Review of The Cup (1999) by Justin S — 13 Jan 2009

This film, apparently the first film from Bhutan distributed worldwide, isnt a tentative step. Just about any film that must be qualified in a such a way, probably doesnt merit a view. The Cup (or Phorpa) doesnt need to be qualified.

This is significant considering its Khyentse Norbus first pass at direction, and all the cast members are monks and not professional actors. Whats more, Orgyen Tobgyal won me over the minute he made it on to the screen as few child actors do.

Norbu does an excellent job at leaving the complexity of the two head monks in tact. They are neither harsh nor out-to-lunch. They care very deeply for their pupils. The ease with which these two characters could have descended to characture shows Norbus good sense.

While there are a few scenes that linger too long and could have used a bit of editing, itd be really hard to dislike this film.