User Reviews

Such a simple movie plot of a young teacher who questions if he wants to stay a teacher or emigrate to Australia.

He is sent for his final service year to the highlands of Bhutan to teach in a village who have no electricity or even a blackboard in the school, yet the spirit of the villagers is so honourable and so thankful for what they have it is a pleasure to see how the community thrives and looks after each other.

The kids in the movie are real highlanders and had never seen a camera before this movie was made.

It is a fantastic insight into the human spirit.

A total joy to watch, this is one for an Oscar award.

See for yourself.

A deceptively simple film that deeply probes into the meaning of 'home' and 'exile' - both literally as well as emotionally. A wonderful exploration of 'belonging' and 'longing'. I have rarely seen a movie where joy and sadness sit so finely balanced together. Set in a stunningly beautiful location, its real beauty lies in the depiction of the genuine warmth, kindness, mutual respect and general goodness of the villagers bringing about the gentle transformation of the teacher. Long may these communities continue, they may just have the answers to the questions that so many of us don't even know how to ask anymore. The role of Pem Zam, the young class captain, is inspired casting - the girl just shines! A film to truly warm you where it matters. (Thank you to the WOW Festival 2021 for screening this)

Bhutan's official entry to 2022's Oscars, that also was shortlisted, is simple yet so emotional. It's real, sweet, uplifting and heartwarming. It nicely tackles powerful and important topics like education in rural places, home and moving away. Cinematography and locations are amazing, with many stunning sceneries.

Oscar nominee for International Film. Pawo Choyning Dorji's debut tells the universal story of a teacher sent to a tiny village to educate the local children. Sherab Dorji is Ugyen, a twenty-something who lives in Bhutan's capitol of Thimphu when he is dispatched to distant Lunana - population 56, and, with very limited electricity. It's considered so isolated that the school is referred to as the most remote in the world.

Dorji, who also wrote the screenplay, keeps things simple. There are no grand gestures or revelations, just Ugyen interacting with the locals. The theme of making a connection with the schoolkids may be plain to see (and, of course, it works vice-versa), but, it's done in a soulful way with no cloying or artificial drama injected into the mix. It's very lack of pretentiousness is its charm.

And, yes, there IS a Yak who lives in the makeshift classroom. All the more appropriate since the unofficial Lunana song is a paean to yaks.

Lunana is the reason I watch movies to escape from the everyday realities of this harsh world. A selfish young man who is required by the government to teach is not happy with the situation. He dreams of becoming a singer in Australia to leave behind his life in Bhutan. Lunana is a remote village with no electricity or indoor plumbing. A "schoolroom" has no supplies but the children are eager to learn. The teacher is the one needing a lesson in humanity, and boy does he get one from the young ones. The scenery is spectacular, the cast exceptional and the story a captivating and hopeful wish for the rest of us. I was blown away by Lunana and am praying for the Oscar for best foreign language film for 2021.

Bhutan! My first film that talks about this country and I must say that it was quite captivating to listen and watch the people from this remote place:) Albeit their claim of fame is how happy they are, at least at the official levels, the movies shows the regular life of villagers and city folks: not as happy as they say. Love, community life, family , are all universal expressions that have been captured countless times in movies, but the unique setting of this particular movie, combined with a very unique culture, make this endeavor stand out! Again, nothing ground-breaking here, but just a very enjoyable, well made movie.

Lunana is a heartfelt story about a young teacher's self-discovery, along with his enticing journey from an urban setting in Thimphu (Bhutan's Capital) to the rural outskirts of his country. The story not only strives to showcase his voyage to become a better human being but also what his assignment meant for the villagers and the poor but ambitious pupils, who were denied rights to their Education and Learning.

The importance of education is unprecedented in any civilised community. In the 'developed' countries, the scenario for providing education to the younger populace is mostly favourable; whereas, for the 'developing' nations, there are still plenty of issues that need to be dealt with. And it has to be done immediately. The film aims to initiate the necessary dialogue regarding the same, and I admire the creators for their honest intentions down here.

Apart from its clear thematic goals, even from a strictly cinematic stance, I must say I'm impressed. Thanks to the Academy, for bringing this to my attention. This was my first ever introduction to Bhutanese films and culture. Notwithstanding, never for a moment did it look like a film made in a foreign land with foreign members, such was its prudent showing, so relevant and so benignant.

