Norbu's 'The Cup' shows the triumph of the spirit

By Joko E.H. Anwar

The Cup

Drama/Comedy, 90 minutes, in Tibetan/Hindi with Bahasa Indonesia

subtitles

Starring: Orgyen Tobgyal, Jamyang Lodro, Neten Chokling

Written & Directed by Khyentse Norbu

A Palm Pictures Presentation.

JAKARTA (JP): One might want to see The Cup simply out of curiosity, since the film was directed by a Tibetan monk. It is also the only feature film from the tiny Kingdom of Bhutan which features a cast of nonactors who are members of a Tibetan monastery.

While the behind-the-scenes story is remarkably interesting, the film itself, which is based on true events, succeeds in standing on its own as a cinematic achievement. The storytelling is superb, charming and absorbing.

The film tells the story of Tibetan Buddhists in the Chokling monastery in the foothills of the Himalayas. They dedicate their lives to the practice of their ancient, time-honored rituals after being banished from their country.

It's the summer of 1998 and several countries are battling each other on the soccer field for the World Cup. The event is nearing its climax, and the cheeky 14-year-old monk Orgyen and his friend Lodo sneak out of the monastery every night to watch the semifinals at a house in the nearby village.

When two more refugees, Palden and his small niece Nyima, arrive from Tibet, the abbot tells Orgyen to take care of them.

Naturally, Orgyen takes Palden to the village with him to watch the soccer games.

When lama Geko finds out about what Orgyen and his friends have been up to, he must find the best way to discipline them, as well as addressing the changes which have already begun to influence the younger residents of the monastery.

While heartwarming and funny, the film is always in control of its emotions. The film also gives insight into the lives of the young monks in the monastery and how they communicate with their teachers.

Being a comedy, the film never slips into worn-out jokes and cliches, even when you think that is the direction it is heading.

Director Norbu is officially recognized as one of the most important incarnate lama in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition today, and is the grandson of one of the most revered Buddhist visionaries of the 20th century.

He is certainly capable of giving audiences insight into Buddhism. Instead of making a film about daily rituals, Norbu chose to make a film about how soccer affects the lives of the monks.

You might wonder how a Tibetan monk made such a good film in his directorial debut. Well, Norbu is not just a monk, he is also a self-confessed film buff!

At the age of 19, Norbu discovered the joys of watching video and became fascinated by the works of Ozu, Andrei Tarkovsky and Satyajit Ray.

Norbu never attended film school but he did work with Bernando Bertolucci in the making of Little Buddha, which stars Keanu Reeves as Prince Siddharta.

He received his film education by watching movies and ended up making a terrific feature in his directorial debut.

The amateur actors also play their parts very well in the film. Though this was not really a stretch as they were practically playing themselves, which adds to the authenticity of the film.

The real delight comes from watching 13-year-old Jamyang Lodro, who plays the spontaneous, clever and kind-hearted Orgyen, a soccer fanatic who writs the name Ronaldo on the T-shirt he wears under his formal robe.

Director Norbu took Lodro on a trip to Disneyland in exchange for his acting in the film.

Orgyen Tobgyal, who plays Geko, is the real-life father of Jamyang Lodro, and his solemnness really fits with his role.

The film also features the eccentric real-life character of Godu Lama, an old lama who is respected as an accomplished yogi by villagers and the monastic community alike.

Godu Lama is often found playing dice in the bars of the refugee settlement and has never washed his hair.

People cannot help but remember the history of Tibet when watching this film.

In the 1950s, the Chinese invaded Tibet and reportedly killed one-fifth of the six million inhabitants and destroyed over 10,000 Buddhist monasteries. Today, Buddhism is strictly forbidden in Tibet and owning a picture of the Dalai Lama is a crime. Many families send their children to monasteries-in-exile in India and Bhutan to study Buddhism.

While the film inevitably raises political questions, Norbu said he never intended to make a piece of propaganda.

"But when you make a film about a Tibetan monastery in exile, you almost can't avoid to touch on that subject," Norbu said.

The Cup will give you a window into a different world far removed from those which currently dominate American films.

However, Norbu recognizes the influence Hollywood has on world cinema. "I have to say The Cup is very Hollywood-oriented, I'm speaking Hollywood-grammar. Sadly, everybody speaks their language and this is my first feature film -- it shouldn't be a flop,"

"I think it's better to understand the power of this influence than to be its victim," he added.