i just finished watching this show on DVD. Generally a simple story with predictable plot. I always thought this movie is about some young monks trying hard to play football in their secular life. But, it turned out to be a world cup which changed the lives of these monks. More importantly, the show allows the public to see the hidden side of these monks. They can be playful and lazy. They are even capable of playing pranks and cracking good jokes. Orgyen is certainly a notable character in the show. A strong personality who display no religious qualities in the earlier parts of the film. i like him more and more as the show progressed. The film ties strongly to Buddhist teachings and gives you a new perspective to life and Buddhism. Expect to be exposed to some Tibetan culture and football.
44 Reviews
This film "covered my feet in leather"
sweetty092430 January 2002
This is a delightful little film, and freshman effort from the little country of Bhutan. Had it not been based on true events, I would have found it hard to believe. Not claiming to know much about the life of a Bhuddist Monk, I didn't think they allowed themselves to be interested in more than chanting and karmic evolvement. This film acts as a great "equalizer", confirming my beliefs that we all are the same. We just tend to say it differently. The young monk who is the protaganist of this film reminds me so much of many young men I know. With his pushy, overbearing and sometimes irreverent behavior, you see a side of monkhood that is so often hidden in films. They are not perfect and they are prone to the same foibles we all have. Mainly, DESIRE. And desire no matter how innocent, or deviant, will get you everytime. The landscape appeared to be beautiful, the misty Himalayas, the rolling fields and saffron robes blowing in the wind beneath matching parasols. Unfortunately the cinematographer did not capitalize on all of this natural beauty, but merely glanced at the splendor as if it were merely coincidental. So all we get are mere glimpses at what should have been scenes lovingly caressed by the lens. This was a situation where the landscape and the camera should have clearly become lovers. But beyond that, I was swept away at the innocence of the director and it was a refreshing change to my jaded eyes. In my opinion, the more contrived Hollywood machine would not have been able to do more justice to this simple forthright piece of storytelling. And I am personally pushing for them to see the next World Cup games in person. Wanna take up a collection?
Pure enjoyable fun
smakawhat7 June 2000
Being that two of my many passions in life are soccer and movies I was very interested in seeing this film.
Needless to say, I really enjoyed it. Sometimes a little slow but more than makes up for it. Besides having some VERY funny moments and wonderful characters (that kid was just a scream) the movie really de-mystefies the budhist monks that Westerners seem to sterotype as extremely devoted and mystical.
In reality they are just like us. They have their passions, and joke about everything just like everyone else. They are shown in this film for what the truly are, 'human'. Sure the movie shows the practices which is interesting to see, but it then shows scenes of the devotees, talking about girls, fascinated by the outside world (soccer), not practing their studies, being lazy, and acting just like everyday people.
Great fun film.
Rating 8 out of 10
PS - Yes I'd try my darndest too to not miss the World Cup final.
Needless to say, I really enjoyed it. Sometimes a little slow but more than makes up for it. Besides having some VERY funny moments and wonderful characters (that kid was just a scream) the movie really de-mystefies the budhist monks that Westerners seem to sterotype as extremely devoted and mystical.
In reality they are just like us. They have their passions, and joke about everything just like everyone else. They are shown in this film for what the truly are, 'human'. Sure the movie shows the practices which is interesting to see, but it then shows scenes of the devotees, talking about girls, fascinated by the outside world (soccer), not practing their studies, being lazy, and acting just like everyday people.
Great fun film.
Rating 8 out of 10
PS - Yes I'd try my darndest too to not miss the World Cup final.
Interesting, funny and moving
Nikos-1224 May 2000
In the 1950s, the Chinese invaded Tibet, killing one fifth of the six million inhabitants and destroying over 10,000 Buddhist monasteries. Today, Buddhism is strictly forbidden in Tibet and even owning a picture of the Dalai Lama is a crime. Consequently, many families send their children to monasteries-in-exile in India and Bhutan in order to receive a traditional Buddhist education. The Cup is set in such a monastery, at the time of last World Cup.
