Travellers & Magicians
Travellers & Magicians is the first ever feature film to emerge from the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan, which in itself makes it worth watching. The country is breathtakingly beautiful, bathed in sunshine, surrounded by steep mountain ranges where people go about their daily lives at a leisurely pace. To a Westerner this might seem like a wonderful thing but not so for the main character of this film. Dondup wants to get away from the slow life; he is attracted by modern city living and even though he is a highly paid government official in his village, he nurtures a dream to go to the U.S. where he could earn more money picking apples.
He packs his bag and leaves the village but misses the bus to town so he has to start walking. It is this walk and the waiting along the road where only few cars pass that is the core of the film. While waiting for the next bus Dondup meets a monk who starts telling him a long and elaborate story to pass the time. This second story is the flesh surrounding the core in more sense than one as it tells of the sensual encounter between a young man and the beautiful wife of an older man. As in most tales of this kind it is highly symbolic and reflects what happens in the core story.
Travellers & Magicians is a film that is easy to enjoy. I particularly liked the scenes set in the village, where traditions and rituals still play an important part of people’s lives. The film doesn’t set out to challenge, shock or moralise but to entertain and perhaps even teach you one or two thing about a country you have never before had the pleasure of experiencing. Khyentse Norbu’s direction is assured, with a quiet sense of humour, and the performances are all glowing. If you are sick of the usual run of the mill dramas this is the perfect film for you.
Anna Solding
