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The Cup

Play trailer Poster for The Cup G 2000 1h 34m Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
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85% Tomatometer 27 Reviews 86% Popcornmeter 500+ Ratings
Inspired by true events, the story follows two young Tibetan boys, Palden and Nylma, escaping Tibet and arriving at a Tibetan monastery-in-exile nestled in the picturesque foothills of the Himalayas. The monastery attempts to hook up a satellite dish so that the locals can watch the World Cup soccer matches.
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The Cup

Critics Reviews

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Roger Ebert Chicago Sun-Times Jan 1, 2000
3/4
A delightful demonstration of how spirituality can coexist quite happily with an intense desire for France to defeat Brazil. Go to Full Review
Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com Jul 15, 2005
3/5
Thomas Delapa Boulder Weekly May 12, 2005
3/5
Jeffrey M. Anderson Combustible Celluloid Jun 24, 2003
3/4
A lovely, delightful, and quiet movie that's easy to swallow and doesn't disrupt the patterns of the world. Go to Full Review
Jeanne Aufmuth Palo Alto Weekly May 14, 2003
3/4
Andrea Chase Killer Movie Reviews Apr 5, 2003
4/5
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Audience Reviews

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James B. @JamesBass Nov 7, 2025 The Cup is proof that a good story is truly universal in its appeal and doesn’t require mega-bucks to be told. This charming, quietly profound film about young Himalayan monks trying to watch the World Cup finals blends humor, innocence, and spirituality in a way that feels both deeply human and utterly original. It reminds us that passion, curiosity, and joy transcend every border — even the walls of a remote monastery. See more
אמיר ס @RT70696713 Mar 17, 2025 Not a bad movie about monks and football. The plot is good and light. I recommend everyone to watch it at least once. See more
Dec 10, 2016 Enjoyable crowd-pleaser doesn't have much substance. See more
Brian S @Madmartigan Jan 24, 2016 Pretty dull. Not funny and not charming. See more
Apr 1, 2011 A sweet tale, where tradition and the modern find common ground. A nice look at the Buddhist monastic way of life. See more
Mar 19, 2011 Nice religious fable. SOCCER MONKS See more
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The Cup

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Cast & Crew

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Khyentse Norbu

Director

Jamyang Lodro

Orgyen

Orgyen Tobgyal

Geko

Neten Chokling

Lodo

Khyentse Norbu

Writer

Hooman Majd

Executive Producer

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The Cup

Orgyen Tobgyal plays Geko and Pema Tshundup plays Nyima. Orgyen Tobgyal plays Geko. Jamyang Lodro plays Orgyen. Jamyang Lodro plays Orgyen. Jamyang Lodro plays Orgyen. Godu Lama plays The Old Lama. Khyentse Norbu is the director. The Cup (1999) The Cup (1999) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Inspired by true events, the story follows two young Tibetan boys, Palden and Nylma, escaping Tibet and arriving at a Tibetan monastery-in-exile nestled in the picturesque foothills of the Himalayas. The monastery attempts to hook up a satellite dish so that the locals can watch the World Cup soccer matches.
Director
Khyentse Norbu
Producer
Raymond Steiner, Malcolm Watson
Screenwriter
Khyentse Norbu
Distributor
Fine Line Features
Production Co
Palm Pictures, Coffee Stain Productions
Rating
G
Genre
Comedy
Original Language
Hindi
Release Date (Theaters)
Jan 28, 2000, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Aug 30, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA)
$1.1M
Runtime
1h 34m
Sound Mix
Dolby Digital, Surround, Dolby SR
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