Orgyen (Jamyang Lodro) is a young monk who is obsessed with football. When he isn't pretending to be Ronaldo or discussing the World Cup in the middle of prayer, he is planning to see the next game in the local village without getting caught by Geko (Orgyen Tobgyal, Jamyang Lodro's father in real life), the father-figure disciplinarian of the monastery. With his friend Lodo (Neten Chokling), he quickly persuades new arrival Palden (Kunsang Nyima) to join them, while Geko and the Abbot (Lama Chonjor, real-life Abbot of Chokling Monastery, where The Cup was filmed) try to maintain discipline and fathom the rules of the game.
Directed by Khyentse Norbu, a first time feature director and important Buddhist figure himself, The Cup features an all-monk cast, none of whom had any acting experience prior to filming. Essentially a documentary about monastic life, The Cup nevertheless shows the realities of the Tibetans' political situation and combines serious issues with a more light-hearted style. It is genuinely witty in places and with great performances from Jamyang Lodro and Orgyen Tobgyal, always a pleasure to watch. The foothills of the Himalayas are beautifully photographed and the score is appropriately inobtrusive. On what is usually described as a 'shoestring budget' ('sandal-strap' might be more appropriate) Khyentse Norbu has created a lovely little film that deserves all the success it can get.
Orgyen (Jamyang Lodro) is a young monk who is obsessed with football. When he isn't pretending to be Ronaldo or discussing the World Cup in the middle of prayer, he is planning to see the next game in the local village without getting caught by Geko (Orgyen Tobgyal, Jamyang Lodro's father in real life), the father-figure disciplinarian of the monastery. With his friend Lodo (Neten Chokling), he quickly persuades new arrival Palden (Kunsang Nyima) to join them, while Geko and the Abbot (Lama Chonjor, real-life Abbot of Chokling Monastery, where The Cup was filmed) try to maintain discipline and fathom the rules of the game.
Directed by Khyentse Norbu, a first time feature director and important Buddhist figure himself, The Cup features an all-monk cast, none of whom had any acting experience prior to filming. Essentially a documentary about monastic life, The Cup nevertheless shows the realities of the Tibetans' political situation and combines serious issues with a more light-hearted style. It is genuinely witty in places and with great performances from Jamyang Lodro and Orgyen Tobgyal, always a pleasure to watch. The foothills of the Himalayas are beautifully photographed and the score is appropriately inobtrusive. On what is usually described as a 'shoestring budget' ('sandal-strap' might be more appropriate) Khyentse Norbu has created a lovely little film that deserves all the success it can get.
The way is Monk-ey business.
=G=6 November 2000
"The Cup" is a lighthearted look inside a Buddhist monastery and the lives of some young expatriated Tibetan Monk soccer fans. This simple story is told in a simple way with a serenity not often found in western films. Some will find this film's slow pace tedious while others will appreciate a rare look at an esoteric and cloistered culture.
Featherweight Comedy About World Cup Fever....in Bhutan!
EUyeshima22 February 2006
This one is a discreet little charmer and apparently the first film ever produced in the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, probably one of the world's most isolated countries and inevitably a high-priced destination for upscale yuppie travelers. Directed and written by first-time filmmaker Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche (a.k.a. Khyentse Norbu), the third incarnation of a 19th-century lama, this featherweight 1999 family-oriented comedy is about the impact of cultural change to a semi-cloistered Buddhist monastery-in-exile in northern India. Paul Warren's colorful cinematography captures the images of a beautiful country, but the movie is far more enjoyable than a National Geographic-style travelogue.
