It’s a radical concept: government policy that is driven not by profit, but by the collective wellbeing of the people. The idea of “gross national happiness” was introduced in Bhutan in the 1970s and has subsequently become a bedrock of the country’s identity. But how to measure happiness? That’s where happiness inspector Amber, the star of this serene documentary, comes in. A 40-year-old who still lives with his ageing mother, Amber is on a quest to realise his own happiness (he hopes for marriage and children, but as the son of Nepali immigrants he would settle for Bhutanese citizenship).
The combination of staggeringly beautiful scenery and the film’s gentle humour initially suggests a benign Nat Geo-style documentary crowdpleaser. But Agent of Happiness tackles darker themes, such as alcoholism, loneliness and a transgender woman’s fear of losing her mother and staunchest supporter. A slow-burning portrait that’s infused with warmth.
