travel

10 Oscar-winning films that inspire travel

March 10, 2016

With Wes Anderson's signature quirky aesthetic, 'The Grand Budapest Hotel' is as much a treat for the eyes as it is an enjoyable watch. – March 10, 2016.Have you ever watched a film and thought, "Ah, I would like to visit that place"? From inspiring settings and landscapes to engaging stories and actors, there are some films that will bring you into their world completely and leave you aching with a sense of wanderlust.

Whether it's the old-world charm of the Maghreb or the gritty streets of Mumbai, here are 10 Oscar-winning films that will have you packing your bags in preparation for your next travel destination, brought to you by premium escorted tour company, Insight Vacation.

The Grand Budapest Hotel

Follow the adventures of Gustave H (Ralph Fiennes), a celebrated concierge at The Grand Budapest Hotel, and his sidekick, lobby boy Zero Moustafa (Tony Revolori), through a whimsical Central European backdrop. Wes Anderson's film is filled with anything from pastel-coloured buildings and ornate interiors to grey prisons and dramatic snowy landscapes, all viewed with a touch of theatrical flair and a focus on symmetry.

The King's Speech

Colin Firth plays King George VI in this gorgeous biographical drama that puts the spotlight on traditional British architecture. Afflicted with a debilitating stammer, Firth's royal character seeks the unconventional help of Australian speech therapist, Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush). Filmed in parts of St James', Fitzrovia and Regent's Park, the high stucco ceilings, gold mouldings and panelled walls will easily transport you back to 1930s Britain.

Vicky Christina Barcelona

If you ever wanted to know what a romantic comedy would look like in the hands of Woody Allen, “Vicky Christina Barcelona” is it. While visiting the Spanish capital in the summer, Christina (Scarlett Johansson) and Vicky (Rebecca Hall) are two best friends who find themselves entangled in a complicated relationship with Juan Antonio (Javier Bardem) and his fiery ex-wife Maria Elena (Penelope Cruz). Their entanglement plays out against a sultry cityscape filled with vintage Alfa Romeos, brightly-tiled kitchens and lush Catalan gardens leaving you pining as much for the characters as you would the location.

Casablanca

Nothing will make you yearn for old-world charm like 'Casablanca'. – March 10, 2016.In this Old Hollywood classic that spawned the oft-misquoted line “Play it again, Sam” (it's “Play it, Sam”), the handsome Humphrey Bogart plays Rick Blaine who runs “Rick's Cafe Americain” in Casablanca. When a former lover (Ingrid Bergman) and her husband shows up, it stirs up old feelings in Rick. Set in the early days of World War II, a dash of politics and treachery is thrown into the mix. A riot of uniforms, white tuxedos, fedoras and fezzes, “Casablanca” will have you yearning for the film's exotic old-world charm.

Moulin Rouge

“Moulin Rouge” displays the seedy Parisian nightclub at its best, chronicling the short but passionate love affair between British writer, Christian (Ewan McGregor), and the nightclub's star courtesan, Satine (Nicole Kidman). Filled with colourful characters, elaborate sets and intricate costumes that define a Baz Luhrmann film, “Moulin Rouge” is in one word, decadent.

Gladiator

With a little help from CGI, the ancient Roman landscape comes alive again in “Gladiator”. Ancient landmarks like the Colosseum, Forum and Palatine Hill are restored to its former glory as a backdrop for disgraced general, Maximus (Russell Crowe), to fight his violent, gory way back from being a lowly gladiator to take revenge on corrupt Emperor Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) who killed his family.

Slumdog Millionaire

In this inspiring film that shot Dev Patel and Freida Pinto to fame, a young orphan, Jamal (Patel), survives the streets of Mumbai by indulging in street crime. When he's on the verge of winning India's version of “Who Wants to be a Millionaire”, he is arrested and tortured by police on suspicions of cheating.

As he recounts the moments in his life that led him to each correct answer, viewers are treated to gritty backstreet scenery that won the film the “Best Cinematography” and “Best Picture” accolades at the 2009 Oscars.

Gone With the Wind

'Gone With the Wind' was the most expensive and longest film of its time, but it was all worth it. – March 10, 2016.A Hollywood epic that spans three hours, “Gone With the Wind” is set in the American Civil War and focuses on southern belle, Scarlett O'Hara (Vivien Leigh). As the war worsens, she takes charge of her family and their plantation, defending it against soldiers, thieves and starvation but is ultimately ruined by love. Shot in three-strip Technicolor, the film was the longest and most expensive of its time, but also the most beautiful. Its white fields of cotton, imposing mansions and Old South scenery are part of the reason why the film is still popular to this day.

Braveheart

Its disputed historical accuracy notwithstanding, “Braveheart” was recognised for its take on 13th century Scotland. National hero William Wallace (Mel Gibson) leads a revolution against the English, who have invaded Scotland, as revenge for publicly executing his lover Murron MacClannough (Catherine McCormack). With an over-the-top ferocity and compelling score, the film will make you want to run wild through dense forests, heathered glens and around misty lochs.

Annie Hall

Another Woody Allen classic, the iconic Big Apple backdrop shares the stage with neurotic New York comedian, Alvy Singer (Allen), and struggling nightclub singer, Annie Hall (Diane Keaton).  Exploring the tumultuous relationship between the two characters, hilarious surrealist sequences and intense emotional turmoil are set against landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan House and Beekman Theatre. The film is as iconic as its setting and you'll find that you will want to recreate the scenes for yourself!

If you ever want to visit the places in these films, head on over to http://www.insightvacations.com/ to find out more. – March 10, 2016.