The fact-based story centers on Orgyen, a soccer-obsessed 14 year-old boy living at the monastery. So caught up in World Cup fever during the summer of 1998, he sneaks sneak out of the monastery at night to catch satellite broadcasts of the semi-final matches in a neighboring village. Forbidden by the elders to continue his viewing in town, Orgyen and his friend Lodo uses all their wiles to get a satellite dish for the monastery much to the consternation of the abbot and his second-in-command preceptor. Time is of the essence since the TV needs to work in time for the final match between Brazil and the favorite of the monks, France.
What is refreshing is how the exotic locale lends itself to the comical hijinks without sacrificing the authenticity of the Buddhist culture portrayed. Norbu was able to coax the entire Chokling monastery to participate in the film, and the non-professional cast is perfectly decent delivering their obviously just-memorized lines of dialogue. Jamyang Lodro is particularly winning as Orgyen. It all reminds me a bit of the 1980 Coke bottle-from-heaven comedy, "The Gods Must Be Crazy" and also the second son's TV obsession in last year's Mongolian documentary, "The Story of the Weeping Camel". The visual quality on the DVD is excellent. There are no extras included.
The fact-based story centers on Orgyen, a soccer-obsessed 14 year-old boy living at the monastery. So caught up in World Cup fever during the summer of 1998, he sneaks sneak out of the monastery at night to catch satellite broadcasts of the semi-final matches in a neighboring village. Forbidden by the elders to continue his viewing in town, Orgyen and his friend Lodo uses all their wiles to get a satellite dish for the monastery much to the consternation of the abbot and his second-in-command preceptor. Time is of the essence since the TV needs to work in time for the final match between Brazil and the favorite of the monks, France.
What is refreshing is how the exotic locale lends itself to the comical hijinks without sacrificing the authenticity of the Buddhist culture portrayed. Norbu was able to coax the entire Chokling monastery to participate in the film, and the non-professional cast is perfectly decent delivering their obviously just-memorized lines of dialogue. Jamyang Lodro is particularly winning as Orgyen. It all reminds me a bit of the 1980 Coke bottle-from-heaven comedy, "The Gods Must Be Crazy" and also the second son's TV obsession in last year's Mongolian documentary, "The Story of the Weeping Camel". The visual quality on the DVD is excellent. There are no extras included.
Soccer and Spirituality
johnfos29 May 2005
This film is an authentic look at the situation that many young Tibetan men and boys find themselves in following the Chinese occupation of Tibet. But the film doesn't dwell on Tibetan politics, it is a light-hearted and elegantly-simple film inspired by true events at a Tibetan monastery-in-exile in Bhutan, where young Buddhist monks develop an interest in the World Cup soccer final.
The Abbot of the monastery and the older Lamas just have no idea what soccer is, and there is a humorous scene where the old Lama is sleeping in the sun and the young monk Orgyen comes up to him:
Orgyen: "Do a prediction for us Lama"; Old Lama: "Can't you see I'm busy!"; Orgyen: "At least say prayers for France"; Old Lama: "Are they sick?!!?"
And when everyone has seen the World Cup final, the serious Buddhist message comes home, in a beautiful way...
"If a problem can be solved, why be unhappy? And if it cannot, what is the use of being unhappy?"
'The Cup' contrasts strongly with earlier big-budget, stylised, productions about Tibetan Buddhism such as 'Seven Years in Tibet' and 'Kundun'. It is in the same vein as 'Samsara', which is also a very good film.
PS Director Khyentse Norbu (who is said to be a re-incarnate Lama) also has a new movie out -- 'Travellers and Magicians' (2003).
The Abbot of the monastery and the older Lamas just have no idea what soccer is, and there is a humorous scene where the old Lama is sleeping in the sun and the young monk Orgyen comes up to him:
Orgyen: "Do a prediction for us Lama"; Old Lama: "Can't you see I'm busy!"; Orgyen: "At least say prayers for France"; Old Lama: "Are they sick?!!?"
And when everyone has seen the World Cup final, the serious Buddhist message comes home, in a beautiful way...
"If a problem can be solved, why be unhappy? And if it cannot, what is the use of being unhappy?"
