Agent of Happiness (2024) User Reviews

What is happiness, anyway?

[marodicomplex · 9/10 · 20 March 2024]

Extremely insightful piece on the various ways Bhutanese people approach happiness. Given the country's strong branding around the notion of "happiness" this documentary adds a surprisingly diverse account on the topic.

I partiuclarly loved how some of most important sentences come from "simple" "everyday" Bhutanese people, demonstarting that happiness might root in the spiritual rather than the material values. At the same time through the accounts of the participants, the film reflects on some of the most burning issues of the country (like emigration or alcohol abuse).

I truly recommend this documentary by Dorottya and Arun: food for thought for the open minded.

Charming documentary of the exploration of life and happiness

[chenp-54708 · 8/10 · 28 January 2024]

Watched this at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival.

Bhutan culture is rarely spoken from the media and all and this documentary is a charming, sweet, and interesting exploration about the happiness levels of Bhutan citizens with great conversations between the main peers, interesting cultural aspects explored and exploring the human self. Filmmakers Arun Bhattarai and Dorottya Zurbo are able to capture the true essence of the life of Bhutan lifestyles and provide some really fun, bittersweet and touching interviews, discussions and camerawork throughout.

Many of the discussions from the Bhutanese peers are interesting as discussions about their culture, struggles, and self were interesting to listen towards. Including singing, dancing, dialogues and all.

Being the first Sundance film for this festival, what a good start! I'd recommend it for those who are interested in Bhutan culture.