanese stubbornness in staying rooted, and their refusal to let the outsiders dictate how to feel about the changing times. Pawo made an excellent portrayal of the threat of western influence that comes with Democracy, with the character of Lopen Ron, however, he is left baffled and defeated by the country's eccentricities. The Bhutanese, very humbly and poetically expresses it's confidence in it's uniqueness.
Ron getting handed a Bhutanese symbol of strength and power in stead of the typical weaponry he is a fan of, is the best! This scene reiterates how the Bhutanese will continue to change with the changing times, yet still remain quaintly Bhutanese. Loved it!!!!!
10mfasman
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!
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!
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.
Did you know
- TriviaOfficial submission of Bhutan for the 'Best International Feature Film' category of the 96th Academy Awards in 2024. Although the film was one of 15 films shortlisted from a list of 88, it did not receive an Oscar nomination.
- GoofsThe new Kia logo is seen in one of the shots.
- ConnectionsFeatures Quantum of Solace (2008)
- SoundtracksMoney for Nothing
Written by Mark Knopfler and Sting (as Gordon Sumner)
- How long is The Monk and the Gun?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Countries of origin
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- Also known as
- The Monk and the Gun
- Filming locations
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $480,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $165,470
- Gross worldwide
- $1,509,895
- Runtime1 hour 47 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 2.39:1
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