Angry Monk is a 2005 German film that follows the life of a remarkable Tibetan monk named Gendun Choephel. The film is directed by Luc Schaedler and stars Thomas Sarbacher as Choephel. Choephel was a writer, artist, and monk who became famous for his artistic and scholarly contributions in Tibet in the early 20th century. He is known for his travels and research on Tibetan culture and Buddhism, his translations of Tibetan classics, and his excellent artwork. Choephel's works are groundbreaking, even to this day, as he was one of the first scholars to give a modern-day interpretation of Tibetan history and culture.
The movie is a gripping insight into the life of Choephel, a true eccentric and a man of great passion. The film covers the life of Choephel, starting from his childhood, through his early years as a monk, to his travels and scholarly works. One of the most prominent themes in the film is Choephel's struggle to find himself amid a rapidly changing world.
The film explores the challenges and contradictions of Choephel's life. His passion for Tibetan culture and Buddhism made him a controversial figure, particularly as Tibet was under Chinese occupation. His artistic works, which were seen as blasphemous by the monks in his monastery, only added to his troubled reputation.
Another significant element of the movie is the powerful imagery used to depict the beauty and the starkness of Choephel's environment. There are spectacular shots of the Tibetan plateau, capturing the stunning landscapes of the region. In contrast, there are also powerful and emotional scenes, such as Choephel's family members expressing their disappointment with his pursuit of Buddhism and art.
The movie does an excellent job of portraying the life of Choephel as one of political upheaval, cultural repression, and intellectual uncertainty. We see him as a man who, despite facing numerous obstacles, remained committed to his beliefs and his vision. The film also highlights the clash between traditional beliefs and the modern world.
Thomas Sarbacher delivers a captivating performance in the lead role, embodying the spirit and the struggles of Choephel. His performance is nuanced, capturing the man's anger, occasional fits of rage, and his determination to carry on. The other actors, including Loten Namling, who plays Choephel's brother, and Phil Hayes, who voices the English narration, also do excellent work.
Overall, Angry Monk is a visually stunning and moving portrayal of the life of the celebrated Tibetan monk Gendun Choephel. It offers an eye-opening glimpse into the struggles of the Tibetan people, the complexities of their culture, and the conflicts that arise in a rapidly evolving world. It is a lesson in perseverance, self-discovery, and the quest for knowledge, making it a must-watch for anyone with an interest in Buddhism, Tibetan culture, and personal growth.
Angry Monk is a 2005 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.
