Travellers & Magicians

Amazon.com

It would be churlish, to say the least, to find fault with a movie written and directed by a revered Buddhist lama who's recognized as the reincarnation of a great Tibetan master. Fortunately, Kyentse Norbu's Travellers and Magicians is a lovely film that's easy to like. Norbu, who is actually from Bhutan, made a splash with his first effort, 1999's The Cup. Travellers and Magicians has a generally similar theme (the sometimes humorous, sometimes discomfiting collision of traditional and modern values and cultures), but a rather different story. This one concerns Dondup (Tsewang Dandup), a young government official who feels trapped in his Bhutanese village and yearns to answer the siren call of America, a place that represents Shangri-La for people who already live in Shangri-La (author James Hilton was said to have used Bhutan as a model for that utopian land in his novel Lost Horizon). After missing his bus to Thimphu, the nearest bigger town, Dondup falls in with a group of other travelers, including a lovely young woman and very garrulous monk. As they walk and hitchhike through the breathtaking Himalayan landscape, the monk spins a haunting tale that, though laced with adultery and murder, still has obvious parallels to Dondup's. The pace of the film is leisurely, clearly a reflection of Bhutanese life. The story is simple, the message--an "is the grass really greener?" fable--not especially subtle, the ending predictable. What's more, the actors, perhaps appropriately, are non-professionals. But those things somehow add to the pleasure of the film instead of detracting from it, and the direction, editing, and cinematography (especially the almost sepia-toned look of the monk's story sequences) are first-rate by any standards. Travellers and Magicians, with extras that include a "making of" featurette and behind-the-scenes location footage, is a keeper. --Sam Graham

Description

Mystical journeys of spiritual discovery are set against the spectacular, evocative landscape of the remote kingdom of Bhutan in TRAVELLERS & MAGICIANS Young government official Dondup (Tshewang Dendup) dreams of escaping to America while stuck in a ravishingly beautiful but isolated village. But when he misses his bus to the city (and an awaiting visa), Dondup is forced to hitchhike with an elderly apple seller, a sage young monk, an old man, and his beautiful daughter (Sonam Lhamo). Along the way, the mischievous monk tells Dondup a story of another young man who sought a land far away: a tale of lust, jealousy and murder that holds up a mirror to the restless Dondup and his blossoming attraction to the innocent young woman. Directed by Khyentse Norbu (AKA Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche, one of Himalayan Buddhism's most revered lamas who made his feature directing debut with the monks-who-soccer sleeper THE CUP), this critical and box-office hit magnificently intertwines twin love stories for an enchanting, unforgettable film that is filled with heart, hope and humor.

Customer Reviews:

Many miles to go, and promises to keep.......2007-09-15

Beautiful and poignant. The protagonist has a good life, but is dissatisfied, and his peception of it's imperfect nature leads him to jump on any opportunity for something he believes will be better. After becoming obsessed with a particular place, which he believes to be paradise, he has the opportunity to go there, and begins his journey, only to discover how satisfying his life as it is can be. It's a pretty interesting message for us Westerners, as it runs counter to some of the fundamental assumptions of our society, such as the idea that life will always be inadequate, no matter how good it gets, and that we must always strive for better, no matter what the cost.

Awesome, touching experience.......2007-07-31

Having been to Bhutan last year, it was like going home to see this movie--the scenery, the Buddhist "walking talk" sort of wisdom, the simplicity and beauty of film making in such a setting. I was touched and highly recommend this film.

Travellers and Magicians.......2007-07-30

Film-maker Khyentse Norbu (also a revered Buddhist lama) has fashioned a gentle, lyrical film that's also wise and thought-provoking, if you can take your eyes off the lush, dazzling Bhutan scenery. Though Dondup's comical adventure stands on its own (particularly his uneasy interactions with the monk), the movie's astounding visual beauty elevates it to a whole new level. Eye-candy for the soul.

Beautiful film that never quite realizes its ambitions.......2007-07-24

It's obvious that director/writer Khyentse Norbu had a statement to make - about his country Bhutan, about the Bhutanese film industry, and about finding happiness right where you are. Unfortunately, he can't deliver on all counts.

From the opening scenes the film is testament to the beauty of the Himalayan mini-state of Bhutan. Any film maker watching this movie must be running through his head all manner of scenarios to exploit the country's natural beauty. That Travelers and Magicians was made with local crew and cast speaks admirably to the abilities of the Bhutanese to create world-class film.

