Edward (Gonçalo Waddington) enters the Mandalay railway station dressed in a groom’s suit, holding flowers and sipping a drink as he boards a train. During the journey to Rangoon, the capital of Burma, he spends the night dreaming. Upon arriving at dawn in Rangoon, he feels frustrated because he cannot remember the details of his last dream. Through narration, we learn that it has been seven years since Edward last saw his fiancée, Molly (Crista Alfaiate). He frequently attempts to recall her face but doubts whether he will recognise her after such a long time. Deep down, Edward wishes he could disappear. Ultimately, he decides to leave the flowers behind and sneak onto a ship bound for Singapore on January 4, 1918. This marks the beginning of Edward’s Grand Tour. When Edward stops to meet his cousin, he receives a telegram from his fiancée, Molly. This prompts him to continue his travels rather than linger. In his attempt to escape, Edward arrives in a village where the locals are not very talkative and hires a guide to take him to Bangkok. Despite his efforts to evade her, Edward finds that Molly constantly tracks his every move, sending him telegrams. His nerves are frayed, and he keeps running away out of fear. Will Edward and Molly reunite, or will he avoid her while enjoying his private Grand Tour? Miguel Gomes directed the film Grand Tour. He is known for his previous works, such as Tabu (2012), The Tsugua Diaries (2022), and Our Beloved Month of August (2008). This film can be categorised as a drama and romance, and due to its historical context, it also qualifies as a historical narrative. "Grand Tour" provides a unique cinematic experience that surprised me before I watched it. The film features footage from various locations, including Bangkok and Japan. As viewers, we observe the daily lives of the communities that Edward explores while receiving narration and updates about Edward and Molly's journeys. Although Edward and Molly appear throughout the film, the storytelling style is predominantly visual. It relies more on imagery and narration than on dialogue and lead actors. This distinctive approach to storytelling may not resonate with all viewers, but it certainly offers a different way of conveying a narrative. The visuals in this film are genuinely remarkable. Gomes has captured a wealth of stunning footage that deserves to be experienced on the big screen. The film features a mix of black-and-white and colour footage, both a creative and emotionally resonant choice. However, the story itself presents a different challenge. Despite the strong visuals, the storytelling feels somewhat dull. It is delivered in depth through narration, almost resembling an audiobook, which makes this approach less engaging for a film. Rather than following Edward throughout his journey, we are presented with a series of images accompanied by narration, making the movie feel lengthy and monotonous. You may find this film more appealing if you appreciate world travel or movies with a heavily artistic flair. Given its runtime of over two hours, along with the focus on visuals and various locations, I must admit that I found it quite challenging to sit through during my first viewing, and I doubt I would return to it anytime soon. Overall, Grand Tour is more than just a film; it’s a visual experience filled with stunning imagery and captivating footage. While it tells a romantic story infused with drama, this narrative is conveyed through powerful narration and performances. The film’s visuals genuinely engage the audience, creating a blend of storytelling, documentary, and historical exploration due to its diverse locations and periods. You'll likely find this movie immensely rewarding if you are passionate about history, travel, and artistic films. * This review has been written for Sanity. For more reviews from Walkden Entertainment, check out the link here: www.walkdenentertainment.com