A movie that seems to have sprung from the wild adventure novels of the 19th century. Grand Tour is a film in which you can still encounter mystical places and legendary figures, where love is great and the longing for the unknown is even greater. It’s a film presenting us with a world that still holds a secret that has yet to be discovered. The titular great journey is embarked upon by Edward, a British colonial diplomat stationed in Mandalay in 1917. Awaiting the arrival of his fiancée Molly from London, Edward becomes consumed by anxiety over the impending commitment of marriage. Seeking escape, he ventures on an adventurous expedition through Asia, traversing jungles and cities, mingling with nobles and diplomats alike. Convinced that Molly will eventually join him, Edward finds a playful certainty in her love, which emboldens him to confront the unfamiliar and explore the uncharted. Miguel Gomes narrates this journey through the lens of romantic correspondence, presenting a dreamlike sequence of images that blend documentary footage from Southeast Asia with stylized studio sets captured in stunning black-and-white cinematography. The decadent world of colonial powers is juxtaposed against the economic resurgence of the continent in the 21st century. Here, cinema becomes a poetic realm that enchants and captivates, leaving the viewer reluctant to depart. For this remarkable achievement, the Portuguese director was honored with the Best Director award at the Cannes International Film Festival.