The Cup (1999)
"Phörpa" (original title)

While the soccer World Cup is being played in France, two young Tibetan refugees arrive at a monastery/boarding school in exile in India. Its atmosphere of serene contemplation is somewhat ... See full summary »

Director:

Khyentse Norbu

Writer:

Khyentse Norbu

Stars:

Orgyen Tobgyal, Neten Chokling, Jamyang Lodro

5 wins & 3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Orgyen Tobgyal	...	Geko
Neten Chokling	...	Lodo
Jamyang Lodro	...	Orgyen
Lama Chonjor	...	Abbot
Lama Godhi	...	Old Lama
Thinley Nudi	...	Tibetan Layman
Kunsang	...	Cook Monk
Kunsang Nyima	...	Palden
Pema Tshundup	...	Nyima
Dzigar Kongtrul	...	Vajra Master
Dhan Pat Singh	...	TV Shop Owner
Oga	...	Abbot's Attendant
Raj Baboon	...	Taxi Driver
Jamyang Nyima	...	The hypersomniaque
Pema Wamgchen	...	Storytelling Monk

Storyline

While the soccer World Cup is being played in France, two young Tibetan refugees arrive at a monastery/boarding school in exile in India. Its atmosphere of serene contemplation is somewhat disrupted by soccer fever, the chief instigator being a young student, the soccer enthusiast Orgyen. Prevented by various circumstances from seeing the Cup finals on television in a nearby village, Orgyen sets out to organize the rental of a TV set for the monastery. The enterprise becomes a test of solidarity, resourcefulness and friendship for the students, while the Lama, head of the monastery, contemplates the challenges of teaching the word of Buddha in a rapidly changing world.

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Plot Keywords:

soccer | monastery | lama | television | world cup | 

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Taglines:

Buddhism is their philosophy. Soccer is their religion.

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Genres:

Comedy | Sport

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Certificate:

G

Details

Official Sites:

Fineline site - English Pyramide [fr] (French)

Country:

Bhutan Australia

Language:

Hindi Tibetan

Release Date:

20 April 2000 (Australia)

Also Known As:

The Cup

Filming Locations:

Bir, Himachal Pradesh, India

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$35,179 (USA) (28 January 2000)

Gross:

$1,067,773 (USA) (21 April 2000)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Coffee Stain Productions, Palm Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

93 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Based on a true story.

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Quotes

Abbot: Can we cover the earth in leather so it's soft wherever we go?
Cook Monk: No.
Abbot: So what can we do?
Lodo: Wear leather sandals?
Abbot: Yes, wearing leather sandals is equal to covering the earth with leather.

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Connections

Referenced in Film Geek (2005)

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Soundtracks

"Mongolian Overtone (Hoomii)"
Singers: Taravjab Gareltsog and Chamba
Live recording at Wembley Stadium, August 5 1993

User Reviews

simple great..

i just finished watching this show on DVD. Generally a simple story with predictable plot. I always thought this movie is about some young monks trying hard to play football in their secular life. But, it turned out to be a world cup which changed the lives of these monks. More importantly, the show allows the public to see the hidden side of these monks. They can be playful and lazy. They are even capable of playing pranks and cracking good jokes. Orgyen is certainly a notable character in the show. A strong personality who display no religious qualities in the earlier parts of the film. i like him more and more as the show progressed. The film ties strongly to Buddhist teachings and gives you a new perspective to life and Buddhism. Expect to be exposed to some Tibetan culture and football.