Go on a star-studded trail around the world that served as backdrops of famous A-list films
We’ve all come across movies with scenes so breath taking that they stay in our memory for the longest time. Good movies have always relied on location to set the mood for scenes, in order to make their story look larger than life for the viewer. Directors would shuttle the cast and crew to foreign, remote locations around the world, taking the process beyond the confines of a studio. Most of the time, the crew would have to brace themselves to the challenges of local climates and situations while looking in character.
The next time you’re in a new country, why not check out iconic film locations and tread where the stars once did? These are just six stunning spots to visit.
Cambridge, United Kingdom: The Theory of Everything
Classic English gardens never fail to invoke lasting waves of nostalgic sentiments. The university town of Cambridge is home to some of the world’s top educational institutes as well as heritage architecture and ornate landscapes.
In The Theory of Everything, Stephen Hawking is seen romancing Jane Wilde at dreamy spots like the distinctive canals featuring the iconic Bridge of Sighs, and the front lawn of the New Court Building as a backdrop for the May Ball.
Varda Viaduct, Turkey: Skyfall
Naturally, all locales used in James Bond films are required to qualify for a license to thrill. By this, we mean dramatic settings to heighten the action, romance and mystery. Standing at a staggering height of 300 feet, the scenic Varda Viaduct Bridge is now better known as the spot where Bond supposedly fell to his death during a heart stopping chase of Skyfall’s opening scenes.
The beautiful stone-structured bridge boasts a unique history of its own too: built in 1905, it was designed by the Germans as part of the railway connecting Berlin with Basra.
Skopelos, Greece: Mamma Mia!
Besides Santorini, Mykonos, and Corfu island, Greece has over 200 enchanting islands that have either yet to be explored, or may have already been plucked from obscurity and thrust into overnight fame. Skopelos is just one island that caught the eye of Hollywood’s production team for Mamma Mia!, and was used as the central setting throughout most of the film.
This little Aegean island transmits typical Greek charm; think pristine secluded beaches, twinkling emerald sea, green mountains and slopes, and picturesque tavernas.
Kauai, Hawaii: Jurassic Park and Jurassic World
Believe it or not, Jurassic World exists on earth. One of the most gorgeous islands of the Hawaiian archipelago served as a backdrop for ‘dinosaurs’ to roam. The raw beauty of this ‘garden isle’ is blessed with all-round spring weather, a landscape of of mind-blowing interior valleys, staggering cliffs and mountains, strips of golden beaches, and lush vegetation with otherworldly geographical features.
It is, as they say, a piece of heaven on earth.
Gobi desert, Mongolia: The Forbidden Kingdom
If you’re a fan of kung fu movies and game for serious adventure, do as the cast and crew of The Forbidden Kingdom did, and explore the wild, remote Gobi desert, the largest desert in Asia spanning four hundred and ninety thousand square miles. The team regards it as the most challenging location to shoot in, battling constant sandstorms and temperamental weather.
The experience is one of a lifetime: Mongolia’s top attraction is dotted with sand dunes, icy canyons and dinosaur fossils, best observed while roughing it out in a traditional Gobi ger camp.