'The Cup' contrasts strongly with earlier big-budget, stylised, productions about Tibetan Buddhism such as 'Seven Years in Tibet' and 'Kundun'. It is in the same vein as 'Samsara', which is also a very good film.
PS Director Khyentse Norbu (who is said to be a re-incarnate Lama) also has a new movie out -- 'Travellers and Magicians' (2003).
A well executed simple story.
knmnyn27 February 2000
The story focuses on a group of monks in a Buddhist monastery who are avid football fanatics. Their love of the game gets them into trouble with the authorities of the monastery, who try to persuade them to concentrate on their studies.
The story is predictable, no surprises. But the setting of the story contrasts well with the zealousness with which the monks pursue football. This is a movie with contrasting themes, with a dash of plain humor mixed in. Good for those tired days, when you want to relax and enjoy a simple movie without needing to too get intellectually involved.
The story is predictable, no surprises. But the setting of the story contrasts well with the zealousness with which the monks pursue football. This is a movie with contrasting themes, with a dash of plain humor mixed in. Good for those tired days, when you want to relax and enjoy a simple movie without needing to too get intellectually involved.
Buddhism is their philosophy. Soccer is their religion.
Lady_Targaryen8 February 2006
Warning: Spoilers
I like ''Phörpa'' for many reasons. One of them, is to see some of the Tibetan's culture,that I always found one of the most beautiful and interesting cultures from the East. Other, was the plot, because all the movies I already watched with Tibetan themes was to show Dalai Lama's life or Tibet's situation,what means that they were all serious movies with serious themes. I like serious plots and themes, but 'Phörpa' is very remarkable because it shows a funny side of the young monks and their disciplined life. The story passes during the World Cup, and the character Orgyen is very funny and full of life,removing the myth that the young monks who live in the monastery needs to have passive personality. We see that all the young monks are humans as we are, and they also like soccer!:) I liked a lot and I deeply recommend it!
5,5 / 10 not recommended
SPA2TACU527 April 2005
Country: Bhutan / Australia
director: Khyentse Norbu
Born in 1961 in Bhutan, Khyentse Norbu (a.k.a. Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche)... (show more)
its not really a "western" film...
anyway i had some good hopes and expectations but this film didn't turn out to be a little gem or anything near exciting so just check it
if you're interested in monks, Tibet, football (soccer for the Yankees), or low budget foreign films otherwise don't be disappointed to have missed it
director: Khyentse Norbu
Born in 1961 in Bhutan, Khyentse Norbu (a.k.a. Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche)... (show more)
its not really a "western" film...
anyway i had some good hopes and expectations but this film didn't turn out to be a little gem or anything near exciting so just check it
if you're interested in monks, Tibet, football (soccer for the Yankees), or low budget foreign films otherwise don't be disappointed to have missed it
Enemies are endless; so give up hatred!!
som-215 August 2005
Phorpa is a simple and beautiful movie..it deserves more star than it got. This simple movie does not contain any gimmick, car chasing, fighting, evil spirit, hero-anti hero ( the conventional movie subjects ), but contains feelings expressed by very common people ( who are also political victim and list their country ). Its superb direction, since there was enough reason to show battles between countries, hatred among people and religion..but nothing was shown...in stead , it says: "Give up hatred, since you can't win over all the enemies..enemies are endless"..What a message!!! I hope audience gets the above message since it comes directly from the sufferers who has lost their own country, yet you don't hear much against anything! This carefully drawn story teaches us lot while its objective was not teaching... Its superb, its terrific..gets a 10 out of 10 rating!
A unique movie
starman276523 June 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Made 4 years before Travelers and Magicians by the same writer/director. The story is a bit more insular, as it deals with monks living in a monastery. Much is lost on the non-Buddhist viewer, though it is material that are more knowing asides, and therefore neither essential to the plot, nor of great importance to the viewer. There are a number of points that the movie makes which is great. The journey is the destination, the greatest love we feel can be transmuted to the whole of the universe; that there are many enemies too many to defeat but that there is a way to defeat them all. That is to conquer hatred.
