Phuket, the largest island in Thailand, has been a popular destination for many feature films. With its pristine beaches, lush jungles, and rich cultural history, it’s no wonder that the film industry continues to be drawn to this tropical paradise. In this article, we will explore some of the most famous movies set in Phuket, as well as the iconic locations they were filmed in.
The Man with the Golden Gun (1974)
One of the most iconic movies set in Phuket is the James Bond film, “The Man with the Golden Gun.” This film, starring Roger Moore as the lead character, features the legendary James Bond Island, also known as Phang Nga Bay. The island became synonymous with the James Bond series after the movie was released and is now a popular tourist attraction.
The film’s antagonist, played by Christopher Lee, uses the island as his lair where he plans to use his golden gun for nefarious purposes. The island’s striking limestone cliffs and secluded beaches offer the perfect exotic backdrop for a thrilling James Bond adventure.
The Beach (2000)
Another famous film set in Phuket is “The Beach,” directed by Danny Boyle and starring Leonardo DiCaprio. The movie tells the story of a young traveler seeking the perfect beach paradise, only to discover its darker side. The film was primarily shot on Maya Bay in the Phi Phi Islands, located in Krabi Province.
Maya Bay’s stunning white sand beaches and turquoise waters made it an ideal location for the film. However, the production faced criticism for damaging the environment, leading to a temporary closure of the bay for rehabilitation. Nevertheless, the film’s popularity increased tourism in the area, making Maya Bay one of Thailand’s most famous beach destinations.
Good Morning, Vietnam (1987)
Robin Williams stars in “Good Morning, Vietnam,” a film based on the true story of Adrian Cronauer, a radio DJ during the Vietnam War. Although the film takes place in Vietnam, many of the jungle scenes were filmed in Phuket.
The film, directed by Oliver Stone, showcases Phuket’s dense jungles and rural villages, capturing the contrast between the beauty of the landscape and the harsh realities of war. The film received critical acclaim, and Williams’ performance earned him a Golden Globe for Best Actor.
The Impossible (2012)
Phuket also served as the backdrop for the harrowing true story of an English family caught in the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Directed by Juan Antonio Bayona, “The Impossible” stars Naomi Watts and Ewan McGregor, along with Tom Holland in one of his first major roles.
The film’s intense tsunami sequence was partly filmed at the popular Khao Lak beach resort in Phang Nga Province, north of Phuket. The movie’s production team worked closely with local communities to authentically depict the disaster and its aftermath, earning a nomination at the Cannes Film Festival.
Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004)
The sequel to the popular romantic comedy “Bridget Jones’s Diary” also features a few scenes shot in Phuket. “Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason” stars Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth, and Hugh Grant, with Zellweger reprising her role as the lovable yet clumsy Bridget Jones.
In the movie, Bridget finds herself on a chaotic trip to Thailand with her friend Shazzer, played by Sally Phillips. The film includes several relaxation scenes at the Nai Yang Beach in Phuket, showcasing the island’s beautiful coastline and picturesque sunsets.
Cutthroat Island (1995)
Geena Davis and Matthew Modine star in “Cutthroat Island,” an adventure film about a pirate treasure hunt. Several scenes from the movie were filmed in Phuket, including the ancient city of Ayutthaya, and the Andaman Sea.
The film, directed by Renny Harlin, features breathtaking aerial shots of Phuket’s coastlines and islands, as well as thrilling high-sea battles. Despite its underwhelming performance at the box office, “Cutthroat Island” remains a classic example of Phuket’s versatility as a film location.
Others Films Set in Phuket
Phuket has also been featured in numerous other international movies, such as:
– “Tomorrow Never Dies” (1997): Another James Bond movie, starring Pierce Brosnan, filmed partly in Phuket Old Town and Phang Nga Bay.
– “Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith” (2005): Some of the film’s beautiful landscapes were inspired by Krabi Province and Phang Nga Bay.
– “The Killing Fields” (1984): This critically acclaimed film about the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia included several scenes shot in Phuket.
Phuket’s natural beauty, exotic locations, and rich cultural heritage have made it a popular destination for film productions from around the world. From thrilling James Bond adventures to heart-wrenching true stories, the island has played a significant role in bringing these cinematic masterpieces to life. So, the next time you watch one of these movies set in Phuket, take a moment to appreciate the stunning landscapes and vibrant culture that make this island a true gem in the world of cinema.
What famous movies were filmed in Thailand?
Some famous movies filmed in Thailand include “The Beach,” “Rambo,” “The Hangover Part II,” “The Impossible,” and “The Killing Fields.”
What James Bond movies were filmed in Phuket?
Two James Bond movies were filmed in Phuket: “The Man with the Golden Gun” and “Tomorrow Never Dies.”
What James Bond movie is Phi Phi in?
There is no James Bond movie filmed in Phi Phi. However, the iconic film “The Beach,” starring Leonardo DiCaprio, was shot on Phi Phi Island.
Which movie shoot on Phi Phi Island?
The Beach, directed by Danny Boyle and featuring Leonardo DiCaprio, was filmed on Phi Phi Island, specifically in the stunning Maya Bay.
