Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom

Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom is a heartwarming and beautifully filmed drama that takes viewers on a fascinating journey through the less explored terrains of Bhutan. Released in 2019, this Bhutanese movie boasts a lively cast starring Sherab Dorji, Ugyen Norbu Lhendup, and Kelden Lhamo Gurung. The film was directed by Pawo Choyning Dorji, a director known for his sensitivity in portraying the unique experiences and dilemmas of ordinary people.

Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom is essentially a story of transformation, exploring themes of self-discovery, life's simple pleasures, and the universal value of education. The film unfolds in two contrasting environments – a bustling, modern city and a remote, idyllic village situated high in the frosty Himalayas.

Sherab Dorji gives a compelling performance as Ugyen, a young, disgruntled, urban teacher who aspires to move to Australia to pursue a singing career. Ugyen is dissatisfied with his current job and is anxiously waiting for an opportunity to escape his mundane existence. However, life undertakes an unexpected turn when Ugyen is assigned by the Ministry of Education to serve in the picturesque but frigid village of Lunana, with its semi-nomadic inhabitants surviving in the world's toughest terrains.

At the core of the narrative is Ugyen's journey of self-discovery, as he is forced out of his comfort zone and compelled to adapt to the rustic, simplistic life of Lunana. What follows is a significant transformation from a disillusioned city dweller, to a dedicated and loved educator in the isolated community.

Ugyen Norbu Lhendup and Kelden Lhamo Gurung provide exceptional performances as the elderly village chief and the young, affable mother respectively – both having significant impact on Ugyen's transformative journey. Their powerful and arresting performances convey raw emotions and exceptionally well-crafted characters that form the backbone of this beautiful narrative.

The film’s camera work shines in its astute portrayal of the stunning Bhutanese landscapes which feature as another character in the story. The breath-taking views of the undulating mountains, lush valleys, and the harsh winters, all superbly captured, weave a visual tapestry that will remain etched in the viewer's memory.

Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom goes beyond the orthodox urban-rural dichotomy, delving deeper into issues of self-fulfillment, cultural preservation, and global alienation. There is a focus throughout about the importance of embracing one's roots, maintaining cultural traditions alive, and the fundamental role of a teacher in shaping a community’s future.

But amidst all the earnestness, the film also blends in elements of humor and warmth to keep the narrative engaging. The film's title is a reference to an amusing yet endearing facet of Ugyen's teaching methods, wherein a domesticated Yak finds its way into a makeshift school – symbolizing the interactions between man and nature inherent in the rural lifestyle.

In essence, Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom is a pictorial ode to the untouched beauty of Bhutan. It's a testament to the power of education, the redemption in self-discovery, and above all, an introspective take on the simplicity and significance of rural life. The film serves as a touching tribute to the landscapes and customs of Bhutan, making it a cinematic experience that acknowledges the struggle and beauty of a life away from the urban clamour.

A movie that will keep you introspecting long after it's over, Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom urges audiences to reassess our rush towards modernization and urges a reconsideration of what we often perceive as 'backward' or 'primitive'. It's an invitation to appreciate the serenity and organic connections inherent in traditional ways of life and to acknowledge the critical role of teachers, almost making them the unsung heroes of any society.

This film, as an ambassador of Bhutan's cinema to the global audience, leaves the viewers with the understanding that happiness is not merely measured by materialistic advancements, but instead by harmonious existence, simplicity, respect for nature, and a community spirit. It beautifully ties the different cultural, geographical, and emotional aspects of Bhutan into a blend of simplistic narratives, thus successfully embodying the essence of Bhutanese cinema.