For the cons, there is just one and let me be blunt about this, I didn't like how it ended. Even though, I know not every story has to end on a positive note but I was anyway rooting for the same to happen here. Cause to me, it seemed like the nicest way to wrap up the narrative and I'm sure many would feel the same thing. If only the makers had conformed to the means of conventionalism, the outcome would have been even more delightful.

Just keep a gopro on anyone who is going to Lunana and you will get the entire scene, dialogue and emotion. The film is so real and well done. Overall an excellent movie.

Most of the extra hospitality shown by the people of Lunana may not be convincing for the people from outside, but its true: thats the way it is, the people in the villages are so welcoming and the movie shows it very well. From time to time, many teachers from India was working in some of these remote places of Bhutan. Many who returned were fed-up with the city life in India or outside and then went back.

In 2018 Indian teachers who worked in Bhutan were invited for a reception program in Kolkatta, India and Thimpu and HM thanked all of them personally. Many of the first set of teachers, who worked for more than 30 years in remote Bhutan were filled with tears bringing back the emotional connection between them and the villagers. A video which was played during the session in which the real hurdle of reaching some of the remote places was shown.. How they walked for days to reach some of these remote places. This element of emotion and hardship was much more intense.

Yes, actually the people in these villages are happy. May be the length could have been cut down a little to remove some of the cliche.

Must watch movie. Hope it reaches the OTT platforms soon.

6/10 - heartwarming story about a teacher finding his place and his classroom and illustrates just how valuable our teachers are, but it lacked the extra punch it needed to take it from good to great for me.

Filmed in the setting of a mountain location of Bhutan, the most peaceful country, it touches us gently with emotions of innocent people. Storyline is familiar though, this simple movie is a captivating one❤

This is cute and relaxing. Excellent cinematography, safe direction, nice score and good acting. It has, however, no right to be among the 5 nominees for International Picture in a year with so many great contenders not nominated.

The film plays exactly as you would expect without any trace of ambition or challenging elements, being very comfortable in just a small little story. I also have issues with the structure and the screenplay, as I think we should have seen more about his time on the village. The introduction, the 1st act, was way too long and unnecessary.

Sherab Dorji is "Ugyen". He is a teacher, approaching the final year of his training, who has rather set his heart of going to Australia to sing in bars. With one term left, his boss decides to sent him to Lunana. This is quite possibly the most remote school in the world, being located some six days trek from the nearest road, and around 13,000 ft up into the Bhutanese Himalayan mountains. "Ugyen" is none too chuffed with this placement, and when he arrives at his drafty and simple school he longs for the home comforts of his girlfriend and of Thimpu. He is warmly welcomed by the locals, but will their enthusiasm for their own culture, and for the gift of education that he brings them be enough to change his mind? The narrative itself has little by way of jeopardy - we just know how things will pan out, but that doesn't detract from this beautifully shot and characterful study of the life of tribespeople whose lives and traditions have changed little in hundreds of year. What is writ large is the feeling that these folks regard education as a privilege. From God, from the King, from this rather disillusioned teacher - they are determined to learn but not to leave their community, but to better themselves and their families. Why else learn English half way up a mountain?. Pawo Dorji has created a delicate story here offering us magical cinematography and thoroughly engaging characters that cause our teacher to reassess his priorities in a fashion that wilderness might do for many of us, too. Will he return once the winter snows have gone and his school re-opens? I enjoyed this.

Nice predictable story (sponsored by Bhutan - it's next to Nepal in the Himalayas) of a reluctant, doesn't want to be a teacher, teacher being relocated from city teaching to a very remote village small school. Acceptance by community seemed a little too Pollyannish. Needed less singing and more actual teaching methodology. Nice scenery. Ending not clear, and not needed.

Nominated for Best International Feature Film Oscar at the upcoming Academy Awards, Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom is simple in structure & earnest in its approach but the drama it packs in is a familiar one minus any conflict or complexity that's expected from such setups. Instead, it serves better as a fascinating insight into the Bhutanese culture & modest living through the unassuming ways of their countryfolk.