But the script reveals that Khyentse Norbu, while perhaps a great scholar of Buddhism, is not always a great writer of stories. His debut film, The Cup, was a charming tale built on an ensemble cast of mostly children, a simple story about monks infatuated with soccer who go to comedic lengths to watch live broadcasts of the World Cup.

Travelers and Magicians is a bit more complex. It's a story within a story, requiring the director to not only deliver on two fronts but to seamlessly weave from the two a unified whole. The film begins in modern Bhutan with Dondup, a young man infatuated with the USA and eager to escape the simple rural life of Bhutan. On the road to the capital of Thimphu, he meets up with a monk, who in Dondup is reminded of Tashi, a young lad restless for adventure. To while away the long hours of travel, the monk begins his story of long, long ago and throughout the film we cut back and forth between Dondup and the monk, and the tale of Tashi.

The fable is for all its soft tones, titled camera angles, and vivid colors, the more realistic of the two stories. We see how Tashi and his supporting cast develop over the course of the story, how they change through their interactions with each other.. The same can't be said for the characters in the framing story, who come off as devices, stereotypical, one dimensional stand-ups - the disillusioned youth seeking escape, the wise monk who reminds him of the verities of life, the innocent girl whose charm and beauty softens the hero's heart, and the country bumpkins who tag along for comic relief. By the end of the film, we hardly know them at all. While Dondup comes to realize that happiness is not something to seek from without but from within, it's a last minute conversion that leaves a hollow, empty feeling.

Travelers and Magicians is an obvious labor of love from cast and crew and where effort and earnestness are concerned there is no doubt the film is deserving of the highest honors. If only the magicians had spun a spell over the script, it would be perfect.

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Eh. What do monks know about flirting? .......2007-06-26

While this story has merits it is not anything like the Cup in terms of style or presentation- in fact it looks like it was quickly shot on video. Perhaps this would have been a nice short film, but the fact that a young man desires a hottie at the bus stand in the moment he is leaving does not make a full movie. I will tell the truth because to lie aboout a Lama or Monk is worse than to lie about anyhing. Better luck next time- and leave the liscensciousness and desire to us sinners. The Cup was so good because the director knew his terrain, this movie is lost and a tiresome wandering, and the kind words pandering. Still, it is serene and the locations are nice hills and mountains.

Average customer rating:

Tommy Tricker Still Rocks!
As good as i remember....
Best movie ever...
Liverpool Worthy
Adorable!

Tommy Tricker and the Stamp Traveller
Starring: Lucas Evans , Anthony Rogers (II) , Jill Stanley , Andrew Whitehead , and Paul Popowich
Director: Michael Rubbo
Manufacturer: Henstooth Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

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General | Children's Music | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000GYI3MC
Release Date: 2006-10-24

Customer Reviews:

Tommy Tricker Still Rocks!.......2007-02-27

I bought this DVD for my daughter who is 25. This was her favorite movie when she was very young. We watched it EVERY time it came on! I was pleasantly surprised to find it in DVD form. I mailed it to her as a surprise and she loved it. Now her poor husband has to watch it with her almost every night. Thanks a lot for being able to keep happy memories alive!

As good as i remember...........2006-11-13

Like many of the other reviews i saw this when i was younger on HBO and was always excited when it happened to be on. When it came in the mail the other day i was as excited as a school boy. Im now 22 and generally dont watch kid movies anymore but this movie is still great fun to watch. I really think that this movie got me started on wanting to travel the world when i was younger. If you have kids or just enjoy kid movies this is a must for your collection. You will definitely watch it more than once.

Best movie ever..........2005-12-28

I watched this movie as a kid - it was always my favorite, but when I got older I eventually forgot about it. A few months ago, I re-bought the film from ebay. I LOVE this movie. Great for kids, it stands the test of time. I still love this movie for it's corny storyline and the bad acting. Though the acting isn't top notch - it is very imaginative and a great film to entertain kids. The film features not only Rufus Wainwright, but also Celine Dion. Great film, I absolutely would suggest anyone get this movie. You will LOVE it and remember it forever.

Liverpool Worthy.......2005-05-16

This movie is wonderful. It makes me warm inside. The excitement I felt when I watched this movie was only rivalled by Liverpool's victory in the Champions League Semifinal.

Adorable!.......2004-11-24

I got this movie to see 14 year old Rufus Wainwright in it (who is great in it, in a small role as a singer), and the movie turned out to be absolutely adorable altogether. It's a bit too cheesy to really be enjoyable for adults, but my 11 year old brother watched it and loves it now. It's so much better than the overly stylized kid's movies that are being made these days - in this movie, the kids actually act like kids, not overly precocious mini-adults, and there isn't a product placement every 2 minutes. Overall, a really fun adventure movie for kids - highly recommended!

