Travellers and Magicians

Director: Khyentse Norbu
Starring: Tsewang Dandup, Sonam Lhamo, Sonam Kinga
Year: 2003

Dondup, a government officer sent to a small, remote village, yearns to go to America. Forced to hitchhike through the beautiful wild countryside of Bhutan to reach his goal, he shares the road with a monk, an apple seller, a papermaker and his beautiful young daughter, Sonam. Throughout the journey, the perceptive yet mischievous monk relates the story of Tashi -- a mystical fable of lust, jealousy and murder, that holds up a mirror to the restless Dondup, and his blossoming attraction to the innocent Sonam.

Comments: The movie is charming, funny, philosophical. Steve really liked it. In case your are interested, Bhutan is a tiny country nestled next to Nepal. This is the first feature film from Bhutan, and the second film by Norbu, who was born and raised in Bhutan. His first was The Cup, which was made in 1999.

Recommended.