The Monk and the Gun

PG-13

Released Feb 9

1 hr. 47 min.

Drama

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92%

39 Reviews

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Fewer than 50 Verified Ratings

Audience Score

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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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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Hein H

The movie showcases the culture and mindset of the Bhutanese people, adding a sprinkle of humor. In my opinion, Bhutan is the most joyful nation on Earth.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/31/24

Full Review

Apple S

Fantastic movie. The perfect tonic for our modern ills. After being fed on a diet of endless hyper-processed Hollywood junk, this movie was like finally tasting pure fruit and drinking fresh water. The cinematography was spectacular and made me feel like I was really there, in the hills of Bhutan, and the script was so humble and simple. A welcome reminder of what life is really all about. It was funny and wise and heartwarming and a great commentary on the current polarization in Western society. This movie is a must-watch for everyone!

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

03/24/24

Full Review

DanTheMan 2

With a title like The Monk and the Gun I think I can be forgiven thinking this was gonna be a straight action film. Instead I got a genuinely endearing, profoundly uplifting experience, presenting a timely satirical jab at American democracy and a fascinating philosophical look at life in Bhutan. The film deals with difficulties and downsides of bringing in foreign influences to a country that calculates a Gross National Happiness index, all through wonderful filmmaking and such vibrancy like a wistful breeze of goodwill from the foothills of the Himalayas. Strong performances from a cast whom for many this film marks their first acting gigs help sell the relaxed tone and confidence of Dorji's vision. Insightful as it is incredibly funny, The Monk and the Gun takes perfect pot shots where it counts offering up a perceptive of freewheeling convergence of modernity and tradition.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/25/24

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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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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

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Anne Brodie

What She Said

Genius - a compelling, exciting story, the opportunity to experience life in a far distant country with a vastly different culture than our own, and the mischief fate concocts, and its keen sense of wonder and humour.

Rated: 4/4

Feb 23, 2024

Full Review

Liam Lacey

Original Cin

A different kind of political comedy about the perils of democracy, from the high-altitude perspective of Bhutan.

Rated: A-

Feb 22, 2024

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Dennis Harvey

48 Hills

This pleasing, leisurely parable set against spectacular scenic backdrops wears its cleverness lightly, so that you're a little taken aback by the ingeniousness of the resolution.

Feb 16, 2024

Full Review

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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
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): $161.6K
Aspect Ratio: Digital 2.39:1

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