Average customer rating:

Perfection
bill paxton rocks
An Excellent and Underexposed Film
Well Done Flick
Excellent

Traveller
Starring: Bill Paxton , Mark Wahlberg , Julianna Margulies , James Gammon , and Luke Askew
Director: Jack N. Green
Manufacturer: Hallmark
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: 6305899592
Release Date: 2000-07-25

Description

Bill Paxton (Twister, Apollo 13) gives a career-topping performance as Bokky, a beguiling con-artist whose skill with a scam is legendary among the Travellers - modern-day gypsies who make a good living swindling unsuspecting victims throughout the rural South. But Bokky's solo routine is interrupted by the arrival of Pat (Mark Wahlberg, Fear), a young drifter from "the outside" who has returned to claim his birthright as a clan member. Taking Pat under his wing, Bokky and his eager new accomplice carve a path of riotous larceny and trouble-bound romance across the region, until Bokky meets up with Jean (Julianna Margulies, "ER"), the one woman who might have what it takes to tame his wild ways. But when both men fall under the spell of the outlaw gypsy Double D (James Gammon, Wyatt Earp), Bokky and Pat are caught up in a brilliant-but-deadly new scam that will put their loyalties - and their lives - to the ultimate test.

Customer Reviews:

Perfection.......2007-04-03

Not much 2 say really, just in my way of movie judgdment (whatever catches my attention purely on content, context) it ranked high and i got stuck to my tv watching n loving it, rooting for bill paxton and marky mark almost out loud heh. I was born n liv n brooklyn but my fam is from da south n west n this movie struck me with some back in time relation. I loved it n i dun got da attention span for some of my all time favorites films n these days... not to mention one i aint seen.

Great plot, acting, authentic genuine style n which the film as a whole was written and brought to life, Mastapeice and how we'd say it out here, real recognize real and this film is on sum real "ish", do tha math, see da film.

bill paxton rocks.......2004-06-21

I love this film,check it out now! artisan could have putit in widescreen,with some extas,but the great film more than makes up for it.Mabye since lionsgate owns artisan we will get a special edition.

An Excellent and Underexposed Film.......2002-04-28

Traveller takes on the subject of the eponymous groups of ethnic Irish con artists (there are also Scottish and English counterparts)of the Southeastern, Central and Southern United States with considerable (but not complete) authenticity. These groups typically fall short of the 'big cons' described in The Sting and some other con artist films, and instead concentrate on selling defective trailers and doing "homers" or construction and driveway repair scams. What the film does best with its fine cast of perfomers (even Mark Wahlberg, a vastly overrated actor does a good job playing himself in a role where it fits) is give an insight into the social milieu of the Travelers. This which forms a culture much like that of gypsies, which few Americans realize exists among peoples who came here from the British isles. Bill Paxton does his usual fine job in an understated role and my only criticism is that the film is just a bit quick and incomplete in providing a resolution of the issues. When Traveller was released it wasn't pushed very hard or circulated very widely and, as a result, few people were aware of it. This was an injustice, because it is far above the norm of Hollywood productions.

Well Done Flick.......2001-11-06

I picked up this title, solely based on the cast. And they do not disappoint you. Very strong acting, and a tidy little story line, keeps this movie well paced. A great little sleeper. Bill Paxton is amazing. If you him enjoyed 'One Fasle Move', this film takes his acting back to those days. So pick it up, and enjoy.

Excellent.......2000-07-13

This is the best movie i do...

amazon.com

It's considered to be the most beautiful place in the South Pacific...maybe even the world.Join us for the journey of a lifetime to the spectacular islands of French PolynesiaSumin the nude!The incredible beauty of these magical islands is guaranteed to leave you breathless! Snorkel with sharks in teal blue water, hike the slopes of an ancient volcano or simply relax in the sun. Aboard the Windstar, you will discover French Polynesia as the early explorers once did ^ only this time, you,re treated to the luxury of modern amenities! It's a dream vacation, come true...and it will beckon you to stay. Welcome to paradise!

Customer Reviews:

info-mercial or travel adventure, a little of both.......2007-08-15

This film really acts more like an infomercial for the cruise, with a few of those classic full-ship shots showing the cruise-line name etc, than a trip to French Polynesia, nude cruising not withstanding. It is done well though, without making a big deal that a select group of travelers are in the buff. We're taken to a series of islands and shown a nice variety of sights and sounds that one might expect to be seeing. A few interviews with guests aboard bring us back into infomercial-mode at times as they are praising the cruise-line. This could be expected, although it seemed a bit much. Scenes throughout the islands are beautifully shown, and I got a good feeling for what I might expect to be seeing if I was along.

