Happiness's primary photo
  • Happiness (II) (2013)
  • 80 min | Documentary, Drama, Family
Happiness (II) (2013)
80 min | Documentary, Drama, Family
In 1999, King Jigme Wangchuck approved the use of television and Internet throughout the largely undeveloped nation of Bhutan, assuring the masses that rapid development was synonymous with the "gross national happiness" of his country, a ...See moreIn 1999, King Jigme Wangchuck approved the use of television and Internet throughout the largely undeveloped nation of Bhutan, assuring the masses that rapid development was synonymous with the "gross national happiness" of his country, a term he himself coined. Director Thomas Balmès's film Happiness begins at the end of this process as Laya, the last remaining village tucked away within the Himalayan kingdom, becomes enmeshed in roads, electricity, and cable television. Through the eyes of an eight-year-old monk impatient with prayer and eager to acquire a TV set, we witness the seeds of this seismic shift sprouting during a three-day journey from the outskirts of Laya to the thriving capital of Thimphu. It is here the young boy discovers cars, toilets, colorful club lights, and countless other elements of modern life for the first time. Written by Sundance Film Festival See less
Read more: Plot summary
Director
Thomas Balmès
Writer
Thomas Balmès (written by)
Producers
Kaarle Aho (producer) | Thomas Balmès (producer) | Juliette Guigon (producer) | Patrick Winocour (producer)
Cinematographers
Thomas Balmès | Nina Bernfeld
Editors
Alex Cardon | Ronan Sinquin
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Status
Edit Released
Updated Jan 21, 2014
Release date
Jan 17, 2014 (United States)
Awards
3 wins & 4 nominations

Contacts

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Cast

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12 cast members
Name Known for
Peyangki primary photo
Peyangki
Self Self   See fewer
Sing Me a Song (2019)
Kinley Om primary photo
Kinley Om
Self - Peyangki's uncle Self - Peyangki's uncle   See fewer
Happiness (II) (2013)
Ap Kinley Dorji primary photo
Ap Kinley Dorji
Self Self   See fewer
Happiness (II) (2013)
Aum Thinley Dolma primary photo
Aum Thinley Dolma
Self Self   See fewer
Happiness (II) (2013)
Sangay Thinley primary photo
Sangay Thinley
Self Self   See fewer
Happiness (II) (2013)
Rinchen primary photo
Rinchen
Self Self   See fewer
Happiness (II) (2013)
Leki primary photo
Leki
Self Self   See fewer
007 in Concert (2012)
Pyago primary photo
Pyago
Self Self   See fewer
Happiness (II) (2013)
Choki primary photo
Choki
Self - Peyangki's sister Self - Peyangki's sister   See fewer
Happiness (II) (2013)
Chencho Thinley primary photo
Chencho Thinley
Self Self   See fewer
Happiness (II) (2013)
Namgay Dorji primary photo
Namgay Dorji
Self Self   See fewer
Happiness (II) (2013)
Jigme Singye Wangchuck primary photo
Jigme Singye Wangchuck
Self - King of Bhutan 1972-2006 (archive footage) (as Jigme Singye Wangchuk) Self - King of Bhutan 1972-2006 (archive footage) (as Jigme Singye Wangchuk)   See fewer
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Ratings Breakdown

7 external reviews & 6 more links