The world is full of incredible landscapes, and that makes them the setting for many of the movies we’ve seen on the big screen. Many film productions take advantage of natural or urban settings to bring their stories to life.
In many of the destinations where Cooperating Volunteers works, iconic movies have been filmed, and today we want to share them with you as a fun curiosity so you can recognize the locations when you visit these places.
Remember that during your free time in your volunteer experience, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy exploring the country and all the hidden gems it has to offer.
THAILAND
- The Beach (2000): Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, filmed in the famous Maya Bay in the Phi Phi Islands. A dramatic thriller based on Alex Garland’s novel, it tells the story of a young American who arrives in Thailand seeking adventure. At a hostel in Bangkok, he meets Daffy, a mysterious man who speaks of a secret island with a paradise beach. Intrigued, Richard receives a map from Daffy and decides to embark on a journey to find the place, accompanied by a French tourist couple, Françoise and Étienne. After a difficult journey, they find the island, which turns out to be a nearly untouched paradise inhabited by a self-sufficient community of travelers trying to escape the modern world. However, as Richard adapts to life in this idyllic setting, tensions rise within the group, and the utopian dream turns into a nightmare as they face ethical dilemmas, internal conflicts, and external dangers.
- The Hangover Part II (2011): Starring Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, and Zach Galifianakis, filmed in Bangkok and other areas including the Chao Phraya River and Wat Arun. The sequel to the hit movie The Hangover, the group travels to Thailand for Stu’s wedding. Determined to avoid another disaster, Stu plans a quiet bachelor party, but the night before the wedding takes an unexpected turn when the friends decide to have just one beer on the beach with the bride’s younger brother. The next morning, they wake up in a rundown hotel in Bangkok, hungover and with no memory of what happened. As they try to piece together the events of the night, they face hilarious and dangerous situations.
- Tomorrow Never Dies (1997): Starring Pierce Brosnan, filmed in Phang Nga Bay, near Phuket, and other areas of Thailand. The eighteenth James Bond film follows Elliot Carver, a powerful media mogul who seeks to start a global conflict to boost his television ratings. Carver manipulates tensions between the UK and China by orchestrating a naval confrontation to secure exclusive broadcasting rights in China and solidify his influence worldwide. James Bond is assigned to investigate the incident and stop Carver’s plans. Along the way, Bond teams up with Wai Lin, a Chinese secret agent skilled in martial arts, and together they uncover the extent of Carver’s conspiracy. The adventure takes them through lethal henchmen, explosive chases, and technological challenges as they try to prevent a war between world powers.
- The Impossible (2012): Starring Naomi Watts, Tom Holland, and Ewan McGregor, filmed in Phuket, based on the true story of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. The movie follows María, Henry, and their three children, a family who travels to Thailand for a Christmas vacation in 2004. However, their idyllic holiday turns into a nightmare when a devastating tsunami strikes Southeast Asia’s coast. Separated by the force of the waves, the family struggles to survive and reunite in a chaotic and destructive environment.
INDIA
- Slumdog Millionaire (2008): Starring Dev Patel, filmed in Mumbai, showcasing the Dharavi slums and vibrant urban life. The story follows Jamal Malik, a young orphan from Mumbai’s slums, who surprisingly reaches the final question on the TV show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Before answering the final question, Jamal is arrested under suspicion of cheating, as his humble background seems incompatible with his success. During the interrogation, Jamal explains how each question on the show connects to key events in his life: his difficult childhood, the loss of his parents, his struggle to survive alongside his brother Salim, and his love for Latika, the girl he has always wanted to protect.
- Life of Pi (2012): Starring Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, and Gautam Belur (playing Pi Patel at different ages), filmed in Puducherry and Kerala. The film tells the incredible story of Piscine Molitor Patel, known as Pi, a young Indian whose father owns a zoo. When the family decides to emigrate to Canada, they board a freighter with several zoo animals. However, a violent storm sinks the ship, leaving Pi as the sole human survivor. Adrift in the Pacific Ocean, Pi finds himself trapped in a lifeboat with an unexpected and dangerous companion: a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. Over 227 days, Pi faces extreme challenges while fighting for survival, forming a complex and symbolic relationship with the tiger, who represents both a threat and a reason to keep going.
- A Passage to India (1984): Starring Judy Davis, Peggy Ashcroft, and Victor Banerjee, filmed in Bangalore, Kashmir, and Uttar Pradesh. The story begins when Adela Quested and Mrs. Moore, two British women, travel to India to visit Adela’s fiancé, a colonial officer. Both want to explore true India beyond the British colonial circle. In their search, they befriend Dr. Aziz, a kind and enthusiastic Muslim doctor who invites them to explore the mysterious Marabar caves. During the excursion, a confusing incident occurs inside the caves, and Adela accuses Aziz of attacking her. This event sparks a trial full of racial and cultural tensions, polarizing the British and the Indians. As the truth becomes harder to discern, the incident questions the prejudices and complexities of colonial relationships.
