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Family drama

Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom (2022): Cast, Ratings & Plot

Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom (2022) movie poster

Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom is a 2022 family drama directed by Pawo Choyning Dorji, starring Sherab Dorji as Ugyen Dorji, Ugyen Norbu Lhendup and Tshering Dorji. It runs 1 hour 50 minutes. It was nominated for 1 Oscar. Critics gave it 98% on Rotten Tomatoes and 76 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.5/10.

IMDb rating
7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes
98%
award nomination
1
Echo Score
83
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Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom (2022) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 50m (110 min)
Genres
Drama , Family
Original language
Dzongkha
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom About?

The premise of Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

A young man living in the remote Himalayan village of Lunana finds his musical aspirations challenged by the constraints of his traditional life. He grapples with familial expectations, romantic feelings, and the pull of a future beyond his isolated community. The story explores themes of identity, cultural preservation, and the pursuit of dreams against a backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty and ancient customs.

Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom Themes & Keywords

· 44 tags
  • bhutan
  • schoolteacher
  • remote village
  • aspiring singer
  • village
  • teacher
  • gross national happiness
  • emigration
  • location in title
  • animal in title
  • written by director
  • headphones
+32 more
  • mountain
  • journey
  • mud
  • river crossing
  • rural setting
  • isolated place
  • snoring
  • school
  • single class school
  • classroom
  • children
  • pupil
  • teacher pupil relationship
  • singing
  • yak
  • dung
  • yak dung
  • cell phone
  • power outage
  • paper
  • blackboard
  • guitar
  • brushing teeth
  • brushing one's teeth
  • child brushing teeth
  • mathematics class
  • english class
  • himalayas
  • contract
  • singer
  • grandmother grandson relationship
  • shot
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Cast & crew

Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom Cast & Characters

Sherab Dorji leads the cast as Ugyen Dorji, with Ugyen Norbu Lhendup as Michen and Tshering Dorji as Singye. Directed by Pawo Choyning Dorji; 10 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom

· 6 more
From the director

More from Pawo Choyning Dorji

More films directed by Pawo Choyning Dorji, best-rated first: The Monk and the Gun, Tales of Taipei and Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom.

Full filmography
Ratings

Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom 98% on Rotten Tomatoes and 76 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.5/10. Our Echo Score gives it 83/100, strongest in art & craft (90) and weakest in story & flow (70).

83 /100

Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom Echo Score Breakdown

In terms of overall impression, Lunala delivers a gentle, heartfelt narrative that resonates through its sincere thematic focus. Critics highlight its purity of spirit and uplifting message, while users appreciate its wholesome tone and visual charm despite noting a predictable plot. The film’s modest pacing and earnest storytelling combine to create an appealing, though unremarkable, cinematic experience. Consequently, the movie achieves a solid yet not exceptional standing among contemporary international dramas.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 90

    Artistic execution is anchored by striking cinematography and thoughtful production design. Critics repeatedly praise the breathtaking Bhutanese landscapes and the film’s visual composition, and users echo the “lovely visuals” and “stunning” scenery. Direction maintains a measured rhythm that supports the visual storytelling without overwhelming it. Overall, the craft reflects a high level of aesthetic competence.

  • Character & Emotion 87

    Character work centers on understated performances that convey modest emotional depth. Reviews note nuanced acting from the leads, including an accomplished singer, and commend the chemistry that develops between teacher and villagers. Users also mention good acting and heartfelt sentiment despite occasional predictability. The portrayal succeeds in delivering an authentic, if gentle, human connection.

  • Story & Flow 70

    Storywise, the film follows a simple premise of a reluctant teacher’s reassignment to a remote Bhutanese village. Critics acknowledge the gentle humor and life‑affirming tone but point out the predictable arc and lack of narrative surprises. Some viewers found the ending unsatisfying, reflecting a modestly engaging yet conventional storyline.

  • Sensory Experience 88

    Sensory experience is dominated by immersive natural soundscape and a restrained musical score that complement the film’s visual palette. Reviewers highlight the film’s breathtaking scenery and the understated auditory design that allows ambient sounds to enhance mood. This cohesive sensory approach reinforces the film’s contemplative atmosphere.

  • Rewatch Factor 78

    The film’s modest pacing and uplifting themes lend it modest rewatch value for audiences seeking gentle reflection. Critics and users alike cite its wholesome tone and visual appeal as reasons to revisit, though the predictable plot and uneven ending may limit repeat viewings for some. Overall, it offers a pleasant, if not compelling, incentive for a second watch.

Plot

Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom Plot Summary

What happens in Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 13 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Ugyen, portrayed by Sherab Dorji, is at a crossroads in his life after completing four out of his five obligatory years of government teacher training. Lacking passion for the teaching profession and aspiring instead to pursue a career in singing down under in Australia, he is reluctant to take on a new assignment at the most remote school in the world, located in the isolated village of Lunana. His determination to quit is dampened by the heartfelt pleas of his grandmother, who urges him to honor his teaching commitment. Thus, he reluctantly departs the bustling city for the serenity of the mountains.

Full summary

The whole story of Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Awards

Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom Awards & Nominations

Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom was nominated for 1 Oscar.

1 nomination1 ceremony

Videos

Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom Trailers & Videos

6 videos: 2 trailers, 1 teaser and 3 clips.

All 6 videos
Trailer
  • Trailer Official Trailer
  • Teaser UK Trailer
  • Clip Leaves for Toilet Paper
  • Clip Song of the Yak
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom?

9 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 9

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered

What is Ugyen's main dream at the beginning of the movie?

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FAQ

Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom FAQ: Cast & Awards

Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings, awards, post-credit scenes and language of Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom?

Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom runs 1 hour 50 minutes (110 minutes).

When was Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom released?

Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom was released on January 21, 2022.

Who directed Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom?

Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom was directed by Pawo Choyning Dorji.

More films by Pawo Choyning Dorji

Who is in the cast of Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom?

Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom stars Sherab Dorji as Ugyen Dorji, Ugyen Norbu Lhendup as Michen and Tshering Dorji as Singye, among 10 credited actors.

How is Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom rated?

Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom has 7.5/10 on IMDb, 98% on Rotten Tomatoes, 76 on Metacritic and 74% on TMDB.

Was Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom nominated for any awards?

Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom received 1 nomination across 1 ceremony.

Does Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom have a post-credit scene?

No. Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom in?

The original language of Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom is Dzongkha.

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