Going on a trip is never a bad idea. However, what can one do if stuck at work instead of walking along the streets of Paris at night or drinking cocktails on a Turkish beach? We present a compilation of 5 films that allow you to go on a small journey without leaving your home.
“Eat Pray Love” (2010), directed by Ryan Murphy
It is a famous adaptation of the memoirs of American writer Elizabeth Gilbert. The main character of the film, a middle-aged woman named Elizabeth, realizes one day that she is not living the life she dreamed of. She files for divorce after eight years of marriage and embarks on a journey in search of the meaning of life, visiting three destinations: Italy, India and Bali. In each of these countries, Elizabeth meets new people, tests her physical and spiritual abilities, and, of course, enjoys delicious food. The film offers a palette of completely different landscapes from distant corners of the planet, and Julia Roberts in the lead role becomes the best guide to cinematic tourist routes.
“Vicky Cristina Barcelona” (2008), directed by Woody Allen
It tells the story of two American women, Vicky and Cristina, who decide to spend their summer holidays in Barcelona. The trip becomes even more interesting, and the city attracts the girls even more, when they meet a local artist, Antonio. Best friends are drawn into a love triangle when both start receiving attention from Antonio. The situation becomes even more complicated when the artist’s ex-wife unexpectedly appears. The summer romance becomes more serious and complicated, but does not lose its attractive summer mood. And beautiful views of Barcelona and walks of the heroes along recognizable famous places of the city only add attraction to the short but bright love story.
“Midnight in Paris” (2001), dir. Woody Allen
It is another ode to love for Europe from Woody Allen. This time the story tells of the screenwriter Gil Pender, who flies to Paris with his fiancee to visit her parents. By coincidence, at one point Gil finds himself completely alone on the night streets of Paris. However, his solitude does not last long – a stranger in an antique car suspiciously reminiscent of F.S. Fitzgerald invites the hero to take a ride with him. The trip ends with Gil magically transported to the 1920s. Now every night he runs off to wander the night streets of Paris in the company of outstanding people of the past century. Paris in this film is represented in all its beauty – from cafes in the Art Deco style of the 1920s to the Champs-Élysées and the modern illumination of the Eiffel Tower.
“Lost in Translation” (2003), dir. Sofia Coppola
A film for those who are no longer surprised by European holidays. Famous actor Bob Harris and recent college graduate Charlotte – Americans who find themselves in the heart of Japan, in Tokyo. They meet in the hotel bar when both of them are unbearably lonely in the noisy metropolis. Charlotte is upset that she rarely sees her photographer husband, who is constantly disappearing on shoots, and Bob is going through a midlife crisis, disappointed in his marriage and career. Two lost people in a short time become each other’s main support and shoulder to cry on. This is a story not about love, but about a very touching and fleeting friendship surrounded by Japanese skyscrapers.
“The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” (2013), dir. Ben Stiller
Walter Mitty is an ordinary office worker holding an ordinary position in the “Life” magazine’s illustration department. He spices up his routine life with adventures that he ventures into in his head, existing between the mundane reality and the fantastic fictional events. However, a series of unexpected events force Walter to step out of his comfort zone and go in search of a photographer, who requires a unique picture for the magazine cover. The Himalayas, Greenland, Iceland – all these places are in the itinerary of the newly-minted traveler.