Somewhat preachy, somewhat schmaltzy; this movie ain't for you if that isn't your cup of tea. It is well put together, funny and doesn't try to convert you or drown you with its preach or schmaltz.
I'd love to work for the guy, if he's good to work for. His principles.
Thumbs up, I'd see it again with a Buddhist teacher or someone who wanted to see it themselves.
Somewhat preachy, somewhat schmaltzy; this movie ain't for you if that isn't your cup of tea. It is well put together, funny and doesn't try to convert you or drown you with its preach or schmaltz.
I'd love to work for the guy, if he's good to work for. His principles.
Thumbs up, I'd see it again with a Buddhist teacher or someone who wanted to see it themselves.
TURNING BUDDHIST
kevin c25 September 2001
Similar to "Kundun" this film captures the charm and dignity of the oppressed Tibetan monks. It also captures the romance and addiction of football. You watch this film, and remember the ease and comfort with which you and I watched France '98. Many others are not so lucky. They do not deserve our pity, nor does this film seek it. Instead it champions life, and our inner-spirit and resolve. A charming little film.
Free Tibet!
Free Tibet!
worth watching again
macbethp30 July 2003
I first saw this movie in a theater several years ago, not knowing what to expect. I remember that the children's singing at the beginning of the movie sounded a little harsh (unlike anything I'd heard before) but, by the end, the same singing enchanted me, I heard its sweetness, and I left knowing I had to see the movie again to take it all in. Since then I've bought the movie and I'm delighted that my young soccer-loving nieces and nephews (from different countries) love the movie as well, and want to see it whenever they visit--a tiny little contribution towards cross-cultural awareness. Great movie for kids and adults.
Utterly charming!
JesNollie26 August 2001
What a funny, charming movie. It's nice to know that boys will be boys, wherever they are. Even while in exile in a monastery. The scene of them looking at girls in magazines is great. The fact that it's based on true events makes it all the more charming. I loved it!
Yes, it is a simple story, slowly directed as most of life is in slower pace!
kannanp9 September 2003
Simple story of young monks and few old exiled monks and their lives. Soccer is explained to the Abbot as countries fighting over a ball (Different perspective). America is spoken of favourably. This movie touched me in many ways. I had grown up in places like this, visited places like this all my life, though not Dharmasala.
People can live in peace. Will we ever learn? Presence of the menacing Chinese Dragon is alluded to but no statements are made as to the politics. There is a deep longing, suffering, sadness and acceptance of the inevitable in the old Abbot's character. Contrast that with the enthusiasm, indeed passion for life, in Orgyen. The way of the young Monk! This story is based on true events.
I was really touched by the attachment of the youngest monk to a watch; his mother gave it to him. The watch is the only worldly possession of the youngest monk, it is not even running and he parts with it when his uncle asks for it. Filial! so eastern. As soon as he parts with it he misses it and is pensive about it, not interested in watching the Soccer World Finals. See the impact of that emotion on Orgyen. He loses interest in his most anticipated Soccer World Finals. He wants to do everything he can to recover the pawned watch to its rightful owner. Abbot just signs to Geko who goes out to Orgyen and comforts him. A stroke or two on the young Monk's head. No speeches. I was speechless at that moment.
There is every aspect of every emotion in everyone's lives; including a Monk's. As the movie draws to a close, there are few statements, with subtitles, pay close attention. It is pure, simple and philosophical outlook on life.
Will China ever return Tibet to Tibetans? Tibet is already ethnic cleansed where most men are gone. Women are used by Chinese. So on.....
People can live in peace. Will we ever learn? Presence of the menacing Chinese Dragon is alluded to but no statements are made as to the politics. There is a deep longing, suffering, sadness and acceptance of the inevitable in the old Abbot's character. Contrast that with the enthusiasm, indeed passion for life, in Orgyen. The way of the young Monk! This story is based on true events.
