The Monk and the Gun

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2:23

The Monk and the Gun

PG-13

Released Feb 9

1h 47m

Drama

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94%

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48 Reviews

100%

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Fewer than 50 Verified Ratings

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.

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Critics Consensus

Surrounding its poignant insights with a gentle layer of crowd-pleasing comedy, The Monk and the Gun is a timely political satire that underscores the fragility of democracy.

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Tim Cogshell

FilmWeek (KPCC - NPR Los Angeles)

Very funny indeed. It has some thoughts about democracy, and some thoughts about American democracy.

Feb 13, 2024

Full Review

Peter Rainer

FilmWeek (KPCC - NPR Los Angeles)

It's a charming movie and it wears its ethnography lightly.

Feb 13, 2024

Full Review

Randy Myers

San Jose Mercury News

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.

Rated: 3.5/4

Feb 8, 2024

Full Review

William Stottor

Loud and Clear Reviews

In The Monk and the Gun, the establishment of one of the youngest democracies in the world is told in satirically amusing and biting ways.

Rated: 3.5/5

Sep 3, 2024

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James Marsh

South China Morning Post

The film hums with a charming, grassroots authenticity ... , interweaving a hilarious crime caper with homespun realism that elevates the material far above its occasionally rough technical merits.

Rated: 4/5

Aug 25, 2024

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Filipe Freitas

Always Good Movies

Dorji’s perspective is bracing, and his film a serene experience.

Rated: 3.5/5

Aug 18, 2024

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Lisa M

This was such a great and funny film. Loved it!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/04/24

Full Review

Christopher S

So much to see on this I can’t really get to it all without spoilers. Suspenseful build up to the end. Genuinely satisfying. Now when all the influencers see this movie, they are definitely going there…oh well

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/18/24

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Graeme

Loved the simplicity and authenticity of showing Bhutan as it is.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/12/24

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Wondering About T

I enjoyed its slow pace and contemplative style. It explores themes of modernization, democracy, social harmony, spirituality and rural life. I found the ending very touching. I recommend it for those who enjoy foreign films and getting a glimpse into a different way of life.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

12/18/24

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Audience Member

A masterful presentation of purity, morality and principles. So poignant and profound, not only in exposing the effects of modern democracy on ancient traditions, but also on how misunderstanding and abusing it can bring about conflict and division instead of peace and prosperity. The icing on the cake comes at the end when the phallic symbol of death is exchanged, hilariously and graciously, with the phallic symbol of life.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/07/24

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Audience Member

Beautiful images and a nice light-hearted story!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

10/19/24

Full Review

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Pawo Choyning Dorji

Director

Harry Einhorn

Ronald Colman

Tandin Wangchuk

Tashi

Deki Lhamo

Tshomo

Pema Zangmo Sherpa

Tshering Yangden

Tandin Sonam

Actor

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The Monk and the Gun: Trailer 1

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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.

Director: Pawo Choyning Dorji
Producer: Jean-Christophe Simon, Feng Hsu, Stephanie Lai, Pawo Choyning Dorji
Screenwriter: Pawo Choyning Dorji
Distributor: Roadside Attractions
Production Co: Dangphu Dingphu: A 3 Pigs Production, Wooden Trailer Productions, Visions Sud Est, An Amandala Production, Journey to The East Films, The Jim Henson Company, Closer Media, Tomson Films, Films Boutique, N8 Studios, CNC Aide aux cinémas du monde - Institut Français
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Feb 9, 2024, Limited
Box Office (Gross USA): $164.5K
Runtime: 1h 47m
Aspect Ratio: Digital 2.39:1

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