Celebrating the world of film
How many times have you watched a film and declared ‘I have to go there’? The big – and small – screen have the power to bring a place to life in a way that nothing else can. There are, of course, cities and landscapes that are perennial favourites for filmmakers, New York, Paris and Rome are some such places. And then there are other, less well known destinations that evoke wanderlust. Here, we have gathered some of the world’s most inspiring film locations, and the films that have brought them to life. From the salt-scented beaches of Crete and the lush forests of New Zealand to the atmospheric streets of Budapest, join us as we celebrate some of the destinations that have created movie magic.
1
New York
The list of famous film locations in New York City is as seemingly endless as the list of the city’s iconic buildings and landmarks. Tiffany’s, one of the world’s most famous jewellery stores, became part of movie history in 1961 when Audrey Hepburn peered through the shop’s window in the opening scenes of Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Times Square has starred in numerous films, including the classics Midnight Cowboy and Taxi Driver. The sky-high Art Deco Empire State Building was seen on screen in the 1933 King Kong film, and has since been used in hundreds of films and TV shows, including An Affair to Remember, the favourite film of Meg Ryan’s character Annie in Sleepless in Seattle and the location where she meets Tom Hanks’ character Sam and his son at the end of the film. Another great classic.
Soak up the atmosphere of New York City on our Eastern Seaboard Explorer ocean voyage.
2
Crete
Who can forget Anthony Quinn’s irrepressible Zorba teaching Alan Bates’ buttoned-up Basil how to dance, Greek style, in Zorba the Greek. Filmed on the island of Crete, with its turquoise waters and whitewashed houses, the only thing missing in this 1960s black and white classic is colour. The film was mainly shot in Chania and the village of Kokkino Chorio. Should you wish to recreate that famous dance scene, head to Stavros Beach. Also filmed in Chania, and the ancient Minoan ruins of Knossos, is The Two Faces of January starring Viggo Mortensen and Kirsten Dunst, which was said to do for Greece what The Talented Mr Ripley did for Italy. And then there’s the TV adaptation of Victoria Hislop’s book The Island. Set on the island of Spinalonga near Elounda, it was once home to a leper colony, and is today a haunting yet beautiful place to visit.
Explore the beauty and history of Crete on our Journey to Antiquities ocean voyage.
3
New Zealand
Often referred to by its Māori name Aotearoa, the land of the long white cloud, New Zealand is a magnet for nature lovers and adventurers, and a favourite destination for filmmakers. The country boasts epic and diverse landscapes, from snow-capped mountains to lush forests and pristine beaches, all of which provide the perfect backdrop for some of cinema’s greatest offerings. Perhaps the most famous films to make the most of New Zealand’s spectacular scenery are The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit trilogy based on the J.R.R. Tolkien novels. One of the most iconic locations is the Hobbiton set near Matamata, with its verdant landscapes and rolling hills. Jane Campion’s period drama The Piano was filmed at Karekare Beach, west of Auckland, while its moody bush scenes were filmed at Matakana. The Bay of Islands provided the setting for the film’s unforgettable water scenes.
Discover the beauty of New Zealand on our Australia & New Zealand ocean voyage.
4
Paris
To quote Audrey Hepburn, ‘Paris is always a good idea’. A filmmaker’s dream, the City of Love has for centuries inspired artists of all mediums. Set in revolutionary Paris, Les Misérables transports Victor Hugo’s iconic novel to the city’s historic streets and the tree-lined promenades of the Jardin de Luxembourg. Another must-see movie made in Paris is the romantic comedy Amélie which takes place in the charming artistic neighbourhood of Montmartre, overlooked by the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur. Also set in Montmartre, Baz Luhrmann’s Moulin Rouge! was a smash hit that vividly displays the courtesans and bohemian artistry of the early 1900s at the Moulin Rouge cabaret club, which still stands today. Other famous films in which you can see recreations of the French capital include An American in Paris and The Da Vinci Code, both of which will inspire you to explore this magical city.
Stroll the streets of Paris on our Paris & the Heart of Normandy river journey.
5
Berlin
Germany’s exciting capital blends beauty and historic treasures with a gritty edge. Home to a vibrant culture and striking architecture, it’s no wonder that Berlin is the backdrop for some of the world’s most visually engaging films. The former border crossing between East and West Berlin, Checkpoint Charlie, is featured in many thrillers, from James Bond’s Octopussy to the 1965 classic, The Spy Who Came in from the Cold. The movie Bridge of Spies depicts several Berlin locations, including the Glienicke Bridge (the Bridge of Spies), the Berlin Wall and Tempelhof Airport. In Kate Winslet’s film The Reader, you’ll see the prominent square, Alexanderplatz, known as ‘Alex’, with its landmark television tower, the historic Brandenburg Gate, and Museum Island: a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In all films, Berlin and its dramatic history, are visibly mesmerising.