I was really touched by the attachment of the youngest monk to a watch; his mother gave it to him. The watch is the only worldly possession of the youngest monk, it is not even running and he parts with it when his uncle asks for it. Filial! so eastern. As soon as he parts with it he misses it and is pensive about it, not interested in watching the Soccer World Finals. See the impact of that emotion on Orgyen. He loses interest in his most anticipated Soccer World Finals. He wants to do everything he can to recover the pawned watch to its rightful owner. Abbot just signs to Geko who goes out to Orgyen and comforts him. A stroke or two on the young Monk's head. No speeches. I was speechless at that moment.
There is every aspect of every emotion in everyone's lives; including a Monk's. As the movie draws to a close, there are few statements, with subtitles, pay close attention. It is pure, simple and philosophical outlook on life.
Will China ever return Tibet to Tibetans? Tibet is already ethnic cleansed where most men are gone. Women are used by Chinese. So on.....
a humorous and wise film
ajpeustace19 January 2000
Phorpa is an unassuming, warm-hearted film and undermined any expectations I had of it being cutesy or sentimental. It portrays life in a genuine Tibetan Buddhist monastery in very down-to-earth, often comic, terms.
The monks in the film are refreshingly unholy, displaying all-too-human tendencies and interests. None of the cast are trained actors, all being genuine monks, and some of the acting reflects this, but overall I was left with the feeling that I had seen a rare and worthwhile film. The Buddhist take on endings (at the end of the film, of all places) is particularly appropriate. This film (like life), doesn't necessarily reach a logical or dramatic finale, but it does leave one feeling inspired.
The monks in the film are refreshingly unholy, displaying all-too-human tendencies and interests. None of the cast are trained actors, all being genuine monks, and some of the acting reflects this, but overall I was left with the feeling that I had seen a rare and worthwhile film. The Buddhist take on endings (at the end of the film, of all places) is particularly appropriate. This film (like life), doesn't necessarily reach a logical or dramatic finale, but it does leave one feeling inspired.
Only watch the trailer... because it is a better production than the movie!
coneybear1 April 2008
A slow, bland, and story-less movie. It does however give a very good insight of living through the eyes of an exiled Tibetan monk. This is the movie's only saving grace, and the reason it gets 3 stars instead of 1 (or zero if possible!).
And even with the view from a monks perspective, the same experience could have been achieved with a 10 minute short film instead of a 90 minute feature!
It also seems they used real monks as actors because they are very bad thespians, even from behind the leveling shield of English subtitles!
The trailer for this movie is unique... I have seen trailers before that contain every single good part of a movie, they promise a lot, and the film turns out to be a disappointment. But in this case there are NO good parts in the movie! The trailer stitches a whole lot of boring scenes together in such a way as to make a mini-movie that is actually a lot better than the movie itself! It is quite an amazing accomplishment, and perhaps worth getting this movie out on DVD just to compare the trailer to the movie!
I saw this movie on the shelf at the local rental store one night, and read the synopsis on the back cover which sounded OK. Then I vaguely remembered seeing the trailer at some stage in the past and thinking it looked like a decent movie. So I thought "why not" and rented it... I should have thought "why" and NOT rented it!
Watched it on April Fools Day, which was appropriate in hindsight!
And even with the view from a monks perspective, the same experience could have been achieved with a 10 minute short film instead of a 90 minute feature!
It also seems they used real monks as actors because they are very bad thespians, even from behind the leveling shield of English subtitles!
The trailer for this movie is unique... I have seen trailers before that contain every single good part of a movie, they promise a lot, and the film turns out to be a disappointment. But in this case there are NO good parts in the movie! The trailer stitches a whole lot of boring scenes together in such a way as to make a mini-movie that is actually a lot better than the movie itself! It is quite an amazing accomplishment, and perhaps worth getting this movie out on DVD just to compare the trailer to the movie!
