Explore Italy through 'The talented Mr Ripley'

The talented Mr Ripley is set in the late 1950’s and follows the story of a young con man by the name of Tom Ripley. The film opens in New york when Ripley manipulates his way into an all expenses paid trip to Italy to retrieve 'Dickie Greenleaf'. After arriving in italy and getting closer to Dickie and his fiancee the film develops into its deceitful themes and we as the audience get to see all the talents of Mr Tom Ripley.





Apart from the gripping storyline and great cast the film is set throughout Italy, it conveys a number of beautiful cities and coastal towns. The majority of the film along the Almalfi coast specifically in the areas of Ischia Ponte, Procida. Italy's famous Almalfi coast is located on the western coast just below the centre, it is a very popular tourist destination for people all around the world. The beaches, views, towns, restaurants and landmarks show the incredible culture and history of the great country. Since the film was set in the 1950’s the audience is introduced to a very different italy, this is reflected through the clothing and music. The film eventually explores more of Italy as the Mr Ripley travels to Rome and Venice. Again the fashion and music is very different and to be honest this was one of the most interesting parts after the beautiful cities. I specifically remember a great scene on the spanish steps, one of the busier tourist spots to visit. When i was there last year it was very busy and totally different from the film (although the film was set over 50 years ago with less travel), however it was still a nice romantic spot to visit for those of you travelling to rome. 











After Rome Tom Ripley escapes to Venice, know which is located in the north east, it is the famous city that is built on water. At this stage of the movie it was quite intense taking away the viewers gaze away from the beauty that venice has to offer. However i do urge you to watch again as Venice was one of my favourite cities, it was so unique and interesting. My best memories include getting lost for hours through all the little alleys and also strolling the streets looking at the endless amount of shops filled with Murano glass.  This is a fantastic drama/thriller that is filled with great locations from around italy. Definitely one for you to watch, i hope you enjoy!

IMDB - TRAILER - ROTTEN TOMATOES

Explore Paris With Amelie

Amelie is perhaps the most recognised French movie known to the international audience, however this is for good reason. Amelie is set in the beautiful city of Paris, it is an fascinating story about a young waitress (Amelie) who devotes her time to making others happy, along this journey she finds love in a very unconventional manner (could be a French thing). 

My favourite scene in this film is the love chase that Amelie sets up for the man that she desires, this scene takes place outside the Sacre Coeur Basillica which is a famous church located on the only hill in Paris. Apart from being one of the most popular love chase scenes in cinematic history for me it is a reminder of my time in Paris and the night I climbed the stairs to the Sacre coeur. By far it was my favourite tourist spot as you can relax at the top of the stairs admiring the view of Parisian rooftops while listening and watching local performers.

Paris is one of the worlds most popular filming destinations and many of you would have seen at least one film that has be shot somewhere in Paris. While I could have easily chosen a film like the recently popular “Midnight in Paris”, i felt it was important to recognise the French cinemaand their contribution to film rather than another Hollywood take of the French culture and lifestyle.

If you are heading to Paris this is a must see, it encompasses the beautiful French lifestyle and also incorporates some of the most amazing sites that Paris has to offer. However you should beware that if you watch this film and you are not heading to Paris your life will become difficult as you will immediately develop urges to book a flight. 

Please check out the links below if you want more:

TRAILER - IMDB  -  ROTTEN TOMATOES 

Experience Ireland through 'Once'

‘Once’ is a small budget Irish film that follows a street musician during a life changing week which arises after he meets a younger woman from the Czech republic. The film is set on the streets of Dublin in which we find insight into the life of a unsigned musician who is in the process of trying to make something of himself. After the two pair up their musical chemistry combined with life experiences produces an amazing combination that inspires happiness, friendship, love and hope.

Apart from the beauty of the story and inspiring music, ‘Once’ has incredible imagery from dublin and close surroundings that will sway you to visit Ireland. From a cultural outlook we see the buzzing streets of Dublin with busking scenes, while throughout the film we view the stunning landscape that Ireland has to offer when the pair travel up the coast on a motorcycle. 

What i most admire about the film is that it feels real to watch, the entire film was shot on two handy cams with several scenes being shot in the actors homes to save money. While this sounds trashy, i can’t help but think it is what made the film so great. This is probably one of my favourite films of all time and is definitely one that everyone can enjoy. I urge you all to hire this one next time you head to the video shop...and share your favourite scenes with us!