Art & Lifestyle

Summer Movies To Be Inspired By

From the Greek islands and the Tuscan countryside to the surfer-strewn beaches of Hawaii and Bali, these are the destination-based films to help satisfy wanderlust this summer

by Vogue Hong Kong

21 Jul 2020

The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)

Starring Jude Law, Matt Damon and Gwyneth Paltrow, The Talented Mr Ripley is an American psychological thriller written and directed by Anthony Minghella. The film is an adaption of Patricia Highsmith’s 1955 novel of the same name and was a critical and commercial success, receiving five Academy awards. The plot is centred around Tom (Damon) who travels to Italy in the hope to convince a rich man’s son, Dickie (Law), to return to the U.S. Set in the 1950s, the film follows the characters on a luxurious yet unexpectedly tragic Italian adventure, with Dickie’s girlfriend, played by Paltrow, showcasing a spectacular summer wardrobe on the beaches of Lazio and the streets of Rome.

Mamma Mia! (2008)

This well-known romantic comedy, based on the 1999 musical of the same name, not only has a magnificent soundtrack, but is also filmed in one of the most breathtaking places in the world, primarily on the island of Skopelos, Greece. Amongst the blue skies, turquoise waters, and bleached-white beachside houses, Donna’s (Meryl Streep) idyllic Greek lifestyle is played out in the run-up to her daughter Sophie’s (Amanda Seyfried) wedding, leaving audiences with an irresistible urge to travel to Greece.

Call Me by Your Name (2018)

This coming-of-age romantic drama directed by Luca Guadagino tells the love story of 17- year-old Elio Perlman (Timothee Chalamet) and Oliver (Armie Hammer), who spends the summer working as an intern for Elio’s father in their 17th century villa. Set in 1983 northern Italy, the film sees the pair riding bikes through beautiful countryside and small-town piazzas, taking picnics on the riverbank, and wild swimming under the summer sun.

A Good Year (2006)

Directed and produced by Ridley Scott, this romantic comedy narrates the story of high-powered London investment banker Max Skinner (Russell Crowe) who unwillingly temporarily moves to Provence in an attempt to sell a house and vineyard that he inherits from his uncle. Max can’t help but give in to the slower pace of life, ultimately falling in love with the hilltop villages, fruit orchards, and lavender fields, as well as local waitress Fanny Chenal, played by Marion Cotillard.

Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)

Based on Frances Mayes’ 1996 memoir of the same name, this American romantic comedy-drama starring Diane Lane is centred around a recently divorced writer who buys a villa in Tuscany in the hope that it will lead to a dramatic change in her life. As Frances (Lane) renovates her new house, she makes the most of Italy on her doorstep, visiting beauty spots such as the Amalfi Coast and Positano, which are wistfully portrayed in the film.

Eat, Pray, Love (2010)

This American biographical romantic drama is centred around the character of Elizabeth Gilbert, played by Julia Roberts, who, following a devastating divorce, embarks on a journey of self-discovery. In what becomes both a spiritual and romantic voyage, Elizabeth eats her way through Italy, embarks on silent meditation at an ashram in India, and finds balance, and love, amongst the tranquil rice fields of Bali.

Blue Crush (2002)

This seminal film is led by actor Kate Bosworth portraying fictional female surfer Anne Marie Chadwick who’s in training for the upcoming Pipe Masters surf competition. Living beachside in Hawaii with her two friends and sister, Anne Marie’s life takes a turn when they agree to teach a group of footballers to surf and she becomes romantically involved with pro quarterback Matt – a distraction that friend Eden, played by Michelle Rodriguez, doesn’t take lightly.

Before Sunrise (1995)/ Before Sunset (2004)/ Before Midnight (2013)

When American Jesse (Ethan Hawke) meets French Celine (Julie Delpy) on a train travelling through Europe, they decide to disembark together in Vienna, where they spend the night walking around the city and fall in love. Jesse returns to the U.S. the following day, and the pair don’t cross paths again until nine years later in Paris – the setting of the second film Before Sunset. The final film in the trilogy, Before Midnight, sees a further nine years having passed, when the now-married couple spend a summer in Greece.

Follow us