In a similar vein to an earlier post about books that get your knees knocking for adventure, let’s consider some films that evoke the freedom of the road, the wonder of nature, and the thrill of adventure. Here are six films that will make you wish you were richer than Bill Gates and could just spend the rest of your life travelling:
Baraka was filmed in 24 countries
This is the movie to see if you are even remotely interested in, well, life. If you have a passion for travel, photography, the natural world, or cultures then this film will probably have you mesmerised.
Read a review of Baraka by Eric Young.
2. The Motorcycle Diaries (2004, South America)
I watched this the night before I flew to South America to begin my own adventures, so it naturally resonated with me. While it is interesting to watch the social awakening in the young Che Guevara, and I defy you not to get a little misty during the river-crossing scene, it is the backdrop of mid-century South America – her landscapes, people, suffering, and beauty – that is the real scene-stealer.
Read a review of The Motorcycle Diaries on Ainulindale.
3. Into the Wild (2007, USA)
Directed by Sean Penn, it has been called his “love letter to America.” The film follows the travels of twenty-three year old Chris AKA Alexander Supertramp who finishes college, donates his life savings to Oxfam, and drives to Arizona where he parks in the desert, burns the money in his pockets, and walks off into the wild, determined to be alive in the world and, ultimately, to live off the land in Alaska.
Read a review of Into the Wild from sitting in the dark.
Peter Jackson's epic trilogy put New Zealand on the map
Something like one third of tourism in New Zealand these days is a result of people watching the Lord of the Rings and being floored by the scenery. The Tourism NZ department has joked that it was a 9 hour advertisement for the country. It’s pretty stunning.
Read a review of Lord of the Rings by JonnyB.
5. 3-Iron (2004, South Korea)
This film is a real charmer, although it has neither epic landscapes nor postcard picture scenery. I just remember being so interested in all the tiny details – what the apartments were like, the streets, the clothing – and determining to visit South Korea (I still haven’t but I’m still determined to).
Read a review of 3-Iron by Marcello.
6. Pride & Prejudice (2005, England)
For those Jane Austen fans among us. If you are loyally partial to the BBC adaptation don’t worry, Kiera Knightley does a better Lizzie than you’d expect. T he scenery in this film will make your heart pound and your breathing shallow (as will the sight of Mr. Darcy walking through the rain towards you). A guilty pleasure that will have you checking our airfares to England on Expedia.
Read a review of Pride & Prejudice by Katherine Cox.
THE FIRST DRAFT 