Watch Sing Me a Song

Sing Me a Song is a 2019 documentary film that follows the story of Peyangki, a young monk from a remote Buddhist monastery in Bhutan who is obsessed with using his smartphone. The film, directed by Thomas Balmès, takes an intimate look at how technology is slowly changing the way of life in the secluded Himalayan kingdom.

The movie begins with a breathtaking aerial shot of the Bhutanese mountainscape, accompanied by the soothing sound of monks chanting. The camera then pans down to a young Peyangki, who is seen walking up a winding path to his monastery. The opening scene sets the tone for the rest of the film, as it contrasts the traditional, spiritual life of the monks with the fast-paced, tech-driven world outside.

Throughout the movie, we see Peyangki using his smartphone to connect with a young girl named Ugyen who lives in the city. The two met when Ugyen visited the monastery on a school trip, and have kept in touch ever since. Peyangki uses his phone to show Ugyen his daily routine, from prayer and meditation to playing football with the other monks. Ugyen, on the other hand, shows him the busy streets of Thimphu, the capital city, and her life as a modern-day teenager.

As the story unfolds, we see how the use of technology begins to affect Peyangki's relationship with his spiritual leader, the head monk of the monastery. The head monk becomes increasingly concerned about Peyangki's obsession with his phone and how it distracts him from his duties as a monk. Despite the warnings, Peyangki continues to use his phone for hours on end, until he eventually gets into trouble.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is how it portrays the changing nature of Bhutanese society. While it is still a deeply spiritual and traditional country, it is slowly embracing the modern world. The movie shows the contrast between the peaceful, meditative life of the monks and the chaotic, bustling city that is just a few miles away. It also highlights the cultural and generational divide between the monks and the younger generation, who are eager to adopt new technologies.

Sing Me a Song is not just a documentary about a young boy and his smartphone. It is a powerful commentary on the impact of technology on developing countries, and how it is changing the way of life for millions of people around the world. It raises important questions about how much technology is too much, and how we can balance the benefits of modern technology with the need to preserve our cultural heritage.

In conclusion, Sing Me a Song is a beautifully shot and thought-provoking documentary that is sure to spark conversations about technology, culture, and tradition. It tells a compelling story about a young boy who is caught between two worlds, and how he navigates the challenges that come with both. It is a must-see for anyone interested in Bhutanese culture, spirituality, and the impact of technology on our lives.

Sing Me a Song is a 2021 documentary. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 63.