Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom (2019): Cast, Ratings & Box Office
Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom is a 2019 drama directed by Pawo Choyning Dorji, starring Sherab Dorji as Ugyen Dorji, Tsheri Zom and Ugyen Norbu Lhendup. It runs 1 hour 49 minutes and earned $2 million worldwide. Its Echo Score is 88/100.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 49m (109 min)
- Director
- Pawo Choyning Dorji
- Genre
- Drama
- Original language
-
Dzongkha
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
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.
Seeking inspiration, a teacher journeys to Lunana, a remote village in the Himalayas, home to the world's most isolated school. Immersed in the unique culture and breathtaking landscape, he rediscovers the purpose of his profession and gains a newfound appreciation for the local way of life, including the practical use of yak dung as a vital resource.
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 Show fewer
- 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
Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom Cast & Characters
Sherab Dorji leads the cast as Ugyen Dorji, with Tsheri Zom as Ugyen's Grandmother and Ugyen Norbu Lhendup as Michen. Directed by Pawo Choyning Dorji; 16 actors are credited in all.
- Director Pawo Choyning Dorji
- Sherab Dorji as Ugyen Dorji
- Tsheri Zom as Ugyen's Grandmother
- Ugyen Norbu Lhendup as Michen
- Kunzang Wangdi as Asha Gup Jinpa
Also Starring in Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom
· 12 more- Pem Zam Pem Zam
- Keldon Lhamo Gurung Saldon
- Art Finch Sydney Bartender
- Tshering Dorji Singye
- Tandin Sonam Tashi
- Chimi Dem Pema
- Dophu Phurba
- Sangay Lham Kencho
- Sonam Tashi Tandin
- Dorji Om Education Secretary
- Tshering Zangmo Secretary Personal Assistant
- Oriana Chen
More from Pawo Choyning Dorji
More films directed by Pawo Choyning Dorji, best-rated first: The Monk and the Gun, Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom and Tales of Taipei.
Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom Reviews & Ratings
Our Echo Score gives it 88/100, strongest in art & craft (92) and weakest in story & flow (78).
Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom Echo Score Breakdown
Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom delivers a consistently uplifting experience anchored by striking visuals and sincere storytelling. Critics and audiences alike highlight the film's beautiful Himalayan scenery, the gentle emotional arc of the teacher's transformation, and the authentic depiction of community life. While the narrative follows familiar coming‑of‑age beats, its heartfelt execution sustains engagement throughout the runtime. The overall impression is that the film succeeds as a warm, visually compelling portrait of education and cultural connection.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 92
The film excels in visual craftsmanship, with numerous reviewers noting the breathtaking Himalayan landscapes and careful cinematography. Direction emphasizes an understated aesthetic that enhances the remote setting, while production design subtly conveys authenticity without overt embellishment. Editing maintains a measured pace that allows scenes to breathe, contributing to an overall polished artistic presentation.
- Character & Emotion 84
Performances are praised for their naturalism, especially the non‑professional child actors whose interactions feel genuine. Critics point to a charming ensemble that conveys emotional resonance without melodrama. The protagonist's arc from detachment to community involvement is portrayed with nuanced subtlety, fostering audience empathy. Overall, character work supports the film's themes while remaining modest in scope.
- Story & Flow 78
The narrative follows a straightforward, predictable structure centered on a young teacher's adaptation to a remote village. Reviewers appreciate the thematic focus on education and cultural exchange, though some note a lack of originality in plot progression. Pacing remains steady, allowing the story to unfold without significant tension. Consequently, the plot is engaging enough for its aims despite limited complexity.
- Sensory Experience 90
Sensory elements receive strong commendation, particularly the film's vivid color palette and crisp sound design that capture the altitude's ambience. The soundtrack complements scenes without dominating, while visual composition consistently highlights expansive vistas. Reviewers describe the sensory experience as immersive and cohesive, reinforcing the film's setting as a central character. This creates a compelling atmospheric layer throughout.
- Rewatch Factor 82
The film offers solid rewatch potential due to its serene tone and visual allure, encouraging viewers to revisit its tranquil moments. Audience comments note the comforting simplicity and emotional warmth that remain appealing on subsequent viewings. Minor criticisms, such as an unsatisfying ending for some, slightly temper repeat interest. Overall, the movie maintains a lasting, pleasant appeal that rewards additional watches.
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 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Ugyen, Sherab Dorji, lives in Thimphu with his grandmother Tsheri Zom. He has completed four of his five years of mandatory training as a government teacher, but his heart longs for a different life: to sing in Australia. When he is assigned to teach in Lunana, a remote mountain village, he wrestles with the idea of quitting, yet his grandmother urges him to finish the assignment and honor the commitment he began.
Full summary
The whole story of Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom, scene by scene
Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom Box Office
Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom grossed $2 million worldwide.
Worldwide gross
$2M
- International
- $2M
Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom Trailers & Videos
2 videos: 2 trailers.
- Trailer Official Trailer
How Well Do You Know Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What is the name of the protagonist who is assigned to teach in the remote village of Lunana?
Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom Also Known As
24 alternative titles, including “鲁纳纳之歌” and “鲁娜娜:教室里的一头牦牛”.
- Also known as
-
- 鲁纳纳之歌
- 鲁娜娜:教室里的一头牦牛
- Skolan vid världens ände
- Um Iaque na Sala de Aula
- Lunana: szkoła na końcu świata
- ブータン 山の教室
- Skolen ved verdens ende
- 교실 안의 야크
- Koulu maailman laidalla
- A Felicidade das Pequenas Coisas
- L'école du bout du monde
- 不丹是教室
+12 more Show fewer
- Lunana, un yak en la escuela
- 教室里的一头牦牛
- Lunana: il villaggio alla fine del mondo
- Lunana – Das Glück liegt im Himalaya
- Λουνάνα: Ένα γιακ μες στην τάξη
- Лунана: Як в классной комнате
- Lunana Yak in the classroom
- Lunana: Egy jak az iskolateremben
- לונאנה: יש יאק בכיתה
- Lunana: Un iac a l’escola
- Lunana: Jak ve třídě
- Lunana. Szkoła na końcu świata
Seen Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom?
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Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom FAQ: Cast & Box Office
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, 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 49 minutes (109 minutes).
When was Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom released?
Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom was released on October 5, 2019.
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, Tsheri Zom as Ugyen's Grandmother and Ugyen Norbu Lhendup as Michen, among 16 credited actors.
How much did Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom make at the box office?
Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom grossed $2 million worldwide.
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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