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Jamyang Lodro, Orgyen Tobgyal, Neten Chokling

A group of Tibetan monks finds themselves torn between spiritual enlightenment and their love for soccer in the comedy Phorpa/The Cup. In Northern India near the Himalayas, a band of Buddhist monks fr... read more read more...om Tibet have set up a monastery in exile from their native land. Under the gaze of their leaders -- firm-handed Geko and the Khempo, a more easy-going sort -- new students are instructed in Buddhist practices as the monks educate young children, who are usually fidgety and prefer to discuss football rather than spiritual matters. Two of the novice monks, Lodo and Orgyens, are also avid soccer fans, and they eventually find themselves punished for watching a match on television without permission. However, the tiny wave of soccermania sparked by the new arrivals begins to grow, and when the young monks ask permission to watch the upcoming World Cup Final between France and Brazil, Geko and the Khempo say yes. However, now the monks have to figure out how to pay for the satellite dish they'll need to pull in the broadcast. First-time director Khyentse Norbu was himself a Buddhist monk, lending an authenticity to the proceedings. Phorpa/The Cup was shown as part of the Directors Fortnight series at the 1999 Cannes Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Flixster Users

86% liked it

830 ratings

Critics

85% liked it

33 critics

G, 1 hr. 34 min.

Directed by: Khyentse Norbu

Release Date: August 29, 1999

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DVD Release Date: September 26, 2000

Stats: 96 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (96)

  • wanbaclone
    January 13, 2009
    wanbaclone
    This film, apparently the first film from Bhutan distributed worldwide, isnt a tentative step. Just about any film that must be qualified in a such a way, probably doesnt merit a view. The Cup (or Phorpa) doesnt need to be qualified. This is significant considering its Khyentse N... read moreorbus first pass at direction, and all the cast members are monks and not professional actors. Whats more, Orgyen Tobgyal won me over the minute he made it on to the screen as few child actors do. Norbu does an excellent job at leaving the complexity of the two head monks in tact. They are neither harsh nor out-to-lunch. They care very deeply for their pupils. The ease with which these two characters could have descended to characture shows Norbus good sense. While there are a few scenes that linger too long and could have used a bit of editing, itd be really hard to dislike this film.

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Critic Reviews

Jeffrey M. Anderson
June 24, 2003
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid

A lovely, delightful, and quiet movie that's easy to swallow and doesn't disrupt the patterns of the world. Full Review

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
August 21, 2002
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice

An endearing Tibetan drama about loving others and giving up one's attachments. Full Review

Luis Martinez
May 13, 2002
Luis Martinez, Cinenganos

La película vuela entre las reflexiones espirituales y las divertidas situaciones de un monje para ver los partidos de soccer en la Copa del Mundo.

John A. Nesbit
January 1, 2000
John A. Nesbit, Old School Reviews

proves the monks are far more human than stereotypes have led us to believe Full Review

Maria Garcia
January 1, 2000
Maria Garcia, Film Journal International

Delightful and thought-provoking. Full Review

Dennis Schwartz
January 1, 2000
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews

If all you see is a bunch of kids watching a soccer game on satellite TV, then I think you missed the film's message. Full Review

Frank Swietek
January 1, 2000
Frank Swietek, One Guy's Opinion

There are moments of real charm in The Cup...but for the most part it's content to glide along on a cloud of whimsy. Full Review

Derek Elley
June 19, 2008
Derek Elley, Variety

Click to read the article Full Review

July 21, 2005
Houston Chronicle

Click to read the article Full Review

February 21, 2004
Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Click to read the article Full Review

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