Movie Review: The Cup

Story: How do you keep em down on the farm after they've seen Paree? Or, can the path to enlightenment through meditation co- exist in our constantly infringing secular world? In this charming, small film, the answer is most-likely, yes! (For now.) We finally get a peek at the life and times of Buddhist Monks without having to listen to Richard Gere. Inspired by a true story, this delightful film is brought to life by first time film director, real-life Tibetan Monk, Khysente Norbu. The story follows two Tibetan boys, who have escaped from Chinese held Tibet, to join this exiled monastery in the gorgeous foothills of the Himalayas, located in India. Instead of just the expected chores, studies and prayers, they find themselves in a whirlwind of unexpected wacky events surrounding the 1998 World Cup. (Yes, this is The Cup). We get great humor, compassion, philosophy, politics (I just love a good bit of China bashing), joyous simplicity of life and a rare look at some wonderful people. It is a bit slow at times and nothing blows up, but the movie is wonderfully richly rewarding. Go, smile and enjoy!

Acting: There are no professional actors in the film which makes it even more endearing. The actors are played by actual monks and/or Buddhist theologians. Special mention goes to Jamgong Lodro (the young soccer fanatic, Orgyen) and his real life father Orgyen Tobgyal, who plays Geko the Monastery's disciplinarian.

Pets: None (but if there were, you can be sure that they would not have been hurt).

Visual Art: Some interesting Monk graffiti

Soundtrack: Great Buddhist chants

Quirky Meter: 4

LOBO HOWLS: 7