But Norbu carefully and quietly unfolds this simple tale, and that isn't all bad in these days of the much-abused jump cut. The film incorporates many scenes of Buddhist rituals, which add striking visual interest. Unexplained as they are, these religious rites seem just as mysterious to an audience largely unfamiliar with Tibetan Buddhism as they must to new arrivals Palden and Nylma.
Harmless mischief abounds among the young monks.
The Cup shrugs at its presence, a bit resignedly, but not regretfully. The film itself invites the same kind of amiable ambivalence.