What does it mean to be happy? Does it mean having someone to love? Having a purpose? Having a wheelbarrow? There is a mathematical formula to measure just that – if you live in Bhutan. The country was largely off the global radar until it became a constitutional monarchy in 2008, yet it has carved out a unique identity for itself as a country whose global brand is “happiness”. Developed by the king in the 90s, the abstract science of “Gross National Happiness” (GNH) measures the happiness of its citizens through an extensive survey. The results of this survey are used to develop a 5-year developmental plan that will theoretically aid in continuing or strengthening the overall happiness of the nation.
While the more cynical among us will question some of the practicality behind how this data and quality of life for everyday citizens coincide, the mere appearance that the government cares about the happiness of its people is a radical concept to most. The captivating new documentary Agent Of Happiness from Arun Bhattarai and Dorottya Zurbó explores the collection of this data through the lens of a particular “happiness agent” who visits a wide range of citizens as he reflects on his own overall satisfaction with life. While various true crime and political documentaries have primed audiences to expect grand upheavals or startling revelations, this poignant journey reveals something much more human as we are presented with the nature of happiness, the qualities that transcend cultural barriers, and the beauty and pain that come with trying to maintain it.
Throughout the film, we view this process by following Amber and his partner as they go door to door in both rural and urban populations collecting the necessary information. With so many pages to go through, we do not get to see the full range of questions, but we get a sense of some of the categories. Some are more practical, such as whether or not you own various physical things like livestock, tools, or electronics. Where you get slightly more hesitation in the answers is in the intangible elements; whether or not you feel safe, loved, or a sense of belonging may be something many do not feel they have the luxury to consider on a normal basis, or it might be a question you do not feel comfortable answering honestly in front of others. One of the brilliant aspects of viewing this film is how it naturally coaxes the audience to consider what is important in their lives and how they would inevitably evaluate their own happiness. If this documentary does nothing else, that is a vital gift.
While Bhutan may pride itself on its happy national identity, the film provides the full spectrum of happiness across many emotional interviews. Of course, you have the platonic ideal of a man with his cow and his faith – he nearly maxes out the scale. Other happiness is bittersweet, such as a man weighed down by sadness over losing the love of his life yet remains hopeful thanks to his commitment to his faith. Arguably the most fascinating dynamic shown is a truly repulsive, gregarious man who is shown to be the happiest in the entire film as he boasts about the happiness of his trio of wives due to everything he provides for them. On this point, he is more than a bit off base, but hearing from the women away from his gaze is uplifting in its own way as you understand the joy they get from their sisterhood. The film does an amazing job of balancing both more culturally specific viewpoints with universal issues such as the impact of alcoholism, the trans experience, and the loneliness of not knowing love.
The latter point is one experienced by our guide, Amber, as he collects all of this data. It feels a bit like a cosmic joke that a happiness agent would be so unhappy, but he also feels like the perfect proxy for the audience. He is far from perfect – his patriarchal views on courtship leave you wishing he would put more stock on finding the right woman instead of just any woman – but he is empathetic and emblematic of the little things that stack up to weaken our happiness. From having a sick relative to his deeply frustrating fight with the government over his citizenship, there is a lot on his plate beyond completing his job. Through hearing so many stories from the people he is interviewing, Amber is able to put his own experiences into perspective and find hope in the most hopeless situations. You see the impact that comes from listening to other people’s struggles, and you can also understand how individuals at large would benefit from hearing that we are not alone in our struggles.
Agent Of Happiness is a deeply touching look at the importance of checking in with one another. Through exploring the successes and shortcomings of this self-proclaimed “happy” country, we gain a richer understanding of what is truly important in life. The notion of happiness as a concept is undervalued in a world ruled by so many daunting factors. Hopefully this incredible new documentary will help people see the value of making happiness a priority on a societal and global level.
Agent Of Happiness had its World Premiere in the World Cinema Documentary Competition section of the 2024 Sundance Film Festival.
Directors: Arun Bhattarai, Dorottya Zurbó
Rated: NR
Runtime: 94m
Agent Of Happiness is a deeply touching look at the importance of checking in with one another. Through exploring the successes and shortcomings of this self-proclaimed “happy” country, we gain a richer understanding of what is truly important in life.
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GVN Rating
Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.
