[ad_1]
A scene from ‘The Monk and the Gun’ courtesy of TIFF
‘The Monk and the Gun’ really plays up the opposing elements of its title, generating humour and suspense.
Sometimes you hear things that just don’t sound like they go together, yet your curiosity insists you try to see how it turns out. Whether it’s strange animal companions, unexpected fusion cuisine or some other unusual pairing, it’s easy enough to peak one’s interest to press play on a video or stay for a taste. The title, The Monk and the Gun, has a similar affect as one cannot imagine why a holy man known for spreading harmony would ever need or have such a deadly weapon.
Bhutan’s king has abdicated in favour of democracy, proclaiming the country’s citizens will now vote for their new leader. The Lama has secluded himself atop a mountain to meditate, learning of these developments from a government official on the radio explaining the process and announcing mock elections to teach everyone to vote. When his assistant arrives, the Lama requests he find him two guns within four days – the same day the mock elections will be held in a nearby village. The monk is confused but doesn’t question his master, setting out to find a gun in a peaceful village – the same gun an American arms dealer has travelled to purchase.
There are two questions that hang over the picture, driving the narrative and producing some amusing circumstances. What does a monk need with a gun? And will the arms dealer ever get the gun? The former is asked by multiple characters throughout the picture as no one can fathom the answer – or deny the Lama’s request. At one point, someone asks if he might kill someone and the ambiguous response is, “We live in strange times.” In the meantime, the latter query is propelled by a wild goose chase to procure the weapon and avoid police detection.
This peculiar premise is ripe for comedy, which is provided by a number of sources. In addition to those mentioned, the backdrop of the country’s first election is an amusing one as most people have difficulty even understating the concept. The government-led exercises designed to help people understand voting are ridiculous as they try to simulate animosity between the parties amongst citizens who are generally content. Most are averse to change, unable to even comprehend why the king would relinquish power or how this move could improve their lives. (Holding their first election in 2008, Bhutan is thriving as one of the world’s youngest democracies.)
While the entire film is entertaining, the ending delivers the ultimate payoff that’s both gratifying and apt.
The Monk and the Gun had its international premiere in the Centrepiece programme at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Read other reviews from the festival.
Director: Pawo Choyning Dorji
Starring: Harry Einhorn, Tandin Wangchuk and Tandin Phubz
[ad_2]
Source link
