
The Monk and the Gun
2023 · Movie · 107 min · ★ 7.2 · 69% critics
An American travels to Bhutan to search for a valuable antique rifle and soon finds himself caught up in the country’s transition toward democracy. His path crosses a young monk wandering through the mountains, guided by his teacher to make things right again.
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Details
- Years
- 2023
- Release date
- 2023-10-17
- Language
- DZ
- Runtime
- 107 min
- Max quality
- HD
- Critic score
- 69/100
- TMDB rating
- 7.2/10 (117 votes)
- Budget
- $480,000
About
You’ll likely enjoy this gentle, thought-provoking comedy-drama if you like “Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom” or “Pride” for human-centered heart and culture-forward atmosphere; Not for you if you want a strictly straightforward, fully resolved plot or a movie with little to say.
Pros: breathtaking Bhutan landscapes; sharp political satire; warm, often funny tone | Cons: confusing side threads; unresolved character arcs; divisive “message”
Themes
- buddhist monk
- rifle
- bhutan
- curious
- comforting
- complicated
Awards & recognition
- International Submission to the Academy Awards · 2024 · nominated
Cast & crew

Tandin Wangchuk
as Tashi

Tandin Sonam
as Benji

Deki Lhamo
as Tshomo

Pema Zangmo Sherpa
as Tshering Yangden

Harry Einhorn
as Ronald Coleman

Kelsang Choejay
as Lama

Tandin Phubz
as Phurba
- CJ
Choeying Jatsho
as Choephel
- YS
Yuphel Lhendup Selden
as Yuphel
- PD
Phub Dorji
as Ap Penjor
Directed by Pawo Choyning Dorji