In cinema, less is more, especially in the case of a film like "The Cup (Phorpa)."
With as many overblown, overwrought movies as there are out there right now, this low-key comedy/drama couldn't come at a better time.
The dialogue may be sparse and the premise might appear to be simple, but both are deceptive, and one thing the film isn't short on is charm. In fact, "The Cup" is so sweet-natured and well-intentioned that it practically sails through what few slow spots there are.
Also, it's the first feature film produced in the tiny country of Bhutan, which serves a haven for Tibetan refugees. And if it's the last one to be produced there, at least it leaves a terrific cinematic legacy.
"The Cup" was inspired by the real-life tale of young monks who spread World Cup fever in a Tibetan monastery-in-exile, actually located in nearby India.
In this fictionalized version, their efforts coincide with the arrival of two novice monks, teenager Palden (Kunsang Nyima) and his younger nephew Nyima (Pema Tshundup), who have been sent to the monastery to receive a traditional Buddhist education.
However, they instead fall under the sway of Orgyen (Jamyang Lodro), another teenage monk who sleeps, eats and breathes soccer. He soon talks the two into sneaking out with him to watch the sport at a local shop.
But as soon as they return, they're caught by Geko (Orgyen Tobgyal), the monastery's headmaster, who quickly punishes them by putting them on cooking detail and threatens to expel the rebellious Orgyen once and for all.
Yet the teen doesn't seem to be fazed. In fact, he's so desperate to see the World Cup finals (the 1998 game between Brazil and France) that he begins hitting up his fellow monks for funds to buy a television set and satellite dish — if Geko and the monastery's abbot (Lama Chonjor) will allow it, of course.
This is hardly earth-shattering material, but writer/director Khyentse Norbu (actually a pre-eminent lama of the Tibetan Buddhist religion) invests it with enough good humor and genuine, warm drama that it seems weightier, more substantial as a result.
Also, the film's messages about continuing Chinese oppression of Tibet are never too overwhelming or too heavy-handed to get in the way of the story.
Perhaps the biggest surprise is the fact that cast is made up of actual monks, from Chokling Monastery, located in a refugee settlement in the Himalayas. And for amateurs, the actors acquit themselves quite nicely, especially the youngsters.
But the film's real star may be Chonjor, who nearly steals the whole thing by adding a gently humorous presence.
"The Cup" is rated G, though it does contain some sports-related violence and a brief shoving match, as well as a pair of profanities. Running time: 97 minutes.
You can reach Jeff Vice by e-mail at jeff@desnews.com