Written by: Frances Nito
We believe that a cup of change in perspective, a dash of chance at great opportunities, and a sprinkle of new people to meet and discover along the way is the perfect recipe for a good travel movie. In this blog, we have compiled our top 6 must-watch travel list: Europe Category.
Is our list the same as yours?
6. THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL
Movie: The Grand Budapest Hotel
Directed by: Wes Anderson
Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Tony Revolori, Saoirse Ronan
Plot: A writer revisits the once majestic Grand Budapest Hotel and discovers the real story behind the murder allegations about the previous owner. This dramedy (drama-comedy) tackles misfortune, nostalgia, loyalty and friendship rolled into one.
Our Take: Just to set the expectations, the movie didn’t take place in Budapest as a lot of people had expected it to be, but in “Zubrowka” a fictional European country. Most of the main scenes in the movie were shot in different European cities in Germany and mainly featuring Gorlitz in Saxony, Germany. Interestingly enough, despite the lack of scenic views of the country, the movie still falls under our feel good, must-watch Europe list because of the perfect execution of its cinematography by Wes Anderson. The aesthetically pleasing color combinations of the whole movie and the slow paced setting results in a nostalgia for the hotel and by extension awakens a desire to travel and visit the alluringly beautiful city.
Sharing here a link that you can visit to get a glimpse of where the film was shot – https://www.searchlightpictures.com/thegrandbudapesthotel/
Serious Case of Wanderlust Rating: 3.5/5
5. LEAP YEAR
Movie: Leap Year
Directed by: Anand Tucker
Starring: Amy Adams, Matthew Goode
Plot: Anna Brady decides to travel to Dublin, Ireland in an attempt to pull off a romantic proposal to her boyfriend on a leap day. However, she was not able to foresee the challenges she’ll have to face along the way.
Our Take: A classic love story between a strong-headed city girl travelling to a serene countryside meeting a handsome local guy never gets old thus making this rom-com travel movie a must for our category. This movie also hits the perfect spot as it was able to strike a balance between the love story of two people with two opposing personalities against the backdrop of the charms of Ireland. Who wouldn’t want to visit such a relaxed, quaint, peaceful country full of sublime views of nature?
Serious Case of Wanderlust Rating: 3.5/5
4. UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN
Movie: Under the Tuscan Sun
Directed by: Audrey Wells
Starring: Diane Lane, Sandra Oh, Lindsay Duncan, Raoul Bova
Plot: In order to move on with life after her divorce, Frances Mayes travels to Tuscany and buys an old and dilapidated villa which she decides to restore to its former glory.
Our Take: There always comes a time in our lives when life becomes too much to handle and taking a step back is the only way to cope and move on. Traveling is one of the ways to cope with reality as accurately portrayed in this movie and nothing feels more satisfying in travel movies than watching the main character have another glorious chance at life and yes, even love at the most unexpected moments.
Serious Case of Wanderlust Rating: 4/5
3. LETTERS TO JULIET
Movie: Letters to Juliet
Directed by: Gary Winick
Starring: Amanda Seyfried, Vanessa Redgrave, Christopher Egan
Plot: Aspiring writer Sophie travels to the city of love, Verona, with her fiance and comes across a group of ladies known as ‘secretaries of Juliet’ who answers love letters.
Our Take: This movie is our top 3 movie in our list based in Italy and we have no regrets because this movie well deserves the spot. Not only is the story about reuniting lovers after 50 years very endearing, the relationship between Sophie and Charlie is equally entertaining as well. What’s more, there’s a heavy dose of the stunning picturesque rolling hills of Verona in this movie and we just couldn’t get enough of it!
Serious Case of Wanderlust Rating: 4/5
2. MIDNIGHT IN PARIS
Movie: Midnight in Paris
Directed by: Woody Allen
Starring: Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, Marion Cotillard, Lea Seydoux
Plot: Gil always dreamt of living as a writer in the romantic and beautiful city of Paris. One night, he found himself whisked off back in time to meet some of the most famous and celebrated writers and painters who ever lived.
Our Take: If there is one word to describe this movie, it would be: nostalgic. This whole movie is seeping with a writer’s nostalgia for the past, a period he missed because he was born centuries too late. With all this mix of emotions, one couldn’t help but sympathize with Gil. Who wouldn’t want to travel to this perfect era? Woody Allen further deepens the yearning by inserting beautiful sceneries and still images of the romantic city of Paris. This film will surely not only awaken your desire to immediately pack up and go to Paris, it will also make you feel nostalgic of the city even before you get there.
Serious Case of Wanderlust Rating: 4/5
1. THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY
Movie: Secret Life of Walter Mitty
Directed by: Ben Stiller
Starring: Ben Stiller, Kristen Wiig, Jon Daly
Plot: In order to retain his job as a negative assets manager, Walter Mitty embarks on a long and unplanned journey which took him to Greenland, Iceland, and the Himalayas in search of an elusive photographer.
Our Take: This movie is probably one of the best movies to watch when you’re coming down with a serious case of wanderlust. The representation of Ben Stiller’s character in this movie is nothing short of an actual representation of an ordinary officer worker in need of a good break. What makes this movie the top must watch in our travel list, besides the endearing adventures of Walter Mitty, is the view of where his adventures took him: the scenic Iceland and majestic Himalayas. Quintessentially, this movie is about being able to take the leap and saying yes to life and adventure no matter where it takes us. As Life’s Magazine motto goes, “To see the world, things dangerous to come to, to see behind walls, draw closer, to find each other, and to feel. That is the purpose of life.”
Serious Case of Wanderlust Rating: 4.5/5
We felt a serious case of wanderlust for Europe after watching these movies. Have you felt it too? Here is how Team Aisela can help you feed that wanderlust of yours in the meantime.
Let us also know your feel good, must-watch movies set in Europe!! Perhaps we can set up a Netflix Watch Party together! 🙂 Stay home everyone!
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