Shambhala, le royaume des cieux

I watched this at a film festival and I don't regret my choice of the film. The movie is long - 2h 30m but nowhere did it feel that the story was dragging on. I liked the story with all its twists and turns. I admired Pema for her bravery and toughness - she is the best character in the movie in my opinion. The cinematography by Aziz Zhambakiyiv is excellent, showing us the rugged terrain of the Nepalese Himalayan region.

Thinley Lhamo's portrayal of Pema was brilliant. Her portrayal of Pema made me empathise with the character. All the other actors in their respective roles were good too. I liked the movie for its sprinkling of wisdom at various points during the run. I'd love to watch this movie again.

Simple but deep storytelling, awesome cinematography. Watching the film is like watching a theatre on a screen. Its a efficient and great combination of culture, emotions, values, difficulties of lives of people living in the mountains. Its not a movie, its a phenomenal reality. Watching the movie anyone will be lost inside the powerful visualization and storytelling. The dolpo culture in which they tell about the marriage of a single women with multiple husbands, the cremation process of a dead body, monastery culture, trading culture of crossborder etc is shown with so much detailing by the director, anyone will fall in love with the creation of Min bahadur Bham, who has already proved himself through 'Kalo Pothi'(the black hen).

A beautifully crafted film with stunning cinematography and a compelling story. The character development, especially of the female lead and the monk brother-in-law, is exceptional.

Despite its 2.5-hour runtime, not once did I feel bored-the narrative remains engaging throughout. I had the chance to watch this at the Bengaluru International Film Festival, and I'm so glad I picked it over the many options available. The direction is masterful, blending emotion and depth effortlessly.

A truly immersive experience that stays with you long after the credits roll. Well worth watching and highly recommended!

Rarely a movie comes along that succeeds to capture the human condition through a regional story. This movie is able to elicit emotions from their audience through visuals alone. You don't even need to understand the language or read the subtitles. The visual story telling is that captivating.

Plot summary: The story follows our main character Pema, who is married off to 3 brothers as the movie begins. The first thought anyone from a privileged background will have might be "how primitive". However, you may realize why it is so as you watch along. The movie follows her life in this village with the great Himalayas in the back drop. Their day to day happenings and how ignorance affects their lives. I feel like it also captures the true essence of eastern belief of Dharma as I've never seen before.

Characters: Amazing characters with motivations and flaws. The performance of the lead character is so captivating that it emersed me through out the runtime and I couldn't look away. Her character arc from a bright eyed innocent girl into a person with firm beliefs and confidence is subtle and powerful.

Visuals: All everyone is talking about. I really liked the use of colors. I want that yellow sweater now. The shots of the environment juxtaposed to the characters were amazing. However, I was thinking of Lawrence in Arabia and this movie could have used some wider shots of the snow and the mountains maybe to characterize the environment a bit more.

Overall, thoroughly enjoyed this movie. It is a slow burn so be aware of that. You won't find over the top drama or thrilling plot twists. What you'll find are human emotions and a journey inwards.

"Shambhala" is a visually breathtaking film that immerses viewers in a rich tapestry of spirituality and self-discovery. Set against stunning natural landscapes, the story follows a protagonist on a transformative journey, grappling with both external and internal challenges that prompt deep reflection. The cinematography is exceptional, with sweeping shots that not only showcase the beauty of the environment but also serve to enhance the film's mystical undertones. The lead performance is compelling, capturing the character's emotional and spiritual evolution with nuance. While the narrative occasionally meanders, losing some momentum, it ultimately encourages viewers to engage with profound philosophical themes about existence and enlightenment. For those who appreciate a more contemplative cinematic experience, "Shambhala" offers a captivating blend of artistry and introspection, making it a worthwhile watch for anyone interested in the intersections of culture, spirituality, and personal growth.