Written & directed by Pawo Choyning Dorji, the story follows a schoolteacher with different aspirations who's sent to the most remote school in the world where he, detached from his westernised comforts, slowly begins to understand the value & importance of his work and learns to appreciate the beauty of rural life. The narrative unfolds at a quiet pace but fails to do anything interesting to make itself stand out from the norm.

Shot in gorgeous mountainside locations and exquisitely assisted by its serene camerawork, the imagery comes imbued with a soothing quality & sense of calmness that makes the ride worthwhile but the transformation that our protagonist undergoes still feels simplistic since the story never digs into the character deeper than the surface and simply hurries through the process. Also, acting from the supporting cast is more authentic than the lead.

Overall, Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom isn't without its merits and is a sincere effort by all means. Where most similar stories work towards something more complex or ambitious, this one finds comfort in the stillness of its surroundings. Though it only glances at its themes and is devoid of surprises, its silent reflection on what it means to be a teacher and how the simplest events in life can profoundly affect our being makes this Bhutanese drama worth a shot.

Pawo Choyning Dorji's Academy Award-nominated "Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom" gives us a look at a culture that we rarely get to see: life in a small town in rural Bhutan. It focuses on an aspiring singer in the Himalayan kingdom who gets hired as a teacher for the isolated town. He soon finds that he has to improvise due to the lack of supplies in the school.

This is only the second Bhutanese movie that I've seen after "The Cup" (also submitted for an Academy Award). I hope to see more. About the mention of Gross National Happiness, that's a major part of the country's culture: they emphasize happiness over income. All in all, I recommend this movie as a look at Bhutanese culture, and a reminder of the privileges that we in the West enjoy.

Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom is a heart-warming, feel-good movie that will leave you feeling inspired. It follows the story of a teacher (Ugyen Dorji played by Sherab Dorji) who is under contract with the government of Bhutan to complete mandatory service. He has almost completed his teacher education but because his attitude is considered inappropriate, his supervisor sends him to the most remote school in the world, Lunana. Getting to Lunana is a challenge due to its remoteness. And the conditions in Lunana are harsh, with little to no modern amenities or resources. It is in the Himalayas, and during winter, the temperatures drop to below zero and the only way to get there is by yak and walking. The film follows the struggles that Ugyen Dorji faces as he tries to instruct the children in Lunana, many of whom have never been to school before and never been outside their village.

Ugyen's transition from a modern life in a city to a simple life in Lunana is not an easy one, and the film does an excellent job of portraying the struggles that he faces. It is through these struggles that Ugyen begins to appreciate the simplicity of life in Lunana and the importance of his work as a teacher.

The film is slowly paced, but this only serves to highlight the contrast between the fast-paced modern world and the simplicity of life in Lunana. This may present a challenge to those who are not used to slowing down and taking the time to appreciate the little things in life, but it is ultimately a rewarding experience.

The film is beautifully filmed on location in Lunana and the local actors do an excellent job of portraying the characters and the culture. The children are a joy to watch and their interactions with Ugyen are often hilarious.

Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom does have its flaws (e.g., the slow pace, the lack of action) so I can't say it's a great movie. But it's a good movie for the whole family, and one that I would recommend to anyone who is looking for something different.

What a wonderful movie!

Such pure-hearted, innocent people, as God wants us all to be!

Pem Zam, the little girl with an angelic smile, stayed in my soul. I will not forget her big beautiful eyes, the joy in her face, her tears when the teacher must leave before the harsh mountain winter.

Nor will I forget the girl who sang on the hill bringing thanks to the spirits of the mountain. What a voice, what an ancient song! (find it on the Internet as Lunana, the Yak Song).

The actors are actually mountain top villagers from the happiest country in the world: Bhutan in Asia. They play their real life roles so naturally and convincingly.

The film is a testimony about the past, about the relationship between man and nature, but somehow it is also an invitation for us, the city people, to return to nature, to our lost innocence.

The mountain landscapes from thousands of meters above sea level are extraordinary, I actually couldn't get enough of such beauty. Nature remains forever the source of human existence.

Films from other "exotic" countries are welcome. Through these films I discover other cultures, other ways of understanding the existence on Earth.

