The Monk and the Gun

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The Monk and the Gun

PG-13

2024

1h 47m

Drama

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Popcornmeter

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 (LAist)

Feb 13, 2024

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

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Peter Rainer

FilmWeek (LAist)

Feb 13, 2024

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

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Randy Myers

San Jose Mercury News

Feb 8, 2024

3.5/4

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.

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William Stottor

Loud and Clear Reviews

Sep 3, 2024

3.5/5

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.

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James Marsh

South China Morning Post

Aug 25, 2024

4/5

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.

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Filipe Freitas

Always Good Movies

Aug 18, 2024

3.5/5

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

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JJ

Mar 14, 2025

Delightful! An insightful reflection of humanity and freedom of a very different culture ❤️

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Lisa M

Mar 4, 2024

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

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Christopher S

Feb 18, 2024

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

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Graeme

Feb 12, 2024

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

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Ethan R

@Ethan.R98 Dec 9, 2025

It feels like a soft wake up call, funny without being fake, deep without trying too hard. Reminded me that change doesn’t need to scream to be powerful.

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Judith K

@ziqiongmom Jan 22, 2025

People who like to see foreign movies about little known countries and cultures will love this film. It is a light-hearted comedy about cultural and political change in Bhutan. The director used non-professional actors (including a real life monk acting the role of a llama), who were believable. The scenery is beautiful. I found the film an uplifting distraction to watch during troubled times.

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Pawo Choyning Dorji

Director

Harry Einhorn

Ronald Colman

Tandin Wangchuk

Tashi

Deki Lhamo

Tshomo

Pema Zangmo Sherpa

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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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