The Monk and the Gun Parents Guide

The Monk and the Gun” (2023), directed and co-produced by Pawo Choyning Dorji, is a drama film featuring an international cast. Starring Tandin Wangchuk, Deki Lhamo, Pema Zangmo Sherpa, and others, it is a collaborative effort between Bhutan, Taiwan, France, the United States, and Hong Kong. The film was Bhutan’s entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 96th Academy Awards and made it to the 15-film shortlist in December slated to be released on Feb 9, 2024.

The Monk and the Gun age rating, parents guide, Cast, Key points, and Plot Summary.

The Monk and the Gun Plot Summary

The Monk And The Gun is a story of a journey through the pristine landscapes of Bhutan, where an adventurous American embarks on a quest for hidden treasure. Amidst the breathtaking mountains and serene valleys, the protagonist’s quest takes an unexpected turn as he crosses paths with a young monk.

The young monk, under the guidance of his wise teacher, is on a spiritual journey to set things right. Their encounter becomes a symbolic dance between the modern world’s pursuit of material wealth and the ancient wisdom rooted in Bhutanese traditions.

The kingdom, renowned for its extraordinary beauty and commitment to Gross National Happiness, experiences both wonder and disruption. The narrative weaves through the remote Himalayan landscape, showcasing Bhutan’s unique blend of tradition and progress.

In this picturesque setting, the American protagonist grapples not only with the challenges of treasure hunting but also with the profound changes sweeping through Bhutan. The script beautifully captures the essence of a nation that, until recently, resisted the influences of the internet and television. The contrast between ancient traditions and the winds of change creates a rich tapestry of cultural exploration.

Adding another layer to the narrative, the King’s announcement of ceding power to the people through a democratic process adds a political dimension. The characters find themselves navigating through the uncharted territories of a new form of government, reflecting the broader socio-political shifts that resonate with the world’s evolving dynamics.

In conclusion “The Monk And The Gun” becomes not just a quest for treasure but a metaphorical journey of self-discovery, cultural understanding, and the delicate balance between the old and the new in a rapidly changing world.

The Monk and the Gun Parents Guide

Language: The film contains occasional mild language throughout. While not pervasive, some characters may use expressions that could be considered slightly stronger than everyday conversation. The usage is infrequent and not gratuitous, contributing to the natural dialogue within the context of the story.

Violence: Viewers can expect occasional adventure-related peril. As the characters navigate through the quest for treasure, there are moments of tension and suspense, but the violence is restrained and not graphically depicted. The film aims to maintain a balance between the excitement of the adventure and ensuring it remains suitable for a teenage audience.

Sexual Content: “The Monk And The Gun” includes limited sexual content. There are some romantic elements within the storyline, but these are presented with discretion and sensitivity. The focus is on the characters’ emotional connections rather than explicit scenes, making it suitable for a PG-13 audience.

Substance Use: Brief scenes depict characters consuming alcohol. The portrayal is not excessive or glorified, and it serves the narrative context. The film handles the theme of substance use with moderation, ensuring it aligns with the overall tone suitable for a teenage audience.

Themes: The film explores themes of cultural clashes, political changes, and the pursuit of treasure. These elements contribute to the depth of the storyline, providing a thought-provoking backdrop for the adventure. While these themes add complexity to the narrative, they are presented in a way that is accessible and engaging for a PG-13 audience.

Why is The Monk and the Gun rated PG-13?

The Monk And The Gun is rated PG-13 due to mild language, occasional adventure-related peril, limited romantic elements, and brief scenes

Cast of The Monk and the Gun Film

• Tandin Wangchuk: Tashi
• Harry Einhorn: Ronald Colman
• Tandin Sonam: Benji
• Tandin Phubz: Phurba
• Pema Zangmo Sherpa: Tshering Yangden
• Deki Lhamo: Tshomo
• Choeying Jatsho: Choephel

Key Points:

1. International Collaboration: “The Monk and the Gun” involves an international cast and production team, showcasing a collaborative effort between Bhutan, Taiwan, France, the United States, and Hong Kong.
2. Oscar Entry: Bhutan submitted the film as its entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 96th Academy Awards, making it to the 15-film shortlist.
3. Plot Overview: The story follows an American on a treasure hunt in Bhutan, where he encounters a young monk on a spiritual journey. The narrative explores the clash between the pursuit of material wealth and ancient Bhutanese wisdom.
4. Cultural Exploration: The film delves into Bhutan’s unique blend of tradition and progress, portraying the contrast between ancient customs and the impact of modern influences.
5. Political Dimension: The script incorporates the King’s announcement of ceding power to the people through a democratic process, adding a political dimension to the storyline.
6. PG-13 Rating: The film is rated PG-13 for occasional mild language, adventure-related peril, limited romantic elements, and brief scenes depicting substance use. It aims to maintain a balance suitable for a teenage audience.
7. Cast: Notable cast members include Tandin Wangchuk, Deki Lhamo, Pema Zangmo Sherpa, and others, portraying characters like Tashi, Tshering Yangden, and Ronald Colman.
8. Themes: The movie explores themes of cultural clashes, political changes, and the pursuit of treasure, providing a thought-provoking backdrop for the adventure while maintaining accessibility for a PG-13 audience.