When the Setting Takes Center Stage—Films Where Locations Shine as the Real Stars - MovieMaker Magazine

      The most enchanting films feature plots and performers that captivate viewers. However, there are rare instances where the setting takes center stage. Here are six films where the locations shine as the true stars.

      **Star Trek Beyond: Dubai, UAE**

      In this installment of the Star Trek series, the USS Enterprise must fend off an alien species after crash-landing on their enigmatic planet. This mysterious world was filmed in Dubai, showcasing its futuristic skyline. Observant fans can spot famous landmarks such as the Jumeirah Lakes Towers and the Dubai Financial Center. The sci-fi film also prominently features the iconic Burj Khalifa among its notable settings.

      **Casino Royale: Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic**

      This entry in the James Bond series presents breathtaking scenes at the Montenegro Hotel, which were filmed across various locations in the Czech Republic. The plot centers around Bond, who is on a mission to thwart a sinister banker from winning a casino game. The high-stakes poker game of Texas hold ’em, where the winner takes home $130 million, serves as a key element in the movie. This crucial casino scene unfolds in Karlovy Vary, a spa town renowned for its grand beauty and tourist appeal.

      **Moana: Fiji, Samoa, and Oahu**

      This Disney animated feature follows Moana, the daughter of chief Tui, as she embarks on a quest to return the stolen heart of the goddess Te Fiti, taken by the demigod Maui. Set in ancient Oceania, the film vividly portrays Polynesian culture and landscapes. The fictional islands of Tahiti and Bora Bora represent real-life locations in French Polynesia. Moana learns navigation skills from Maui and faces numerous dangers across the Pacific to reclaim the goddess's heart and revive her homeland. Other memorable backdrops in this musical adventure are inspired by the genuine landscapes and seascapes of Samoa and Fiji.

      **La La Land: Los Angeles**

      This romantic film, which won six Academy Awards, depicts the love story between Mia, an aspiring actress, and Sebastian, a jazz musician. Filmed in Los Angeles, viewers witness various parts of the city throughout the movie. As a well-known setting for Hollywood productions, La La Land highlights Los Angeles's cinematic charm. The couple shares a whimsical dance beneath the stars at the Griffith Observatory, a popular sightseeing spot that offers striking views of LA. The enchanting song "City of Stars" was recorded at Hermosa Pier Beach. Additionally, Mia and Sebastian are seen walking along the Colorado Street Bridge in Pasadena at sunset.

      **Hiroshima Mon Amour: Hiroshima**

      Hiroshima Mon Amour is a timeless romantic drama rooted in a tragic historical event. This 1959 film employs a documentary style to capture the harrowing aftermath of Hiroshima’s nuclear devastation. It chronicles the relationship between a French actress and her Japanese architect lover as they reflect on their pasts. The actress recounts her emotional history during World War II, including the loss of a German soldier with whom she had a fleeting affair. The architect discusses the impact of the atomic bomb on the city and its inhabitants. The film alternates between their romance and real historical footage of Hiroshima post-bombing. Although their bond is brief, their eventual separation emphasizes that Hiroshima Mon Amour centers heavily on its location.

      **The Lord of the Rings: New Zealand**

      The Lord of the Rings is a fantasy action film series adapted from J.R.R. Tolkien's novels. Filmed entirely in New Zealand, the trilogy includes The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King. The narrative follows Frodo Baggins, the hobbit chosen to destroy the One Ring created by the dark force Sauron. The village of Hobbiton, Frodo’s home, was captured in Matamata, a picturesque farming area in New Zealand. The scene where Frodo traps Gollum takes place at the stunning Tawhai Falls in Tongariro National Park. The epic Pelennor Fields battle between Sauron’s forces and the men of Gondor and Rohan was filmed in the lush Mackenzie grasslands. The Lord of the Rings is a prime example of a film where location plays a starring role.

      Enjoy this list of six films where the settings take the spotlight? You might also be interested in how ideal sets founder Harry Hou uncovered the secrets to affordable standing sets.