Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom

A compelling and moving account of what teaching can mean to kids and villagers of the most remote location in Bhutan at an altitude of 13,000 feet. Enjoy this young man's reluctant journey into unexpected and unfamiliar territory culminating in how he adapts to the local circumstances to help the eager and kindhearted youngsters and their elders. A family movie that made us laugh, shed tears of joy until the end that provided and opportunity to reflect upon the value of teaching, learning as the foundation for building a better future. Especially significant in face of any effort to undermine the value of teaching and what is being taught. Simply ignore the subtitles and immerse yourselves in this movie.

The acting, directing, cinematography are all good to excellent, but it's hard to comment much because what overwhelms is the *story* and much of the writing. Also heartbreaking and deeply theological. Ugyen Dorji goes to the last place he wants to go to do a job he no longer wants. He experiences beauty, tastes joy, encounters profound truth, receives and returns love, hospitality, generosity, and respect, all of which are lost and invisible to city people who surround themselves with technology and comfort.And then he leaves!He encounters treasure in a remote village, hidden, then he walks away to pursue his dream which by comparison is a bowl of pottage.>We will always be here.

When my wife decided we should watch this movie, I wasn't enthusiastic. But within the first 10 minutes, I was totally hooked. Most or all the actors in this movie are from Bhutan or nearby -- but the quality of their performance is wonderful. And the images of the Himalayas that show up throughout the film are breathtaking. The themes of the movie are universal even though the plot is uniquely set in the Bhutan region. You can relate to everything that happens throughout the film.I simply cannot recommend this move any higher. The price of the DVD is extremely reasonable and the movie is worth 10 times the price!

Engaging tale of a teacher in Bhutan who is sent to teach in the most remote school in the country (and probably in the world). Yes, it's kind of predictable... you gotta figure that he's going to start out hating the place and end up loving it, but it's heart warming, nevertheless. The filmmakers were deservedly acclaimed for being able to make this movie in a place that had no electricity or other amenities! And the scenery is terrific.

The performers, some of whom were not professional actors,wee wonderful and gave a good sense of Bhutanese life. The film is charming but very slow. The story arc is a little too familiar - young man wants to be a rock star and does not want to teach in a remote village (without electricity to recharge devices or battery replacements) but is obligated to do so for one year. He learns from his experience with the villagers and enjoys personal growth which takes him beyond his initial aspiration. It is all about character and the film requires patience. If you are tired of endless action films you will find this a nice alternative.

Shows compassion and love for the people who live there and how people are willing to try to help make it better

LUNANA is gentle, humorous, and profound, and it showcases beautiful Bhutan - no wonder it was nominated for the Oscar for Best International Feature! It’s most worthy artistically, and deeply insightful. Honestly, I kind of surprised myself tonight, as I went to see the movie in person here in Seattle, then bought it as soon as I got home. Want to watch again and again, as this film relaxes me and cheers me up, fills me with gratitude for life. I hope you enjoy it, too!

This is a beautiful story, starts off slow with an apathetic character that would rather be in Australia than serve his last year of service as a teacher. Then he gets sent off to the most remote region in the country, for giving out an attitude. Seems rather harsh but then character gets shaped by circumstances and the tougher they are, they more you get tested.I shed a few tears, , smiled so much, and learned many stories, can't ask for more from a movie.

Loved this unusual film! Considering the children hadn't even seen a camera before, this film is stunning!! So natural, amusing, and moving. A definite must to own!!!

I have been privileged to visit Bhutan several times and it is my favourite place of all the many countries I have visited. This film shows something of what life in Bhutan is like away from the popular places visited by tourists, a simple rural existence with its own culture and customs. It also touches on the influence that modern western culture has had on young Bhutanese people and how that conflicts with traditional values. The plot is simple, and I will not spoil it by detailing it. Do not be put off by the fact that the dialogue is in Bhutanese, as there are excellent subtitles, and the film is further enhanced by traditional Bhutanese music.All in all,a beautiful film that I cannot recommend too highly.