Enjoy an overnight stay in Berlin on our Elegant Elbe river journey.
6
Vietnam
Vietnam has, throughout history, witnessed tragedy, war and upheaval. Its extraordinary beauty and rich history have been brought to life by writers and filmmakers alike. One such offering is Graham Greene’s acclaimed novel The Quiet American, of which the 2002 film stars Michael Caine as Thomas Fowler, a jaded British reporter covering the French-Indochina war. The film was shot in various locations in Vietnam, including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), where the film’s main setting features the Continental Hotel (in reality, the Caravelle Hotel). Dubbed the French Gone with the Wind, the film Indochine tells the story of a French plantation owner (played by Catherine Deneuve) amidst the Vietnamese people’s struggle for French Indochina’s independence from France, and was filmed in Hue, Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh. Interestingly, Good Morning, Vietnam was filmed not in Vietnam but in Thailand.
Explore the rich history of Vietnam on our Magnificent Mekong river journey
7
Rome
A seductive mix of ancient ruins, incredible art and lively streets, Italy’s captivating capital is a film director’s dream. The perennial favourite Roman Holiday sees actors Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck exploring this astonishingly beautiful city. Landmarks to look out for include the Trevi Fountain, where Ms Hepburn throws a coin into the fountain (following the belief that if you do so, you will return to Rome), and the Spanish Steps. Another classic movie set in Rome is Fellini’s La Dolce Vita, in which Anita Ekberg struts through the Trevi Fountain in a ballgown, and Marcello Mastroianni’s character takes a stroll by the Colosseum. The ancient amphitheatre is of course the star of the films Gladiator and Gladiator II, and no visit to Rome is complete without visiting this iconic site. It is one of many incredible places you can explore in the city known as a living museum.
Immerse yourself in the history of Rome on our Italian Sojourn ocean voyage.
8
Florence
A favourite film location, with its stunning architecture, historic sites and charming streets, Florence is the dramatic backdrop to many movies, including the E.M. Forster adaptation A Room with a View. Follow in the footsteps of the film’s couple Lucy (Helena Bonham Carter) and George (Julian Sands) at the city’s main square Piazza della Signoria and the Loggia dei Lanzi (location for the famous fainting damsel scene), adjoining the Uffizi Gallery. Franco Zeffirelli’s film Tea with Mussolini is set in 1930s fascist Italy and was filmed in various locations in Florence, including the English Cemetery, the Piazza of Santa Maria Novella Church and the Uffizi Gallery. Also shot in Florence was The Portrait of a Lady, with Henry James’ 1881 novel as its inspiration. The iconic symbol of the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Piazza del Duomo is the star of the film.
Stroll the streets of Florence on our Iconic Western Mediterranean voyage.
9
Budapest
Big, bold, beautiful Budapest is a popular location for films featuring historical architecture and a moody backdrop. Scenes from the adaptation of John le Carré’s novel Tinker, Tailor, Soldier Spy were filmed at Fishermen’s Bastion, with its spectacular views over the River Danube and the city beyond. The café scene in which Jim Prideaux is shot was filmed in the interior hall of Párizsi Udvar Hotel. Set in a fictional European hotel The Grand Budapest Hotel utilised Budapest for its unique architecture and historical buildings. In Evita, Madonna and Antonio Banderas filmed scenes in Budapest representing Buenos Aires, including Andrássy Avenue, Keleti Train Station and the Palace of Justice. The similarities between the city and the Argentine capital are striking. Stroll the streets of this evocative city and discover its remarkable beauty for yourself.
Discover the history of Budapest on our Romantic Danube river journey.
10
Provence
With its idyllic, sun-kissed landscapes, rich heritage and ancient towns and villages, Provence has long been a favourite backdrop for filmmakers. Iconic movies set in this beautiful corner of France include the must-see Jean de Florette and its sequel Manon des Sources, based on the novels by Marcel Pagnol. Set around the village of Vaugines and the surrounding areas in the Luberon, the rural locations capture the story’s themes of agricultural life in the beautiful Provençal countryside. Also filmed in the Luberon region, at a winery, A Good Year starring Russell Crowe and Marion Cotillard brings to life the serene beauty of the Provencal vineyards. Further south, on the French Riviera, Cannes, Nice and Monaco and the surrounding countryside were the settings for the classic Hitchcock thriller To Catch a Thief, starring Cary Grant and Grace Kelly. Another must-see movie that will see you heading to Provence.
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Provence on our Lyon & Provence river journey