Watch Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom

The remote mountainous region of Bhutan serves as the setting for the 2019 film "Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom". Directed by Pawo Choyning Dorji, the film follows Ugyen (Sherab Dorji), a young and disgruntled teacher who is appointed to a remote school in the village of Lunana. Feeling disenchanted with his current life, Ugyen reluctantly agrees to the transfer as a means of seeking a change in this routine existence.

As Ugyen travels to the village, he must navigate treacherous terrain, confronting challenging weather conditions as he journeys through Bhutan's mountainous landscape. Eventually, he reaches his destination and meets the locals, including children who attend the school. The film introduces viewers to the everyday life of the villagers living in this rural and almost inaccessible area of Bhutan. As the only teacher, Ugyen must work with limited resources and adapt to the villagers' ways to gain their respect and establish himself as a capable teacher.

The title of the film is especially interesting since a yak is the last animal one would expect to see in a classroom setting. However, this is precisely what happens when a yak wanders into Ugyen's classroom one day, sparking an impromptu lesson and testing the students' and Ugyen's resourcefulness. The comedic aspect of this moment serves as a reminder to not take oneself too seriously and see humor in the unexpected.

Throughout the film, viewers can sense Ugyen's transformation, from his initial unwillingness to accept his assignment as a teacher in Lunana to his eventual acceptance of his role within the community. The viewer sees Ugyen learning how to connect with his students, discovering what interests them, and learning about their personal challenges. He inspires them to dream beyond the mountains that encircle the village and consider what possibilities the world outside may hold.

The film includes beautiful cinematography that captures the natural contrast of the surrounding landscape. The scenery provides a beautiful backdrop to the storyline, and the cinematography exhibits the vast and wild beauty of Bhutan. The recital of Bhutanese folktales by some of the villagers provides another cultural element that adds to the viewer's overall appreciation of the country.

The performances of the lead actors further enhance the captivating nature of the film. Sherab Dorji delivers an excellent portrayal of an individual struggling with his identity and his place in the world. Dorji's character both resonates with viewers and forces them to consider the idea that life can be unpredictable, revealing unexpected surprises and opportunities.

Ugyen Norbu Lhendup and Kelden Lhamo Gurung play supporting characters and deliver powerful and emotional performances that add to the film's overall impact. The interactions between the main characters reveal the deepness of relationships and how they can transform in unexpected ways.

In conclusion, "Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom" is a charming movie that captures the beauty of Bhutan's mountainous landscape and the unique cultural identity of its people. The film manages to combine humor, drama, and touches of romance into a captivating story of a man who discovers his place in the world. The movie reminds us that, no matter where we come from, we all share a desire for meaningful connections and a satisfying life. Anyone in need of encouragement to overcome the mundaneness of routine existence will find this film to be an inspirationfully uplifting experience.

Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom is a 2022 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5 and a MetaScore of 76.