The Next Guardian (2017)
★★★ — The Next Guardian (2017)
Directed by Arun Bhattarai and Dorottya Zurbo, a Bhutanese-Hungarian pairing that brought an outsider's eye alongside genuine local access, The Next Guardian is a documentary produced on a very modest budget of around $146,000 across a co-production between Bhutan, Hungary, and the Netherlands. Bhattarai, who was born in Bhutan and studied film in Europe, brought a personal connection to the material that shapes its intimate, unhurried approach. The film sits within a small but growing tradition of documentary work emerging from Bhutan, a country that only legalised television and the internet in 1999 and remains, by design, cautious about external cultural influence. That context gives the family portrait at the film's centre an extra layer of meaning, capturing a society in genuine, visible transition.
A-Z World Movie Tour Bhutan The Next Guardian is a quiet, heartfelt story about a Bhutanese family navigating the messy, universal stuff of growing up. And honestly, I’m glad I watched it, even if it wasn’t what I expected. I actually wasn't sure if it was a documentary or a movie. The film follows Gyembo and Tashi, siblings stuck between tradition and modernity. Gyembo’s dad wants him to become a monk (a family legacy), but the kid just wants to finish school and keep his phone. Meanwhile, Tashi dreams of soccer stardom, but Bhutan’s cultural norms (and her dad’s worries) keep her grounded. It’s a tender slice-of-life tale that reminded me of my own kids arguing over Wi-Fi time while I nag them about “respecting their roots.” What works? The setting: Bhutan’s Himalayan villages are filmed with warmth and intimacy, you can almost smell the pine forests and monastery incense. The sibling dynamic: Gyembo and Tashi’s relationship feels authentic, from playful teasing to shared frustrations about their dad’s old-school expectations. Themes: It’s not preachy, but it quietly unpacks big ideas, tradition vs. progress, gender roles, and what it means to honor family while forging your own path. What didn’t? Pacing: The film meanders. If you’re after a plot-driven story, you’ll be checking your watch. This is more of a “hangout movie” where the drama is subtle (like a parent sighing at a messy room). Cultural context: As an outsider, I wanted a bit more depth on Bhutan’s unique approach to happiness as a national priority (hinted at, but never fully explored.) Would I recommend it? If you’re into slow-burn, character-driven films (like The Lunchbox or Yi Yi ), yes. It’s a gentle window into a culture that balances modernity with centuries-old traditions. A cozy, contemplative watch with moments of quiet beauty. 3 stars for sincerity and scenery
Rating: ★★★ | Year: 2017 | Watched: 2025-05-30
Where to watch (UK)
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