The Nude Traveller A Bare Necessities Nude Cruise

Average customer rating:

The Nude Traveller A Bare Necessities Nude Cruise

Manufacturer: www.TravelVideoStore.com
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

amazon.com

Where can you and fifteen hundred of your closest naturist friends have fun?On a nude cruise, where else?Come on board the Carnival cruise ship Jubilee, as we set sail for Panama, Costa Rica, and Cozumel, Mexico! But be sure to leave your cares and clothes behind. Tan, play volleyball or dress up in your wildest costume for a masquerade ball, and let Bare Necessities make your nude vacation, the best ever! Catch the sun, feel the warm winds and indulge yourself in absolute luxury. You won't need convincing, to book your nude cruise after you see this video!

Product Description

TIME TRAVELER (PLAYSTATION II)

The Nude Traveller Bare Necessities Nude Cruising Episode Set

Average customer rating:

The Nude Traveller Bare Necessities Nude Cruising Episode Set

Manufacturer: www.TravelVideoStore.com
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Special Interests | Genres | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B000MX8020
Release Date: 2007-01-26

amazon.com

Come on board the Carnival cruise ship Jubilee, as we set sail for Panama, Costa Rica, and Cozumel, Mexico, but be sure to leave your cares and clothes behind! Go back in time as The Royal Clipper sets sail on the Mediterranean! From Cannes, France we visit the ancient towns of Rome, Sorrento, Livorno and Portofino along the Italian Riviera. Join us for the journey of a lifetime aboard the Windstar, and experience the spectacular islands of French Polynesia...in the nude!

Description

On a small Greek island, a young American widow ("Escape from New York's" Adrenne Barbeau) and her son find a man ("2001: A Space Odyssey's" Keir Dullea) washed ashore, unconscious, with an odd series of numbers tattooed on his back. This mysterious stranger with two hearts possesses magical powers which could change history, and only a miracle could send him back to his world--the only miracle he can't perform.

Customer Reviews:

Time enough for love.......2006-07-23

An American widow (Adrienne Barbeau) moves to a Greek island with her son and their dog. He she makes a simple life away from technology. One day while traversing a deserted stretch of beach they come upon a naked man (Keir Dullea.) He apparently washed ashore. On his back is an imprinted magnetic number. They befriend the stranger give him cloths, drugs, money and sex. In return they find out where he is from and that he just missed seeing his brother by two days or two millennia. Can he ever go back? If so will he ever return? What would you do?

The story is more a study of human nature than it is sci-fi or time travel.

You may recognize Keir Dullea from "2001: A Space Odyssey" (1968).
Of course we all recognize Adrienne Barbeau as Dr. Kurtz in "Cannibal Women in the Avocado Jungle of Death" (1988). "We eat our men"

Don't waste your money.......2005-05-09

Acting and plot was thin. Not worth buying at any price.

Starman did it better...........2005-01-17

Director Nico Mastorakis blames director John Carpenter for stealing ideas from The Time Traveler for his film Starman. No doubt there are some similarities, but overall Carpenter did it MUCH better. This film portrays a person from the future (not an alien) traveling back in time and is taken under the wing of a family. He needs their help to get back to his own time or he will die. If you can find this cheap, then go for it because it isn't too bad of a film. Otherwise spend the extra and purchase Starman instead.

Kind of a low, low budget starman ripoff........2004-10-22

I bought this DVD because I'm a big fan of Adrenne Barbeau.Boy is she hot. One sexy lady. The movie isn't too bad. This one would be good for younger kids.Pretty good DVD transfer.

The Nude Traveller A Bare Necessities Mediterranean Nude Cruise

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The Nude Traveller A Bare Necessities Mediterranean Nude Cruise

Manufacturer: www.TravelVideoStore.com
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

amazon.com

Step aboard the Royal Clipper for a once-in-a-lifetime voyage on the sparkling seas of the ancient Mediterranean!From the masts in full sail to the solid wood railings and polished brass accessories, the tall ship itself will surely take your breath away. But, that's not all! Modern amenities, deluxe cabins and international cuisine, all combine to make the Royal Clipper a true sailing adventure...with the luxuries of a five-star resort. The voyage begins in Cannes, France and ventures along the Italian coast, visiting ancient ruins in modern Rome and the picturesque harbor towns of Sorrento, Livorno, and Potorfino.Join us as we sail in full harmony with the open seas!

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