Friends! We invite you to the world of travel and cinema! We continue to travel with the best movies that are about traveling and travelers.
Read the first part here. Second part is here. Third part is here.
In this part, we will travel around the world with the characters of the movies “Everything Is Illuminated” (2005, USA), “The Motorcycle Diaries” (2004, USA), “Letters to Juliet” (2010, USA), “Paris Can Wait” (2016, USA) and “The Darjeeling Limited” (2007, USA)
We will start our first journey from our native country! Ukraine through the eyes of director Liev Schreiber will not disappoint you.
Everything Is Illuminated
“Everything Is Illuminated” (2005) film directed by Liev Schreiber. It is based on the novel of the same name by Jonathan Safran Foer. The movie follows the story of a young Jewish-American writer named Jonathan Safran Foer, who travels to Ukraine in search of the woman who saved his grandfather from the Nazis during World War II.
The film intertwines two narratives: the present-day journey of Jonathan (played by Elijah Wood) and his interactions with a Ukrainian translator named Alex (played by Eugene Hutz), and a series of flashbacks depicting the history of Jonathan’s ancestors and the events that took place during the war.
As Jonathan and Alex travel through the Ukrainian countryside, they encounter various eccentric characters and experience both humorous and poignant moments. Alex, who serves as Jonathan’s translator, has a unique way of speaking English, often resulting in comedic misunderstandings. Together, they embark on a quest to find the village where Jonathan’s grandfather lived and locate the woman who saved him.
As the story unfolds, it delves into themes of family history, identity, memory, and the lasting impact of the Holocaust. The film explores the emotional complexities of the characters as they navigate through their shared history, cultural differences, and personal revelations.
“Everything Is Illuminated” is known for its blend of comedy and drama, creating a thought-provoking and emotional experience for the audience. It received generally positive reviews for its performances, storytelling, and visual style. The film offers a unique perspective on the Holocaust and its aftermath while highlighting the importance of understanding and preserving our personal and collective histories.
Overall, “Everything Is Illuminated” is a poignant and visually striking film that delves into themes of identity and history through the eyes of its diverse and captivating characters.
Now let’s go to South America!
The Motorcycle Diaries
“The Motorcycle Diaries” (2004, USA) is a biographical drama film directed by Walter Salles and based on the memoirs of Ernesto “Che” Guevara, a revolutionary figure who would later become an iconic symbol of rebellion and social justice. The movie chronicles the transformative journey of Che Guevara and his friend Alberto Granado as they embark on a motorcycle trip across South America in 1952.
At the start of the film, Che Guevara (played by Gael García Bernal) is a young medical student from Argentina, and Alberto Granado (played by Rodrigo de la Serna) is a biochemist. They set out on their journey with the goal of exploring the continent and gaining a deeper understanding of its people and cultures. However, their initial enthusiasm quickly faces the realities of poverty, inequality, and social injustice.
As Che and Alberto traverse through the breathtaking landscapes of Chile, Peru, and Venezuela, they encounter various encounters and experiences that shape their worldview. They witness the struggles of the impoverished and marginalized, including the exploited mine workers and lepers abandoned by society. These encounters ignite a growing sense of empathy and political consciousness within Che Guevara.
Throughout their journey, Che and Alberto confront their own prejudices and preconceived notions, as they form connections with the people they meet along the way. They learn about the injustices that plague the continent, which begins to fuel Che’s passion for social change and revolution.
“The Motorcycle Diaries” portrays the personal transformation of Che Guevara, as he evolves from a carefree young man into a determined revolutionary with a deep commitment to fighting for the rights of the oppressed. The film captures the essence of Che’s journey, shedding light on the experiences and encounters that helped shape his revolutionary ideology.
The movie serves as a poignant exploration of the power of travel and personal experiences in shaping one’s worldview and social consciousness. It delves into themes of inequality, poverty, and the pursuit of social justice, leaving a lasting impact on both the characters and the audience.
The next trip is to romantic Italy, Verona!
Letters to Juliet
“Letters to Juliet” (2010, USA) is a romantic comedy-drama film that was released in 2010. Directed by Gary Winick, the movie stars Amanda Seyfried, Christopher Egan, Vanessa Redgrave, and Gael García Bernal. Set in Verona, Italy, the story revolves around a young woman who discovers an unanswered letter to Juliet Capulet, the fictional character from Shakespeare’s famous play “Romeo and Juliet,” and embarks on a journey to find the letter’s author and reunite her with her lost love.
The film begins with Sophie (Amanda Seyfried), a young American aspiring writer who travels to Verona with her fiancé Victor (Gael García Bernal). While Victor is busy with work, Sophie explores the romantic city and stumbles upon a group of women who call themselves the “Secretaries of Juliet.” Their task is to answer letters left by people seeking advice on love and romance at the fictional Juliet’s House.
Sophie discovers a hidden letter from 1957, written by a British woman named Claire (Vanessa Redgrave), who had visited Verona during her youth and left a message for her lost love Lorenzo. Intrigued, Sophie responds to the letter, and to her surprise, Claire shows up in Verona with her grandson Charlie (Christopher Egan). Together, they embark on a quest to find Lorenzo, the man Claire had once loved.
