Viajantes e Mágicos

Love versus Lust... All of the actors were chosen from local Bhutanese people. The inner stories are the most fascinating. An inspiration to all. To young people hoping and dreaming for the material world's "gifts". To Westerners who have never imagined or seen the beauty and rich culture of Bhutan. Just be patient, for this movie will lead you on a journey which you could never imagine..... I learned new perspectives about Hope and Love. The stories don't follow the Hollywood model of the acts. But, for me this storytelling method is more like that of the fable, fairytale or morality tale like Eric Roehmer's Morality Tales. For me, this is a much more enriching art form. It's not your typical Hollywood movie, thanks.

I saw this well over a month ago, and loved it so dearly that I find it hard to review. I've already recommended this to a ton of friends in person, and two have already reported back that they enjoyed it. If you are reading my reviews, and resonating with the films that I've rated highly, I politely urge you to seek out this film.

Indeed, it makes me want to seek out Bhutan. I'm trying to figure out how to get my family there. Travelling there is trickier than one might imagine, as I understand it only so many slots are available, but you pay a one-price-for-your-whole-visit. Amazing.

And this is an amazing film, and easier to experience than Bhutan itself. The director is a lama incarnate, but he's studied at the Pratt Institute. The film is gorgeous, and evidently portends of Norbu's desire to launch a Bhutanese film industry. The scenery is a major star, as we have a road film with not too much traveling. Sweeping vistas keep the people in perspective, and their problems as well. This road movie has plenty of sitting, and story-telling, and in the latter another more ancient road "movie" is unfurled. The cinematography in the latter swirls.

Just see the film...

Also, evidently the actors and actresses here are all amateurs, but so well-cast and so well-coaxed. The forest hermit's wife has a beauty in her way that exceeds the beauty of her form. The winking wisdom of the story-telling monk I suspect mirrors Norbu's own role.

As a "religious" film, "Travelers and Magicians" made a believer out of this agnostic. It doesn't look away or impose illusions when viewing people, their desires and mistakes are embraced. This is a warm film, without ever being smothering.

Imbued with humor and humility, artful in scope and cinescope, this film gets you to contemplate your mores, rather than have someone else's dogmatically driven into you.

You are the journey you must take, make sure to visit Bhutan on your way. Even if only on this screen of dreams.

9/10

I did not find this film preachy or disappointing. You're seeing a Bhutanese film. What exactly did you expect?? I thought it was hilarious, the characters were fantastic, the story is a classic in any culture. It is particularly poignant, however, in a culture that has so far been largely untouched by the 'advances' of the outside world. The scenery was beautiful, of course, but the shots, the cinematography was also outstanding. The humour was subtle and clever. Having a real story, and a good secondary story, does not make it preachy in my opinion. It's a coming of age story, it's a love story. 'Foreign' does not necessarily mean it's a great film, but in this case, I think it works.

A man who's just been given an important position in his village is still not satisfied with life. He dreams of a more prosperous life in America. So he starts his journey along with other travellers. This is a beguiling film full of marvellous wisdom that rings true for everyone. As the journey slowly continues one of the travellers tells a story within the story which is just as compelling as the real one. There's also some wonderful images of Bhutan that will make you wonder if it's possible to go there for your next vacation! Delightful.(8/10)

It's a bit simplistic to call this a "road movie", but certainly much of the story follows a group of unlikely Bhutanese travellers hitch-hiking and riding in all manner of vehicles. Interspersed with this theme is a second story of a love triangle in the rugged mountains. Both stories are commentaries about the complexities of life and romance in the Himalayas as western ways take root.

Comparisons will inevitably be drawn with Khyentse Norbu's earlier movie, The Cup, and I have to admit that I preferred The Cup. I'll never forget the youthful exuberance of those monks as the World Cup soccer final approached. And I feel the Buddhist message was a bit more direct in The Cup.

However, the tagline of Travellers and Magicians is "The bitter and sweet of temporary things", and this sounds pretty Buddhist to me. We tend to forget that everything is transitory and grasp at it as if it will exist forever, and this is the cause of our suffering.

And that, kind friends, is the extent of my Buddhist wisdom for today.

Enjoy!