As a creative soul, cinema has surely influenced my life ever since my first day at the movies. Here are a list of my top 10 movies I recommend if you want to feel inspired planning your next adventure.
I often compare movies to songs, books or pieces of literature that go a long way in your life. It sometimes takes a quote, or a scene from a powerful movie to give you the edge you need to pursue your dreams. They are written by people that breath and feel like us after all. Some movies make us cry, create and some makes us open our wallet and buy that ticket that will change your life. It doesn't matter if you are an adventurer, a hicker, a slow traveler, a planner or a wanderer, here is a list of movies that I personally find, will give you that push you need.
#10 UP IN THE AIR
In my opinion, this is one of George Clooney's best movies. Its funny, quirky and if you are obssesed with the "frequent flyer"status, this one is for you. It makes number ten on my list because it gives you a different perspective from a particular traveler. I would say that 90% of the movie is either inside an airplane or an airport. If you are a traveler that is savvy racking up travel points on your credit card and enjoy a stop at an airport lounge, be sure to see this one.
Watch the trailer here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSzVgkGvB1E
#9 The Darjeeling Limited
As a fan of good cinema, this marvel is one of Wes Anderson's best films. Embark in a indy-film delight. Follow the witty and akward adventure through India via train. It's a visual masterpiece that captures the colors and nature of India. This movie is special because you can rest a sure you will enjoy the point of view of one of this countries greatest attractions; its culture. Great cast, great director, great movie. Highly recommended.
Watch the trailer here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2R7O2IlndM
#8 Wild
If you love nature, hicking or just going out in the world and adventuring, this is an impactful movie for your enjoyment. Centered around young woman facing adversity, her life changed and now is set to embark on getting her life back together. This movie carries such an important message, not only because of the substance of the story on its own, but how it resonates with reality to some. We all face downsides, and travel is a great way to overcome it.
Watch the trailer here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tn2-GSqPyl0
#7 Vicky Cristina Barcelona
"There is nothing more romantic, than a romance with life" and this movie lives my this motto. Imagine traveling to Barcelona only to find love in the city, with a stranger and yourself. This is a sensual approach of what opportunity may wait for you on the other side of the world. Has a great cast and it is written and directed by Woody Allen, which like him or not, has the ability to choose beautiful destinations for his movies, integrating all of the necessary elements that illustrate the beauty of the location.
Watch the trailer here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-RdUcXAKiw
#6 The Motorcycle Diaries
Following the steps of cuban Ernesto "Che"Guevara's amazing voyage from Brazil to Peru during his studies in medical school. Based on a true story this movie gives you a beautiful taste of South America. Although the story has a more political and social motive, you still get glimpses of the beauty found on these countries on this continent. It is a captivating movie that will surely appeal your adventorous side. Highly recommended for those that want to explore and go beyond the limits of what normal travel is.
Watch the trailer here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWBsQArUkQY
#5 Lost in Translation
I think anyone who's anyone feels somewhat interested in visiting Japan; nevertheless get lost there. Explore how two strangers find true friendship in just exploring Japan's nightlife and culture. From meaningful conversations at a bar, to singing karaoke, exploring the japanese gardens in Kyoto, this slow pasted movie offers a powerful punch. Written and directed by Sofia Coppola, this movie is one of the top ones on my list, I felt the vibe when visiting Japan. Great soundtrack, good story and ofcourse amazing destination.
Watch the trailer here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qf0JD0gBDMc
#4 Midnight in Paris
Another Woody Allen masterpiece. Imagine wandering around a city like Paris by yourself. Walking and admiring the romance that Paris brings to the table at night, while sightseeing during the day. This playful movie goes beyond and about by introducing a particular set of characters known throught history. At the stroke of midnight the main character (an aspiring novelist) gets to see another side of Paris accompanied by Salvador Dalí, Ernest Hemingway, Scott Fitzgerald, amongst others.
See the trailer here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YP09GVuj0-4
#3 The Beach
A guy in Bangkok once told me that once this movie hit the theathers, Thailand's tourism flousrished like never before. Leo DiCaprio's "The Beach" was every nomad or backpacker's dream. Living the dream of exploring a secluded paradise spot in Southeast Asia had everyone running to Thailand. Maya Bay (the actual beach) received millions of tourists since then. Sadly it has affected the coral life there, but that hasn't stopped people from visiting.
See the trailer here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vSsx1RkGls
#2 EAT PRAY LOVE
EAT PRAY LOVE is an obvious choice. The book, then made movie was an instant classic. Letting go of things that don't let you grow has to be a very bold and empowering move. Choosing a place to live and eat, a place to go and pray and finally finding love, has everyone romancing about the idea of starting from scratch and wander of what life has entailed for us. I must warn you, this movie could make you risk everything; for a good reason of course.
See the trailer here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NS8lWPIkyL8
#1 The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
I left the movie theather and bought a ticket to India once I got home. This movie is clearly one of the most powerful movies when it comes to appreciating life and living to the fullest. It's social criticism focuses on what life really is about. Were we born to sit behind a desk 9-5? Sometimes we leave our dreams behind because an illusion of what life really is...gets in the way. The soundtrack is awsome, the cinematography is mind blowing, its funny and entertaining. This movie is #1 on my list for a reason. Its liberating, mixed with emotions, photography, imagination....all the good stuff.
See the trailer here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QD6cy4PBQPI
HONORABLE MENTION -
THE FALL
Probably the most underrated movie on the list. This movie makes the list because it only has one word to describe it "beautiful". Get ready to find yourself to what I may dare to compare as being inside the mind of Salvador Dalí. This movie is filled with an amazing story, surrealism at every corner, and perhaps the most clever and versatile use of destinations ever on a movie. From India to Indonesia, Spain to Sri Lanka, The Fall is a visual gem. You will have plenty of ideas of where to visit after seeing this one. This is one of the movies that motivated me to continue my travels, it "didn't make"the list just because it is not considered a travel movie, but it's one of my favourites and it did work for me.
See the trailer here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTn5XUFP_iA
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