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.
Director
Pawo Choyning Dorji
WITH
Run Time
1 hour, 47 minutes
Released
Distributed by
HEARING AND VISUAL ASSISTANCE
Assisted Listening
Subtitled/Open Captions
Descriptive Audio
Country
SUBTITLES
Dzongkha and some English with subtitles
RATED PG-13
for some nude sculptures and smoking
REVIEWS
“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.”
“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.”