★ 9 / 10
Miguel Gomes's "Grand Tour" stands as one of
badelf
Miguel Gomes's "Grand Tour" stands as one of the most creatively audacious films in recent memory, fully deserving of the Best Director prize at Cannes 2024.…
Miguel Gomes's "Grand Tour" stands as one of the most creatively audacious films in recent memory, fully deserving of the Best Director prize at Cannes 2024. Drawing inspiration from W. Somerset Maugham's "The Gentleman in the Parlour" and "Mabel," Gomes crafts something wholly original – a cinematic tapestry that weaves together travelogue, love story, comedy, and philosophical meditation with breathtaking virtuosity.
The film's premise seems deceptively simple: Edward, a spineless British civil servant in 1917 Burma, flees on the eve of his wedding, while his joyful, determined fiancée Molly pursues him across Asia. But Gomes transforms this framework into a profound exploration of intimacy, connection, and cultural perspective.
What initially appears as a period piece gradually reveals itself as something far more complex. The accumulating anachronisms – modern footage interspersed with studio sets, contemporary sounds bleeding into period scenes – aren't mistakes but intentional artistic choices. Gomes collapses time, creating a dialogue between colonial past and postcolonial present that interrogates how we perceive both history and the "exotic."
The emotional core of "Grand Tour" lies in its exquisite portrayal of two souls moving through the same spaces at different times. Edward's journey represents fear of intimacy and commitment, while Molly's pursuit embodies unwavering devotion. Their separate but parallel journeys become a metaphorical dance, played out against stunning landscapes and cultural encounters. The film transforms from screwball comedy to something profoundly moving as these halves converge toward the astonishing final sequence.
I'm quite partial to magic surrealism, and although Grand Tour isn't quite that genre, it's at least a fraternal sibling. Gomes employs every cinematic tool available – the voiceovers in multiple Asian languages, the stunning black and white photography, the brilliant musical selections ranging from traditional instruments to karaoke renditions of "My Way" – creating a sensory experience that feels both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.
"Grand Tour" exemplifies cinema's unique capacity to transcend boundaries – between past and present, comedy and tragedy, East and West, artifice and authenticity. Like the best travel experiences, it doesn't merely show us new vistas but transforms our perspective. We emerge from this grand journey carrying not just postcard memories but a deeper understanding of human connection across the seemingly insurmountable distances of time, culture, and the heart.
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★ 6 / 10
A Travelogue to the Far East
akoaytao1234
A film about a couple from 1918 as they trail each other within the Indochina after a failed rendezvous inter-sped with the current world. Narrated in the…
A film about a couple from 1918 as they trail each other within the Indochina after a failed rendezvous inter-sped with the current world. Narrated in the language of their setting.Another uneven film. I personally do not think that the 'experimentation' worked. It does not compliment the other elements of the film on any level AND it was just a weird distraction. The pseudo-documentary travelogue lacks a connecting tissue to be honest.I am also quite mixed about the story overall.It made more sense as the film went on, especially after getting the second main character takes over BUT the initial story could have been more knowingly hinting of the 2nd half of the film. Its far too concerned in creating the mystery that it loses so much power on its own. Its just sometimes feels so fleeting.The second half is where the strength of the film really relies. The performance can be distracting (the constant annoying blowing raspberries was so bad) but it is where it made sense and has life. Molly has a sense of meaning AND actual flow that puts a focus in this film. You actually feel that this tour is going somewhere AND maybe not quite well. The initial silliness is suddenly filled with the conscious melancholy. Molly is desperate because she truly is doomed.Soft recommendation.
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★ 6 / 10
Love letter to Asia
Zzacarias
Miguel Gomes Grand Tour is a visually mesmerizing film that feels like a love letter to Asia, celebrating its rich cultural heritage and landscapes. Every shot…
Miguel Gomes Grand Tour is a visually mesmerizing film that feels like a love letter to Asia, celebrating its rich cultural heritage and landscapes. Every shot is carefully composed, with meticulous attention to framing and timing, creating a sense of immersion that invites the viewer into the world of the film. The use of real locations adds depth and authenticity, making the setting feel like an integral part of the story rather than just a backdrop.The first chapter follows Edward as he flees from his fiancée, Molly, and embarks on a directionless journey. This section feels disconnected and almost lost, much like Edward himself. It's as the film is reflecting his emotional state aimlessly wandering without a clear path, allowing chance encounters to dictate his course.In contrast, the second chapter, which follows Molly's determined pursuit of Edward, has a more defined sense of purpose. As she chases him across Asia, the narrative feels tighter, with more focus and direction. Molly's clear objective helps guide the audience through her journey, making it easier to connect with her.The dialogue, primarily in Portuguese, was a refreshing highlight, and I found myself wishing for even more of it. It's rare for me to see a film where Portuguese takes center stage, and it adds another layer of uniqueness to the film.In the end, Grand Tour is a beautiful, contemplative work, filled with stunning visuals, soundtrack and a clear sense of care in every frame. It's clear to see why Gomes was awarded Best Director at Cannes his passion for both the story and the setting is palpable in every moment.
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