The Cup (1999) ***

Directed by Khyentse Norbu. With Orgyen Tobgyal, Neten Chokling, Jamyang Lodro. You just can’t go wrong with this Bhutanese comedy (Bhutan: a tiny Asian country in the Himalayas, squeezed tight between India and China), which was directed by a Buddhist lama recognized as the incarnation of a 19th century Tibetan saint. The story centers on a group of young Tibetan monks with an unquenchable passion for soccer. During the World Cup playoffs, they sneak out of their monastery by night and make their way to a nearby town to watch the games on television. The film celebrates the values that unite all of humanity. It also idealizes the specific local traditions that contribute to the rich tapestry of cultural diversity. And, most importantly, it manages to reconcile both concepts in a playful and entertaining way. Bhutan's submission for the best foreign film Oscar.