The inspiration that comes from a movie is not something to be taken lightly. We have all experienced that feeling of watching event unfold in screen and wishing we were there. These feelings are even stronger when the destinations are exotic places that we longed for, or if our characters are engaged in situations we wish we could experience ourselves. Here at Royal Holiday Travel, we love showing you ways to make the most out of your trips and to find new ways to enjoy them. Today’s list is quite special because it has something for everyone. The characters in these movies are easy to relate to and difficult not to fall in love with.
Lost in Translation
Bill Murray, Scarlett Johansson. Directed by Sofia Coppola.
This movie is beautiful in its own right, and as a traveling film is full of deep looks into what is it to be out of place, both sentimentally and also geographically. Bob and Charlotte being an unlikely friendship in Japan and support each other as they go through figuring out their own personal troubles. The city of Tokyo is alive and vibrant and it contrasts perfectly the loneliness of our characters and their internal turmoil.
Into The Wild
Emile Hirsch. Directed by Sean Penn.
Into the Wild is the true story of Christopher McCandless, an American hiker and traveler also known as Alexander Supertramp. McCandless decided to travel the country after graduating from college and for two years toured the United States eventually embarking on his final journey on the Stampede Trail. He planned one living of the land and surviving on minimal supplies, but sadly perished a few months later. The money may be sad because of the ultimate fate of the main character, but it does teach a valuable lesson about leaving behind a materialistic world and pursuing one’s dreams.
Lawrence Of Arabia
Peter O’Toole, Alec Guinness. Directed by David Lean.
This 1962 epic historical drama film based on the life of T. E. Lawrence is considered one of the most influential movies of all times. The movie tells the story of a British soldier who ventures into the Arabian Desert to gather intelligence about the Arab revolt against Turkey during World War 1. Lawrence struggles against his own convictions and ends up leading the revolt himself and adopting many of the customs of the nomadic tribes he was investigating. The movie is a beautiful example of what happens when you learn about other cultures and see things from their point of view.
The Motorcycle Diaries
Gael García Bernal, Rodrigo de la Serna. Directed by Walter Salles.
A beautiful look of South America during one of the hardest periods the region has faced in modern times. The movie follows the story of the guerilla commander Che Guevara before his exploits that made him famous. Setting aside all politics, the movie is a great coming of age story about two young men who take off with the desire to see their own continent and end up finding themselves.
Image courtesy of lee.chihwei at Flickr.com
The Darjeeling Limited
Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody, Jason Schwartzman. Directed by Wes Anderson.
Three wealthy brothers decide to take a train trip through India after their father’s funeral with hopes to reconnect with one another. The film is full of beautiful landscapes and exquisite cinematography in India and shows how the characters learn from all their crazy adventures and discover the men they are becoming. A great comedy, and an excellent way to get motivated to see India.
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
Starring and directed by Ben Stiller
A great movie and a beautiful story of a man who is always daydreaming but finally see traveling as the ultimate realization of his fantasies. The movie is surprisingly well shot and the story is heartwarming and filled with moments of clarity. The movie touches all of us personally and helps us listen to that little voice encouraging us to go out and see the world.
The Way
Martin Sheen. Directed by Emilio Estevez.
This emotional American drama tells the story of a man who travels to France to retrieve his son’s body who died while walking the Camino de Santiago. However, he decides in honor to his son, to carry the ashes and complete the journey himself. He meets other travelers along the way and understands why his son love traveling so much. A truly touching story.
A Map for Saturday
Brook Silva-Braga
This travel documentary is the work of Silva-Braga, an HBO producer who quit his job to travel the world living out of his backpack. The film is without question one of the best long-term traveling movies ever made. He stays in hostels and small hotels all over the world meeting new people every day. If you want to learn about long-term budget travel, this is the film for you.