An elderly Buddhist lama (Kelsang Choejey, who is a lama in real life) has a mysterious need for a firearm in The Monk and the Gun. (Photos courtesy of Roadside Attractions)
By Richard Ades
It was less than 20 years ago that the Himalayan country of Bhutan modernized and transformed itself from a kingdom into a democracy. The resulting repercussions are at the center of a warmly funny and slyly satirical film called The Monk and the Gun.
Written and directed by Pawo Choyning Dorji (2019’s Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom), the film introduces us to seemingly unrelated characters whose paths ultimately converge in a momentous and meaningful way.
There’s Tshering (Pema Zangmo Sherpa), an official charged with preparing remote villagers for the “mock election” that’s meant to serve as democracy’s dry run. There’s Choephel (Choeying Jatsho), who’s earned the wrath of his mother-in-law and neighbors by backing an unpopular candidate.
There’s also Benji (Tandin Sonam), a city dweller who hopes to make some quick cash by serving as a guide for a treasure-seeking American improbably named Ronald Coleman (Harry Einhorn).
Finally, giving the flick its name, there’s Tashi (Tandin Wangchuk), a Buddhist monk who’s ordered by his “lama” to find two guns by the time the full moon arrives in four days. Why, asks Tashi, who’s never even seen a gun. “To make things right,” the lama (Kelsang Choejey) replies cryptically.
Tashi (Tandin Wangchuk, right) barters over the ownership of a vintage rifle with American gun collector Ronald Coleman (Harry Einhorn, left) and his guide, Benji (Tandin Sonam).
Because guns are a rarity in Bhutan, and because the treasure the American seeks is a rare Civil War rifle that somehow made its way into a local man’s home, it’s inevitable that Coleman and Tashi end up looking for the same weapon. That sets up a dilemma that eventually sends Coleman and his guide off on a risky and illegal mission, but not until it’s exposed the visitor to one of the many cultural shocks he encounters.
After finding the prized gun and offering to buy it for a small fortune, Coleman learns from his guide that the owner is reluctant to sell because he considers the amount too high. “Wait, what?” the American says, astounded that anyone would choose scruples over a life-changing infusion of money.
Meanwhile, elections official Tshering encounters cultural shocks of another kind as she tries to sell democracy to the local villagers. As Buddhists who’ve always devoted themselves to living in harmony, they can’t understand why they’re suddenly being asked to divide themselves into mutually hostile political factions.
Many of the flick’s satirical jabs are aimed at the U.S.: at our materialism, at the ever-growing viciousness of our political process, and especially at our love affair with guns. But Dorji also aims much of the humor at his own countrymen, especially those who think adopting Western-style ways will automatically guarantee them a better life.
Driven by Dorji’s clever script, Jigme Tenzing’s serene choreography and convincing performances by the mostly amateur cast, The Monk and the Gun is a delight from beginning to its surprisingly uplifting ending.
Rating: 5 stars (out of 5)
The Monk and the Gun opens Feb. 9 in theaters nationwide, including Columbus’s Gateway Film Center.
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