Date

Apr 19 - 25 2024
Expired!

THE MONK AND THE GUN

In this gentle fable from Bhutan, an American gun collector and a young monk match wits over what will happen to an antique rifle, against the backdrop of the country’s first modernizing election in 2006.

SHOWTIMES

APR 19 | FRI

4:40, 7:00, 9:20 p.m.

APR 20 | SAT

4:40, 7:00, 9:20 p.m.

APR 21 | SUN

12:00, 2:20, 4:40, 7:00 p.m.

APR 22 | MON

4:40, 7:00 p.m.

APR 23 | TUE

4:40, 7:00 p.m.

APR 24 | WED

4:40, 7:00 p.m.

APR 25 | THU

4:40, 7:00 p.m.
SYNOPSIS

The Monk And The Gun captures the wonder and disruption as Bhutan becomes one of the world’s youngest democracies. Known throughout the world for its extraordinary beauty and its emphasis on Gross National Happiness, the remote Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan was the last nation to connect to the internet and television. And if that weren’t enough change, the King announced shortly afterwards that he would cede his power to the people via their vote and a new form of government: Democracy.

An elderly lama (Kelsang Choejey), recognizing that extraordinary change is about to sweep through his country, is troubled by the possible outcomes. He instructs his young disciple Tashi (Tandin Wangchuk) to set forth into the kingdom and bring him two guns before the full moon to “set it right.” The young monk is perplexed by his guru’s request, and his familiarity with guns is based solely on images from the only film available on television: James Bond. His quest brings him into contact with a scheming American gun collector Ron (Harry Einhorn), leading to a most unexpected outcome.

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Director

Pawo Choyning Dorji

WITH
Tandin Wangchuk, Pema Zangmo Sherpa, Deki Lhamo, Harry Einhorn
Run Time

1 hour, 47 minutes

Released
February 9, 2024
Distributed by
Roadside Attractions
HEARING AND VISUAL ASSISTANCE

Assisted Listening
Subtitled/Open Captions
Descriptive Audio

Country
Bhutan
SUBTITLES

Dzongkha and some English with subtitles

RATED PG-13

for some nude sculptures and smoking

REVIEWS
“It’s an unexpectedly suspenseful shaggy dog story, as well as a pretty funny one, with subtly pointed barbs about American politics.”
Michael O’Sullivan

The Washington Post

“In a place whose greatest aim is its population’s happiness, Dorji’s The Monk and the Gun contemplates whether complete modernization of his country is worth the price of this very happiness.”

Marya E. Gates

RogerEbert.com

The Monk and the Gun delivers a gentle caress of a message that’s quietly delivered but holds power in this volatile American election year.”

Randy Myers

San Jose Mercury News

The event is finished.