On the Track of Robert Van Gulik is a fascinating and riveting 2016 documentary directed by Rob Rombout. The film dives into the life and work of the globally renowned Dutch diplomat, musician, and prolific mystery novelist Robert Van Gulik. He is primarily known for his legendary Judge Dee detective series, which brought Tang Dynasty China to life and secured his place in the history of the detective genre. Yet, his multi-faceted life was much more expansive than his famous literary creation – it was a mosaic of scholarship, diplomacy, music, art, and passion for oriental culture.

In this biographical documentary, we journey into Gulik's extraordinary life and times, with a keen curiosity that offers a viewpoint beyond merely the author of a beloved Chinese detective series. Offering a panoramic view of his persona, the film intimately explores the diverse aspects of the man who walked the line between the genres of fact and fiction.

The documentary, shot on locations that featured highly in Gulik's life, depicts his formative years studying in places like Leiden and Utrecht in the Netherlands, before he plunged into the vibrant rainbow of culture and history that was China, Japan, and other oriental destinations. His time in colonial-era Java (now Indonesia), marked by his work as a diplomat during World War II, helped shape Gulik's perspective on culture, art, and society, which is skillfully captured in the film.

As viewers, we delve deeper into the world that encompassed Gulik's writings. The core spirit of "On the Track of Robert Van Gulik" revolves around Gulik's lifetime effort to bridge the East and West dichotomy – a cultural intersection which profoundly influenced his take on mystery fiction and helped redefine the genre.

Rombout, the filmmaker, goes beyond merely retracing Gulik's geographic journey. His approach to unveiling the multifaceted personality of his protagonist incorporates splendid vistas, personal interviews with historians, biographers, and acquaintances, along with archival footages and personal letters written by Gulik himself. These elements come together to build not just a portrait of a man, but the detailed tapestry of his life, work, and an era of history.

Through this documentary, the audience is given a rare insight into Van Gulik's personal life and the various chapters of his diplomatic career. We also come head-to-head with his passion for the Tang Dynasty, his deep love for Chinese, Indonesian, and Japanese music and instruments, his prodigious talent in Chinese calligraphy, and of course, his famed, engrossing, and compelling Judge Dee mystery novels.

Moreover, On the Track of Robert Van Gulik also visually explores the essence of the East that captured Gulik’s fascination throughout his life and remained a significant influence on his work. It forms an absorbing dialogue with a rich cinematic experience presenting an amalgamation of cultural and historical landscapes.

But the story of Robert Van Gulik is not merely a nostalgic trip into the past. Rombout brings his story into contemporary relevance by exploring the Oriental world that Gulik loved so much. What the film says beyond Gulik's tale is equally engaging and resonant. It spotlights the harmony that can be found between different cultures and the importance of cultural exchange and respect.

On the Track of Robert Van Gulik, a cinematic gem in the documentary sphere, entwines an extraordinary life of an extraordinary man with the tapestry of history, the charm of literature, the allure of music, and the beauty of an iconic landscape. Weaving a story of oriental mystique, artistic passion, the drama of the world stage, and a fascination with the human spirit, the film honors the life of Robert Van Gulik while exploring the enduring charm of his life’s work.

In summary, On the Track of Robert Van Gulik is an adroitly crafted and heartfelt testament to a man whose life was equally as intriguing as the character he created. It's a must-watch for fans of Van Gulik's work, as well as for anyone interested in the blend of personal histories and the aesthetic of different cultures. The movie doesn't merely serve to introduce you to Gulik the man and author, but also to the complex, fascinating canvas of history and culture that inspired his works.