Can a remote Himalayan monastery find spiritual harmony while obsessing over the World Cup?
In short: In the 1999 film The Cup, two young Tibetan refugee monks in India become consumed by soccer fever. Their singular mission to secure a television for the 1998 World Cup final creates a charming, humorous clash between ancient monastic traditions and the irresistible pull of modern global sports culture.
Directed by Khyentse Norbu, a Tibetan Lama who studied film in New York City, The Cup marks a unique intersection of Buddhist philosophy and contemporary cinema. The story follows Orgyen, a young soccer enthusiast living in a monastery in exile, who rallies his peers to find a way to watch the final match between France and Brazil. This quest serves as a test of their collective resourcefulness and friendship, grounding the narrative in the realities of life for Tibetan refugees in the village of Bir, Himachal Pradesh.
The film’s production was supported by producer Jeremy Thomas, who had previously collaborated with Norbu on Little Buddha. Upon its release, the project gained international acclaim, notably appearing in the Director’s Fortnight at Cannes. Critics praised the film for its warmth and accessibility; Roger Ebert noted that it avoids being an impenetrable mystery, instead showing how spirituality and a passion for sports can exist side by side. Tom Dawson of the BBC highlighted its ability to naturally weave universal themes of modernization and human endeavor into a simple, engaging story.
Beyond its narrative success, the film holds a significant place in cinematic history as the first project ever submitted by Bhutan for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. While it did not secure a nomination, it resonated with global audiences, achieving an 85% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. In 2007, a DVD release introduced a wider audience to the work, including a documentary where Norbu reflects on the intersection of his filmmaking and Buddhist teachings. With a perfect five-star review from Empire magazine, the film remains a celebrated, lighthearted exploration of how shared human interests can bridge the gap between vastly different worlds.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: The Cup (1999 film)
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