I saw this movie on the shelf at the local rental store one night, and read the synopsis on the back cover which sounded OK. Then I vaguely remembered seeing the trailer at some stage in the past and thinking it looked like a decent movie. So I thought "why not" and rented it... I should have thought "why" and NOT rented it!
Watched it on April Fools Day, which was appropriate in hindsight!
A rare opportunity ot take your kids to a different "sport" movie
kloomnik24 April 2000
Tired of having to take your kids to formula movies from Hollywood? This terrific film is set in a world unfamiliar to most kids, yet they will discover that basic behavior is much the same everywhere. They will enjoy the familiar themes of school pranks, soccer mania, or group effort towards a "cause", but in an environment drastically different from the cliche American suburbia.
Art imitates life ... a haunting film
yangchenma22 June 2000
Spare, clean, thoughtful footage with spontaneous, charismatic actors and a simple story -- the best kind. Unfolding slowly, the underlying plot flows along like the layers formed by currents in water. The mind of the director is evident in the consistent way it develops a theme of impermanence, while allowing whatever happens to happen.
If nothing else, see it for the incredible music, a Tuva throat singer whose sustained notes are as dense as a golden sunset. I came away with an impression of green and the heartbeat of the life within all beings. I can hardly wait to see what Rinpoche will produce when he comes out of his next retreat. He is, in my view, a true artist, driven by a need to express his vision.
If nothing else, see it for the incredible music, a Tuva throat singer whose sustained notes are as dense as a golden sunset. I came away with an impression of green and the heartbeat of the life within all beings. I can hardly wait to see what Rinpoche will produce when he comes out of his next retreat. He is, in my view, a true artist, driven by a need to express his vision.
Bhutan's first submission to the Oscars
lee_eisenberg16 February 2021
The Himalayan nation of Bhutan is not usually on people's radars, but with "Phörpa" ("The Cup" in English), it made an impressive movie. This look at a group of Tibetan monks hoping to acquire a TV to watch the 1998 World Cup is fun without being ridiculous. I like movies that show us cultures that we don't often get to see. To be certain, this was the first movie that Bhutan ever submitted to the Academy Awards as its nominee for Best Foreign Language Film. I recommend it.
Very enjoyable movie
Andy-2969 January 2001
A thoroughly enjoyable film, about a group of Tibetan monks in northern India trying to catch the 1998 World Cup on television (TV is not allowed into the monastery, so they have to sneaked out to watch the matches in a local bar, until the abbot finally relents and lets them watch the games). The director is a true-life lama (!), and the movie is somewhat amateurish at parts, but this is easily compensated by the originality of the story, and by the appeal of the actors (who, apparently, are monks themselves). Far more entertaining that other movies about Tibet made by westerners (like Little Buddha, Kundun, Seven Years in Tibet, etc.)
One Of The Best Foreign Movies I Have Ever Seen!
Zycho-36 August 2000
Phorpe or The Cup is probably the best foreign film I have ever seen, no kidding. It excels beyond a limit in every area, the acting from the young Budhist children are excellent, while the screenplay is brilliant and original. Phorpe (The Cup) is simply one of the best, most intriguing, and most original films I have seen in a long time.
In short, it is exactly the sort of movie New Zealand should be making. A funny, touching and exquisite picture that should be cherished.
Rating: 9
In short, it is exactly the sort of movie New Zealand should be making. A funny, touching and exquisite picture that should be cherished.
Rating: 9
We enter the simple lives of the monks and find that they have the same human desires and needs that we in the world have.
sundplega28 July 2002
I really liked this film because in entering the lives of the monks--refugees from Tibet--we find the qualities that all human beings share--desire, love, kindness,need, and more. We also learn from this simple story how in the complexity of our own Western lives we need to take time out to recognize the values that make us human--at our best.
See also
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