This is my first experience with a Bhutanese film and I'm glad it was so. Lunana is a quite simplistic movie about a teacher from the city assigned to the most geographically isolated school in the country, and how he learns from his experiences there with the villagers and his students.

Well acted and beautifully photographed, Lunana is a movie that makes you feel a sense of peace and happiness throughout. I enjoyed this movie and will look forward to more from this country.

Entertainment value: 7 Visuals: 8 Soundtrack: 7 Plot: 6 World building and depth: 8 Characters and dialog: 8 Total: 7,5

The good: Bhutan is an amazingly beautiful country and it's a joy to watch this movie largely because of it. The city boy reluctantly goes to the country side and falls in love with it is not a very original story but the Bhutanese take on it is not something I have seen before and it gave it a bit of originality. I liked the interactions with the village people and how his bond to them developed. You just got to love the character Pam Zam right away.

The bad: Almost nothing, a bit too predictable I guess.

Bhutan as a country is high on the gross happiness index and a large number of people are happy and content. However there is a percentage of people who would like to migrate to technologically advanced countries to make a life of material happiness. This movie is a story one such young man Sherab Dorji, a teacher in Thimpu who wants to move to Australia, become a singer and have a modern lifestyle. (In an impressive scene the village headman says that people have achieved happiness in Bhutan, so why do some go foreign lands in search of happiness ?) Since Sherab is bound by contract with the Bhutanese government, he is asked to go to a far off place Lunana high in the hills on a teaching assignment for one year. It is a village with a population of 56 only. Very reluctantly he moves out there but the 8 hour trek on difficult mountain terrain followed by the discomforts of daily life with no electricity, internet are too much for him. He wants to go back to Thimpu but the overwhelming love and affection of the local people and his 8 school students make him emotional.

I was curious to see what the Oscar Academy members liked in this film to give it a nomination for best foreign language film. Maybe they had got bowled over by the sheer simplicity and sweetness of the narrative. ( Maybe like Satyajit Ray's "Panther Panchali" was hailed as a classic about 70 years ago ) The movie is embellished with some mesmerising cinematography which captures the rural landscape admirably. Lots of forest greenery and a number of meandering streams. While the scenes are heartwarming, the narrative is slow and laidback , a hallmark of a classic I think. One needs some patience to sit through some portions. There are endearing scenes like the class captain Pen Zam coming to get the teacher on the first day. Sherab sets up the classroom from scratch with blackboard ,charts and teaches them ABC, maths, brushing their teeth, basketball and singing etc etc.

What about the Yak in the classroom? Yes there is one happy yak in the rear munching grass whose dung can be used as fuel.

This simple but delightful tale, of a young teacher in the Bhutanese capital who dreams of emigrating to Australia who is reluctantly and unexpectedly sent to the high mountains area to teach in a remote tiny village school is both unusual and also a true story. It's a terrific feel good experience with I think a broad audience appeal which gives a real insight into Bhutanese life and transports its audience somewhere pretty extraordinary. It is a slow and considered film and it takes its time, but I was engrossed and lost in the place and landscape and ended up thoroughly enjoying the experience. The film is not going to set the world alight, but in its own quiet way it's a fine achievement.

A lovely film that put Bhutan on the world cinema map. The Bhutanese people are truly wonderful and uncorrupted with high happiness quotient. Made with Taiwanese support, it is wonderful and can be compared with Konchalovsky's debut Russian film "The First Teacher" (1965) Error trivia for the Bhutanese: Yaks not only produce dung but urinate indoors-the filmmakers don't seem to be bothered with reality beyond a point.

I hoped for more from this movie in terms of its spiritual message. Besides the point that it was very predictable, the activity of this young teacher in the poor village was short, overstated and almost a fake story. It didn't sustained the idea that a simple life is better then a modern, complex existence in a reacher place.

Mixed messages were constantly send to the viewer merely ment to confuse instead of giving a strait idea of what the hero wanted to do with his life.

It is clear that the movie praises the natural rural life in its most simple almost brutal poverty instead of a modern, western lifestyle , as his dream was to go to Australia, which the hero actually did but " of course " remained unhappy.

He should have stayed in Burhan and get reach " why not" from tourism where the Buthanese charges tourists to no less than 250 $ per day to visit this " heavenly county".