As Sophie, Claire, and Charlie travel through the picturesque Italian countryside, they face various obstacles and challenges. Claire’s emotional journey takes her back to the memories of her youthful romance, while Sophie finds herself drawn to Charlie, despite her engagement to Victor. Along the way, they encounter amusing situations, misunderstandings, and even a rivalry with another group of treasure hunters searching for Lorenzo.
As the search for Lorenzo unfolds, Sophie and Charlie grow closer, developing a deep connection and undeniable chemistry. However, complications arise as Victor arrives in Verona, demanding that Sophie return to New York and prepare for their upcoming wedding. Sophie must now confront her own feelings and make a choice between her loyalty to Victor and the possibility of true love with Charlie.
“Letters to Juliet” explores themes of love, destiny, and the power of enduring connections. The film beautifully captures the romantic atmosphere of Verona, while paying homage to Shakespeare’s iconic play. It highlights the idea that love knows no boundaries, transcending time and age.
The performances in the film are heartfelt and genuine, with Amanda Seyfried shining as Sophie, portraying her as an idealistic and passionate young woman. Vanessa Redgrave delivers a moving portrayal of Claire, capturing the character’s longing and vulnerability. Christopher Egan brings charm and charisma to the role of Charlie, creating a compelling on-screen dynamic with Seyfried.
“Letters to Juliet” provides audiences with a delightful mix of romance, comedy, and emotional moments. It reminds us that love can be found in unexpected places and that sometimes, it’s worth taking a leap of faith to pursue our true desires. Whether you’re a fan of Shakespeare or simply enjoy a feel-good love story, “Letters to Juliet” offers an enchanting cinematic experience.
Now let’s make a trip from Cannes to Paris through the French countryside!
Paris Can Wait
“Paris Can Wait” (2016, USA) is a romantic comedy-drama film directed by Eleanor Coppola. The movie was released in 2016 and stars Diane Lane, Alec Baldwin, and Arnaud Viard.
The story revolves around Anne (Diane Lane), a woman who finds herself on an unexpected journey through France. While on a business trip with her husband Michael (Alec Baldwin) in Cannes, Anne decides to take a detour and travel to Paris with Jacques (Arnaud Viard), a charming Frenchman who is one of her husband’s business associates.
What was supposed to be a short car ride from Cannes to Paris turns into an extended adventure as Jacques takes Anne on a scenic route through the French countryside. Along the way, Anne experiences the pleasures of French food, wine, and culture, while also discovering a newfound sense of self and reevaluating her own life.
As Anne and Jacques spend more time together, they develop a deep connection and engage in conversations about love, life, and the pursuit of happiness. Anne begins to question her marriage and her own desires, leading to a reawakening of her senses and a renewed appreciation for the beauty of life.
“Paris Can Wait” is a visually stunning film that showcases the picturesque landscapes of France, including its vineyards, quaint villages, and historic landmarks. The movie captures the essence of French culture and cuisine, enticing the audience with delicious food and the pleasures of the senses.
Overall, “Paris Can Wait” is a charming and lighthearted film that explores themes of self-discovery, romance, and the transformative power of travel. It offers a glimpse into the enchanting world of France and reminds viewers to embrace the unexpected adventures that life has to offer.
This movie will bring us directly to India!
The Darjeeling Limited
“The Darjeeling Limited” (2007, USA) is a comedy-drama film directed by Wes Anderson. The movie follows three estranged brothers, Francis, Peter, and Jack Whitman, played by Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody, and Jason Schwartzman, respectively, as they embark on a train journey across India in an attempt to reconnect with each other.
The story begins with Francis, the eldest brother, organizing the trip after surviving a near-fatal motorcycle accident. He hopes that the journey will help the brothers bond and work through their emotional baggage. Each of the brothers is dealing with personal issues and emotional scars, which are gradually revealed throughout the film.
The brothers’ train, the Darjeeling Limited, takes them through the vibrant and diverse landscapes of India, providing a backdrop for their adventures and encounters along the way. As they travel, the brothers engage in a series of misadventures, including getting kicked off the train, losing their luggage, and encountering a variety of colorful characters.
The film explores themes of family, loss, and the search for self-identity. The brothers’ strained relationship and their attempts to reconcile with their past and each other form the central narrative. They also struggle with their relationships with their deceased father and their mother, who is now living in a convent in India.
Wes Anderson’s signature visual style is evident throughout the film, with meticulous attention to detail, symmetrical compositions, and a distinct color palette. The cinematography captures the beauty of India and the quirkiness of the characters and their surroundings.
“The Darjeeling Limited” received positive reviews from critics for its witty dialogue, engaging performances, and visual aesthetics. It is regarded as a quintessential Wes Anderson film, showcasing his distinct storytelling style and unique blend of humor and melancholy.
Overall, “The Darjeeling Limited” is a poignant and humorous exploration of brotherhood, self-discovery, and the complexities of familial relationships, set against the backdrop of an adventurous train journey through India.
The most effective things for stress and fatigue
A cozy couch, a great movie, and vacation thoughts are the most effective things for stress and fatigue. Especially when it is not possible to travel.
We wish you a wonderful day!
Written by Olena Chepurna, especially for ArtTravel