Travellers and Magicians

Travellers and Magicians is enthralling Bhutanese drama and first feature film directed by Neten Chokling, released in 2003. This stimulating narrative stars Tshewang Dendup, Lhakpa Dorji, Sonam Kinga, Sonam Lhamo, Deki Yangzom, and Neten Chokling, all presenting mesmerizing performances, contributing to this uniquely compelling tale.

The movie, through casting local non-professional actors, perfectly inculcates the spirit of Bhutan's culture and traditions in its narration. The movie harmoniously binds reality and fantasy, giving viewers an exciting tour through the Bhutanese lifestyle and its rich folklore.

The film's primary plot revolves around Dondup (Tshewang Dendup), a government official stuck in an idyllic, yet still remote, Bhutanese village. Dondup is not keen on the traditional lifestyle, playing archery and weaving baskets, and yearns for the hustle and bustle of the American dreamscape, symbolized by a poster of a bikini-clad girl and tower buildings adorning the wall of his rural outpost. One day, Dondup receives a long-awaited letter, increasing his excitement about moving to "the original land of the free."

The story follows Dondup as he misses the bus to Thimpu, the capital of Bhutan, where he is supposed to collect his visa for the United States. He attempts to hitchhike his way there and meets several remarkable characters in the process – an old apple seller, a Buddhist monk, a rice paper maker, and his beautiful daughter. The journey is an unexpected one, filled with humorous interactions and transformative experiences, which flips Dondup's perspective about his aspirations and his homeland.

As they set their journey towards Thimpu, the film shines in its earnest approach in spinning traditional meditation stories and Bhutanese folk tales. The movie exhibits a powerful allegory to compare with their journey through the narrative of Tashi (Lhakpa Dorji). Tashi, portrayed by the monk, is a restless young man who loses his way in the woods and ends up stuck with a grim woodsman and his attractive wife. The series of fantastical sequences and events that transpire in the story bear a subtle but significant resemblance to Dondup's real-life journey. These allegorical narratives beautifully fuse the thin line between the reality of Dondup's journey and the fantastical elements of Tashi's story.

The performances by all the actors are compelling, particularly Tshewang Dendup, who brings an earnestness to Dondup's character, making his transformation feel real and palpable. Lhakpa Dorji, who plays the role of the monk, shines in his depiction of a storyteller winding tales of wisdom for his co-travelers.

Travellers and Magicians, in its essence, is a soldering exploration of Bhutanese culture and human desires. It paints a vivid picture of the Bhutanese rural life, with its slow pace and vibrant rituals, forming a striking contrast to Dondup's American dream. Through the magic of storytelling, the film subtly questions the blind race towards modernization and the cost one pays by leaving their roots behind.

Director Neten Chokling masterfully crafts this journey with a rich palette of Bhutan's natural beauty. He employs panoramic shots of lush forests, winding rivers and, towering mountains, showcasing the serene beauty of Bhutan. Film's cinematography offers a visual treat for audiences, and effectively backdrop against which the film’s various narratives unfold.

The film is also complemented by a soulful score, which beautifully blends with the mise en scene, creating a palpable sense of Bhutanese rural life. Travellers and Magicians is a gift to cinema, not just for its layered storytelling but also for providing a sniff into the rich tapestry of Bhutan's culture and tradition.

In conclusion, Travellers and Magicians is an allegorical tale, woven together by stories within stories. It's a captivating journey that invites viewers to not only experience the physical journey of the main character Dondup but also to explore a deeper understanding of life, dreams, satisfaction, and the importance of preserving one's cultural roots. This film is worthwhile for any film enthusiast who appreciates the power of storytelling and is curious about the world beyond conventional settings. The charm of the film lies in its simplicity and its stirring contemplation on modernity, tradition, and the true meaning of freedom.