A review of The Monk and the Gun

Cast: Deki Lhamo, Kelsang Choejay, and Tandin Wangchuk

Pawo Choyning Dorji is the director.

Star rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Following his Oscar-nominated film Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom, Pawo Choyning Dorji's second feature is a much more ambitious endeavor. This is a beautifully straightforward movie that lays the groundwork for a realistic political satire about a nation and its citizens. It's the year 2006. Bhutan is on the verge of becoming the world's youngest democracy. However, what does democracy mean to its citizens? They believe it to be unnecessary from the start. Television, mobile phones, a mock election, and indeed, a pistol are just a few of the improvements that the future will provide.

The basic idea

The movie begins quietly, depicting the beautiful town of Ura. In the opening scenes, the people live in an interconnected, practical manner that is masterfully executed. News of the approaching election gradually makes its way inside the huts, creating a gap. First, Lama (Kelsang Choejey) interrupts his meditation and dispatches the young monk (Tandin Wangchuk) in quest of firearms. Why is this the case? We are unsure at this time.

The expansive plot is kept moving forward by parallel tracks. Before the last day, Tsering (Pima Zangpo Sherpa) is obligated to supervise the mock elections. Chephel (Shoeing Jatsho), a resident of the area, decides to express his support for a particular candidate in order to leave for good, but his wife Tshomo (Deki Lhamo) disagrees. Ronald Colman (Harry Einhorn), an American weapons dealer, is also waiting in the shadows for reasons that will become clear during the film's quick 107-minute duration.

In this tranquil little movie, there are many things to keep track of and fill in. Dorji, on the other hand, handles these personalities and their issues with a light touch and a great deal of delicacy. His stance is relaxed but assured, with subtle details and dry wit contributing to the overall logic. With an easy confidence, Dorji breaks through the central thematic concept surrounding tradition and modernity by working with editor Hsiao-Yun Ku.

What functions?

Dorji isn't interested in writing a warning about anti-democracy or injecting a lot of skepticism to mirror a country on the verge of change, which is why The Monk and the Gun is effective. The tone here is beautifully balanced and thoughtful, attempting to glean everyday lessons from the diverse group of individuals who have their own motives for living, which may be seen as selfish by some and compelled by duty by others. There's not much else to say, and there's no need to worry about the moral implications.

All of the actors in the ensemble are genuinely on camera, which enhances the authenticity of the way they each handle an unexpected event. On the other hand, the film also drags due to its somewhat thoughtful and kind treatment of the subject matter. Dorji's treatment of tradition and ethnic nationalism has teeth, but all it needed was a bit more chaotic foresight. It still manages to be really charming, coming across as a funny crowd-pleaser that lingers like a smile even after the end credits have run.

Read Also: Su from So First Reactions: ‘A Complete Laughter Riot – Ravi Anna Steals the Show!’