KENYA
- Out of Africa (1985): Starring Meryl Streep and Robert Redford, filmed in various locations including the Serengeti and Lake Naivasha. The story follows Karen Blixen, who moves to Kenya with her husband, Baron Bror Blixen, to manage a coffee plantation. However, her marriage is unhappy, and Karen ends up living alone on the plantation after separating from her husband. During her stay in Africa, Karen forms a deep and complex relationship with Denys Finch Hatton, an English hunter and adventurer. Through her connection with Denys and her love for the African land, Karen embarks on a journey of self-discovery while confronting the difficulties of life on the continent, the complexities of colonial relationships, and personal tragedy.
- The Constant Gardener (2005): Starring Rachel Weisz and Ralph Fiennes, filmed in different locations in Kenya, such as Nairobi and other rural areas. The story follows Justin Quayle, a British diplomat stationed in Kenya, whose world is shaken when his wife Tessa, a committed activist, is brutally murdered. As Justin investigates Tessa’s death, he uncovers a complex web of conspiracies involving an international pharmaceutical company conducting illegal drug tests in Africa without the participants’ consent. Driven by his love for his wife and the need to understand what happened, Justin begins to unravel the truth behind her death, confronting powerful corporate and political interests. Throughout his investigation, Justin transforms from an apathetic and reserved man to a determined advocate for justice.
- Out of Sight (1998): Starring George Clooney and Jennifer Lopez, with some scenes filmed in the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The story begins when Jack Foley, a charismatic bank robber, escapes from prison in an elaborate plan. During his escape, he kidnaps Karen Sisco, a federal agent pursuing him. However, what seems to be a tense kidnapping turns into a mutual attraction between them. As they interact, they develop a complex relationship, with Foley trying to escape the law while Karen begins to question her own principles and emotions. Throughout the film, Foley plans a major heist, while Karen struggles to catch him but also becomes attracted to his charm. The story blends action, suspense, and captivating romance as the characters navigate a world of crime, divided loyalties, and difficult decisions.
CAMBODIA
- Tomb Raider (2001): starring Angelina Jolie, with scenes filmed at the Angkor Wat temples in Siem Reap and other temples in the region. The story follows Lara Croft, a young and independent woman who rejects her legacy as the daughter of the famous archaeologist Richard Croft, who mysteriously disappeared years earlier while investigating the tomb of the mythical Queen Himiko on a remote island in Japan. However, when Lara discovers that her father left a clue that could lead to his disappearance, she embarks on a dangerous adventure to uncover the mystery. Throughout her journey, Lara faces extreme challenges and discovers that her father was involved in a dangerous conspiracy related to a criminal organization led by Mathias Vogel. As she explores the island and delves into the ruins, Lara must use her wits and skills to survive and uncover hidden secrets while fighting to escape the looming threat.
- The Tourist (2010): starring Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie, with some scenes filmed in Cambodia, showcasing its natural beauty. Although much of it was filmed in Europe, some Cambodian locations appear to add an exotic touch to the plot. The story follows Frank Tupelo, an American tourist who travels to Europe to escape his dull, routine life. On the train to Venice, he meets Elise, a mysterious and elegant woman who attracts him. Elise is connected to a fugitive named Alexander Pearce, who has stolen a huge sum of money and is being pursued by the police. To protect themselves from the dangers they face, Elise uses Frank, making him pass for Pearce to confuse the police and the criminals looking for him. As Frank gets caught up in a dangerous plot of lies, chases, and betrayals, his life takes an unexpected turn, and he begins to question Elise’s true intentions while developing a growing attraction to her.
- The Killing Fields (1984): starring John Malkovich, Haing S. Igor, and Sam Waterston, filmed at various locations in Cambodia, including the Choeung Ek concentration camp, also known as the ‘Killing Fields.’ The film follows two journalists: American reporter Sydney Schanberg and his Cambodian translator, Dith Pran. During the Vietnam War, Schanberg and his team of journalists cover the events in Cambodia. When the country falls under the control of the Khmer Rouge, Schanberg and his colleagues find themselves trapped in the chaos of the civil war. As Schanberg tries to escape, Dith Pran is arrested and taken to one of the feared Khmer Rouge labor camps, where he endures hard labor and torture. Throughout the film, Schanberg fights to save his friend, while Dith Pran struggles to survive under extreme conditions.
There are countless films shot throughout history at locations all around the world. We love visiting these locations and knowing that great actors and actresses were there filming stories that have become cinema classics.
Did you know all of these films?
If there’s one you haven’t seen yet, now you have a plan.
We could do a second part to keep discovering great movie gems.