- Marco Polo's legendary travels along the Silk Road inspired the Age of Discovery. Join National Geographic photographer Michael Yamashita on this unforgettable journey: a visual celebration of the world's greatest overland explorer.
- Join us on this epic journey to retrace the world's greatest overland explorer. National Geographic photographer Michael Yamashita takes us on a visual celebration of the Venetian merchant whose travels along the Silk Road inspired the Age of Discovery.
"Traveling to new lands, exploring new cultures & sharing their discoveries with the world. That pursuit is what brings our two subjects together: Marco Polo and Michael Yamashita.
This film presents stunning highlights from Yamashita's three year assignment: the only photojournalist ever to retrace Marco Polo's journey by land from Italy to China and back home by sea via Sumatra and India. This film also reveals the "stories behind the stills" from one of Nat Geo's most acclaimed storytellers. A rare look at this master in action - in his own words and through his mind's eye - as he brings to life what's known today as the greatest overland journey ever made.
But did Marco truly experience this 24 year odyssey? In Marco's book, why did he never mention the Great Wall of China? Or tea? Or chopsticks? Or the bound feet women in Yunnan province? Was Marco Polo the world's biggest liar?
To critics & skeptics, Mike unravels the mystery. He follows Marco's book, visually documenting the legendary route through fascinating countries such as Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Indonesia and Sri Lanka.
Much that Marco recorded has not changed: we will move on his trail along an old Silk Road route which winds through impressive mountain ranges. OR look for a hot spring whose waters had been strongly recommended by him seven centuries ago. ((We will enter the ruins of Shangdu as Marco may have entered that glorious city through a gateway in the western wall.)) In China, we will follow him across deserts or through metropolitan streets swarming with people.
Was it truth or fiction? Was it real or imagination?
Just us now in search of the answer.
Inspired by Yamashita's acclaimed book: "Marco Polo: A Photographer's Journey," and his award winning film, "Marco Polo: The China Mystery Revealed," this film will challenge you to change the way you see our world.
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Top Gap
By what name was Marco Polo: Silk Road by Land & Sea (2023) officially released in Canada in English?
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