Joanna Lumley in the Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon is a documentary series that explores the cultural richness and natural beauty of the remote kingdom of Bhutan located in the eastern Himalayas. The show is hosted by the distinguished British actress and adventurer Joanna Lumley who acts as the guide, narrator and explorer of the Bhutanese world.
Throughout the four-part series, Lumley takes the viewers on a journey through diverse landscapes, picturesque villages and bustling towns, stunning monasteries and fortresses, and encounters with fascinating people, all of which make Bhutan a unique destination. From the capital city of Thimphu to the high-altitude town of Paro, the Bhutanese way of life and their remarkable history are revealed.
In the first episode, Lumley introduces the viewers to her personal fascination with Bhutan, which derives from its isolation, ancient traditions and ecological approach to development. She visits the Himalayan foothills where she experiences the traditional Bhutanese hospitality in one of the farmhouses. Lumley is also intrigued by the country's Gross National Happiness (GNH) policy that prioritizes the people's well-being and spiritual development over material growth. She meets with the country's Prime Minister, who explains this enlightened approach to governance and reveals the challenges that Bhutan seeks to tackle in the coming years.
In the second episode, Lumley explores the spiritual dimensions of Bhutanâs culture, visiting some of the country's most beautiful monasteries and temples, where she learns about Buddhism and the religious and ritual practices that underpin it. She meditates with the monks and nuns and takes part in an expressive dance called the Cham, which tells stories from the Buddhist scriptures. Lumley also discovers the impact of tourism on Bhutan's popular Tiger's Nest monastery, a place of great spiritual significance, where hordes of foreign visitors come each year.
The third episode is devoted to the country's magnificent scenery and the relationship between nature and culture in Bhutan. Lumley treks in the mountains, crosses the country's largest river on a traditional suspension bridge, and witnesses spectacular waterfalls, pristine forests and high-altitude meadows. She also learns about the unique flora and fauna that are found only in Bhutan, such as the endangered black-necked crane and the national flower, the blue poppy. More importantly, she speaks to Bhutanese environmentalists who are committed to preserving the country's stunning landscape and promoting renewable energy.
The final episode sees Lumley exploring Bhutan's social and economic challenges, through the lens of women's empowerment and youth entrepreneurship. She visits a vocational training school for women, a weaving cooperative that supports local women, and a youth-led social enterprise, all of which demonstrate Bhutan's aspirations to achieve a more equitable and sustainable society. Lumley learns about the challenges of balancing tradition and modernization and how Bhutan is on a path of self-discovery that is sustainable, yet dynamic.
Overall, Joanna Lumley in the Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon is a compelling and engaging documentary series that offers a vivid and intimate portrait of a country that invites us to reflect on our own choices and values. Through Lumley's charismatic and curious approach, the beauty, warmth and complexity of Bhutanese life are revealed, leaving the viewers feeling inspired and enriched.
Joanna Lumley in the Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon is a series that ran for 1 seasons (1 episodes) between November 24, 1997 and on BBC Select
