Movies have always been a source of imagination where the thin line of reality and fiction blend to create a transcendental cinematic experience. This location in many stellar movies can be visited in real life, and you can explore their surreal beauty, which was captured on the big screen.
Lost in Translation
A whirlwind trip to the fast-paced city of Tokyo forms the background of this movie, which tells the lonely tale of a middle-aged movie star, Bob Harris and a young woman accompanying her husband on his work trip. With a big age difference, they still connect over their growing despondency, which makes them find some sort of solace. The use of vivid cinematography captures the essence of Tokyo by presenting the Joganji Temple, the red-light district of Kabukicho and the blurry nightlife of the city.
Vicky Christina Barcelona
Home to some of the most awe-inspiring landmarks, which made Antonio Gaudi a well-renowned figure in the world of architecture. The movie uses many famous monuments like Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Casa Milà, and Casa Batillo, as well as the tantalising Catalan cuisine depicted in the scenes. Director Woody Allen tells the story of two best friends as they become entangled in a love affair with artist Juan Antonio. Things get even more complicated as his troubled ex-wife joins the already brewing love triangle.
The Chronicles of Narnia
Setting the tone for the mythical land of Narnia, dream-like locations in New Zealand like Cair Paravel ruins, Woodhill Forest, and Elephant Rock have been used. In the movie, Narnia is a magical kingdom that has many seasons and a sprawling wildlife that humans cannot enter. But the Pevensie siblings find a wardrobe, which is the gateway to this land, and have been thrust to save everyone from the evil White Witch.
The Motorcycle Diaries
Traversing the length and breadth of Latin America, 23-year-old Che Guevera sets on an epic adventure with his friend Alberto Granado on his beloved motorcycle, La Perdosa. Inspired by the book of the same name, this movie creates a spectacular landscape of the unexplored terrains of South America, like the barren deserts, lush greenery and fog-covered mountains. The shots of Macchu Pichhu in Peru point towards the confluence of an ancient civilisation and the modern ideologies embodied by Guevara.
Into the Wild
Depicting the other side of the U.S.A., which has some of the most stunning terrains perfect for hiking, this movie is the true story of Chris McCandless, who becomes disenchanted by the current society. He gives his money to charity and cuts contact with his family as he sets out to explore the wilderness of the United States. His trail follows Alaska, Arizona, and South Dakota, whose harsh climate becomes an expression of freedom for him. The movie is a must-watch for its depiction of the duality that our society faces and the unspoken cost of living on your own terms.
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
The third instalment in the hit Indiana Jones series, this movie is about the epic adventure of finding the Holy Grail, which is held sacred in Christianity. The ending climax was shot in Petra, Jordan, where the main action takes place. The ancient treasury called Al Khazneh, which is made of solid sandstone, was used due to its remoteness and being surrounded by a desert canyon. They showed that this temple had many traps, but in reality, visitors cannot enter the temple, and it is simply a small stone room.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
Everyone is well acquainted with the world of Harry Potter, which is full of wizardry, dragons and quidditch. The University of Oxford served as the setting of many famous throughout the series, including the Christ Church College’s Great Hall, which was used as an inspiration for the Great Hall in Hogwarts. Besides this, the Bodleian Library was used as the Hogwarts Infirmary, and New College’s cloister and courtyard were used in many outdoor scenes.
