The Cup (1999)

Synopsis: Inspired by a true story, THE CUP (written and directed by Buddhist monk Khyentse Norbu) is set in a monastery-in-exile in the foothills of the Himalayas where hundreds of young boys study the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Arriving from their homes in the Chinese-controlled country, two... Inspired by a true story, THE CUP (written and directed by Buddhist monk Khyentse Norbu) is set in a monastery-in-exile in the foothills of the Himalayas where hundreds of young boys study the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Arriving from their homes in the Chinese-controlled country, two refugee boys, Nyima and Palden, are accepted into the monastery and immediately become involved the daily routine of monastic life, meeting others like the soccer-obsessed Orygen and the easy-going Lodo. Against the wishes of their master Geko, the determined Orygen convinces Palden and Lodo to sneak out of the monastery to watch a soccer match in a nearby town. After the boys are caught, Geko brings this growing soccer craze to the attention of the Abbot, the head of the monastery. Together the two elders ponder how to deal with the boys' interest in such modern attractions in the midst of their Buddhist studies. Meanwhile, despite being reprimanded, Orygen is determined to see the impending World Cup match, even if it means bringing the match into the monastery. [More]