Watch A Little Wisdom

A Little Wisdom is a heartwarming documentary film released in 2017 that explores the lives of two young Tibetan boys, Chorten and Richen Sherpa, who reside in a secluded Buddhist Monastery, set amidst the majestic mountains and pristine valleys of the remote Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan. The film follows the daily routines of these boys as they learn and practice the teachings of Buddha, under the watchful eyes of their spiritual master, Sherpa Wangchuk, who guides them with wisdom and patience. As the boys grow up, they learn the importance of compassion, mindfulness, and self-reflection, and how to navigate the challenges of life with a sense of equanimity and resilience.

As their Himalayan idyll is interrupted by the arrival of a group of restless tourists, including a young American girl who is drawn to the peaceful aura of the monastery, the boys are faced with new challenges and opportunities to learn and grow. As they interact with the tourists, who are ignorant of their way of life and culture, the boys receive a firsthand lesson on the importance of tolerance and understanding.

Through the lens of director Yuqi Kang, we are offered a glimpse into the unique and peaceful world of Bhutanese monastic life, as seen through the eyes of these innocent and inquisitive boys. In a refreshing departure from the usual portrayal of Buddhism, which emphasizes its esoteric and mystical aspects, this film highlights the practical and pragmatic nature of the religion, and how its teachings can be applied to everyday life.

The film is a meditation on the themes of reckoning, growth, and the human condition, and it does so with a rare sensitivity and respect for the culture it portrays. The director has done an excellent job of evoking the natural beauty of Bhutan, and the tranquil routines of monastic life, which serve as a counterpoint to the stress and chaos of modern society.

The cast of the film, especially the two young boys, offer a natural and compelling portrayal of their characters, and their interactions with their spiritual master are a joy to watch. They are an embodiment of the core values of Buddhism, and their struggles and successes are a testament to the power of faith, discipline, and perseverance.

Though the film is set in a uniquely Bhutanese context, it resonates with audiences worldwide, who are grappling with questions of identity, meaning, and purpose in an increasingly turbulent world. The film demonstrates how even in a remote Himalayan kingdom, the universal human quest for wisdom, knowledge, and inner peace is alive and well.

In conclusion, A Little Wisdom is a remarkable film that is both uplifting and introspective. It is a breath of fresh air in an age of mindless entertainment, and it offers a much-needed dose of hope and inspiration to viewers of all ages and backgrounds. The film is a triumph of storytelling, and it leaves us with a sense of profound gratitude for the beauty and richness of life, and a renewed appreciation for the wisdom and teachings of Buddha.

A Little Wisdom is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.2.