CHINA Edition
Hungarian Edition
Agent of Happiness transforms the lives of ordinary Bhutanese individuals into an extraordinary cinematic journey. This Hungarian-Bhutanese co-production contemplates on the elusive question, both figuratively and literally: what does it mean to be happy?
What is happiness? Is there a universal standard of happiness that we all should strive for? Or is it a deeply personal state, unique to each individual? Does happiness come from achieving everything we desire, creating a sense of contentment? Or is it a luxury, accessible only to certain people in specific regions of the world?
As a Hungarian citizen, a resident of one of Europe’s reportedly unhappiest countries, I found the premise of directors Arun Bhattarai and Dorottya Zurbó’s documentary particularly intriguing. Agent of Happiness follows Amber Kumar Gurung, a “happiness agent”, as he traverses the Bhutanese Himalayas, surveying locals about their happiness based on Bhutan‘s Gross National Happiness (GNH) index.
Introduced in 2008, GNH is more than a metric; it’s a philosophy adopted by Bhutan to gauge the overall well-being of its citizens. “Agent of Happiness” documents Amber‘s journey as he engages with Bhutanese people from diverse backgrounds – urban dwellers, villagers, widows, polygynists, the young, and the old. Each person presents a distinct perspective shaped by their individual experiences, contributing to a rich tapestry of stories about well-being, health, education, and daily life.
The film captures the stunning Bhutanese landscapes with breathtaking clarity, making it a visual treat on the big screen. Its tone, alongside impressive music and cinematography, authentically encapsulates daily life in the Bhutanese mountains, offering audiences a glimpse into existences that might seem unimaginable to some. Despite the varied lives depicted, there is a universal thread in these stories: an everlasting search for something, mirroring our own lifelong quests for happiness, albeit unsurveyed.
Amber‘s personal narrative weaves through the film – a poignant mix of love, national identity, and the quest for fulfilment – that resonates deeply with viewers. As we witness the struggles and joys of these people, it prompts reflections on our own place and purpose, not just within our society, but in the universe. “Agent of Happiness” not only entertains – it also compels us to deeply ponder the essence of happiness in our lives.
The Review
Amber's personal narrative weaves through the film - a poignant mix of love, national identity, and the quest for fulfilment - that resonates deeply with viewers. As we witness the struggles and joys of these people, it prompts reflections on our own place and purpose, not just within our society, but in the universe. "Agent of Happiness" not only entertains - it also compels us to deeply ponder the essence of happiness in our lives.
