The Monk and the Gun (bc30)
不丹沒有槍 (bc30)
Once upon a time in Bhutan...
7.2/10 Good 125 votes
- Released
- 17 Sep 2026
- Runtime
- 111 min
- Certificate
- Category I
- Original title
- The Monk and the Gun
- Language
- dz
The verdict
Audiences rate it 7.2 out of 10 on TMDB across 125 votes — a solid score. It is not currently playing in Hong Kong cinemas. Category I · 111 minutes.
What it is about
Kingdom of Bhutan, 2006. Modernization has finally arrived. Bhutan became the last country in the world to connect to the internet and television, and now the biggest change of all: democracy. To teach the people how to vote, the authorities organize a mock election, but the locals seem unconvinced. Traveling to rural Bhutan where religion is more popular than politics, the election supervisor discovers that a monk is planning a mysterious ceremony for the election day.
What to expect
Bhutan, 2006: the last country on earth to get internet and television is now being introduced to democracy, and the authorities stage a mock election to show people how voting works. Out in the countryside, where religion still matters more than politics, an election supervisor finds a monk preparing a mysterious ceremony for election day — and a rifle has found its way into the story. Director Pawo Choyning Dorji keeps the tone wry and unhurried, letting the absurdity of the situation speak for itself rather than milking it for jokes. In Dzongkha with English and Chinese subtitles, 111 minutes, rated I. Opens in Hong Kong on 17 September 2026; it's a small release, so check listings.
Trailer
Cast
- Tandin Wangchuk Tashi
- Tandin Sonam Benji
- Kelsang Choejey
- Deki Lhamo Tshomo
- Pema Zangmo Sherpa Tshering Yangden
- Harry Einhorn Ronald Coleman
- Kelsang Choejay Lama
-
Tandin Phubz
Phurba - Choeying Jatsho Choephel
- Yuphel Lhendup Selden Yuphel
- Phub Dorji Ap Penjor
- Tsheri Zom Angay
- Kunzang Wangmo
- Ugyen Dorji Police Officer
- Pema Tenzin Police Officer
- Oddiyana Kanya Lai-Dorji Shop Girl
Crew
- Director Pawo Choyning Dorji
- Writer Pawo Choyning Dorji
- Original Music Composer Frédéric Alvarez
- Director of Photography Jigme Tenzing
- Editor Ku Hsiao-yun
- Producer Hsu Feng
- Producer Stephanie Lai
- Executive Producer Chayamporn Taeratanachai
- Executive Producer Maria Martin Stanley
- Executive Producer Lisa Henson
- Executive Producer Janee Pennington
- Executive Producer Kris Eiamsakulrat
- Executive Producer Zhang Xin
- Executive Producer William Horberg
- Producer Pawo Choyning Dorji
Streaming in Hong Kong
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Common questions
- How long is the movie?
- 111 minutes.
- What language is it in and are there subtitles?
- Dzongkha, with English and Chinese subtitles.
- Is it suitable for children?
- Yes, it's rated I in Hong Kong, suitable for all ages.
- Is it showing in IMAX?
- The release details don't mention IMAX or other premium formats.