Coca cola features quite a bit in the opening sequences of The Cup - an empty can is used as a candle-holder by the abbot and the monks use one as a football - World Cup fever is very much alive in this small community in the foothills of the Himalayas in June 1998. The West is intruding - how does Geko - the preceptor of the monastery enforce Buddhist discipline in the face of soccer enthusiasts like Orgyen who sneaks off into the village at night to watch the lead-up matches on television... corrupting his roommate, a new arrival from Tibet along the way...This is a most extraordinary film - it has charm, lovely ironic humour, wonderful natural performances from a cast of real life monks and high lamas and it has life lessons in it that are relevant for everyone. And it has an authenticity that is accessible as well as rare. Quite an achievement for first time filmmaker, a high lama Khyentse Norbu who saw filmmaking up close for the first time working with Bernardo Bertolucci as a consultant on Little Buddha. He's a fast learner.
David's Comments: A small bit disarming film about soccer-mad monks. There's something very likable about watching these non-professional actors portraying more or less themselves. It's a small but quite lovely film.
Watch 'The Cup'
Thursday 26 March, 3:50pm on SBS World Movies (also streaming at SBS On Demand)
G
Bhutan, 1999
Genre: Comedy, Sport
Language: Hindi, Tibetan
Director: Khyentse Norbu
Starring: Orgyen Tobgyal, Neten Chokling, Jamyang Lodro, Lama Chonjor
What's it about?
Based on a true story, a rebellious young Tibetan monk becomes the ringleader in the covert operation to enable fellow monks to catch a glimpse of the football World Cup on television, thus attracting the wrath of their superiors.
