Honeygiver Among The Dogs

Honeygiver Among The Dogs is an unassuming yet profound Bhutanese film released in 2016 directed by Dechen Roder. The leading cast of the movie includes Jamyang Jamtsho Wangchuk, Sonam Tashi Choden, and Chencho Dorji. This film puts Bhutan's cinema on the global pedestal by meshing a quintessentially exotic plot with the inherent charm and mysticism associated with this Himalayan kingdom.

Unfolding against the serene yet breathtaking landscape of Bhutan, the film portrays an enigmatic and captivating narrative of love, spirituality, and the supernatural. A noir-like drama, at its heart Honeygiver Among The Dogs spins around a dedicated but somewhat jaded detective, Kinley (played by Jamyang Jamtsho Wangchuk), instructed to investigate a puzzling disappearance case of a Buddhist nun.

As Kinley delves deeper into the investigation, he encounters Choden (played by Sonam Tashi Choden), a young and captivating woman who lives in an isolated village high in the mountains and tends to a flock of sheep. Choden has been branded a demoness, attributed to tales of her seeming carnivorous habit of feasting on the intestines of stray dogs at night. While the villagers condemn her to a life of ostracism, Kinley is captivated by her mystique and her knowledge about the renegade nun's whereabouts.

Throughout the film, Kinley grapples with his growing attraction for Choden, a journey that questions the very basis of his belief system and challenges his ethical and professional responsibilities. The narrative artfully underscores themes of faith, good versus evil, and the deceptive nature of appearances, imbued with the spiritual symbolism that resonates with the Himalayan setting.

The untouched tranquility and stunning panoramas of Bhutan play a compelling role in the movie, with director Dechen Roder exploiting the nation's natural beauty to depict the country's spiritual practices and deeply ingrained belief systems. Cinematic scenes of fluttering prayer flags, towering monasteries, and lush valleys provide a visually mesmerizing backdrop to the unfolding mystery.

Jamyang Jamtsho Wangchuk's portrayal of the devoted and contemplative detective Kinley paints a multifaceted picture of a man caught between duty and desire. His understated performance brings an alluring depth to his character, compounding the film's allure. In contrast, Sonam Tashi Choden’s performance as the alleged 'demoness' Choden is hauntingly beautiful, radiating an innocence and charm that belies her ominous reputation. Their chemistry hints at an underlying tension, which makes the film all the more enthralling.

Meanwhile, the supporting cast, including Chencho Dorji, further enriches the cinematic environment with their amiable performances that sync harmoniously with the storytelling. The ensemble cast deliver a compelling drama set in a world where magic, mystery, and spirituality coalesce.

Honeygiver Among The Dogs, though fundamentally a suspenseful detective story, doesn't resort to the usual clichés associated with the genre. Instead, it's packed with twists and turns that compete with the timeless beauty of Bhutanese customs and folklore. The film's suspenseful aura, endowed with deep symbolism and complex characters, manages to keep the audience engaged till the end.

Scenes are filled with subtle symbolism and occurrences that challenge the boundaries of reality, making the film an engaging watch. It's a movie that takes its time to unspool, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Bhutanese culture and captivatingly scenic vistas.

In summary, Honeygiver Among The Dogs is a compelling film that weaves a riveting tale of mystery and attraction, layered with Bhutanese mysticism and folklore. With its superb cast, engaging story, and breathtaking views of the Himalayas, it gives a marvelous glimpse into the spiritual side of Bhutan, captivating movie-goers with its transcendent charm. So, if you are someone who likes to unwind with a thought-provoking movie rich in cultural context and captivating narratives, then Honeygiver Among The Dogs should surely be on your watch list.