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Buzz Feed
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Might Surprise You: 7 Hollywood Movies That Were Filmed In Asia
Hollywood productions have increasingly utilised diverse Asian locations as settings for major films. In these movies, you'll see Asia's authentic backdrops—ranging from historical temples to vibrant urban centers—with recognisable landmarks and landscapes appearing throughout. So, grab your popcorn, and see if you can spot the scenes shot in Asia! 1. Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) - Hello, Cambodia! Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft, exploring the mystical, vine-covered ruins of Angkor Wat? ICONIC. This movie basically put Cambodia's ancient wonders on everyone's travel bucket list. Those sprawling temples, especially Ta Prohm with its trees growing through the stones, were pure cinematic gold. 2. The Beach (2000) - Thailand's Secret Paradise (Before It Became So Famous!) Leonardo DiCaprio searching for paradise, only to find a hidden, idyllic beach in Thailand? We've all dreamt of it! While the movie's "secret" Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi Leh definitely got a little too famous after this film, you can't deny the sheer beauty that Danny Boyle captured. Thailand's turquoise waters and dramatic limestone cliffs were basically another character in this cult classic. 3. Kong: Skull Island (2017) - Vietnam, You Lookin' Good! The fantastical, mist-shrouded landscapes of Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh's Trang An complex were the PERFECT, otherworldly home for King Kong. Seriously, those towering karsts and lush greenery looked like they were made for giant monster battles. Pure epicness! 4. Crazy Rich Asians (2018) - Singapore, You Slayed! This movie wasn't just a rom-com sensation, it was a love letter to Singapore! From the glittering Marina Bay Sands infinity pool to the breathtaking Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay and the vibrant hawker centers, Crazy Rich Asians showed the world just how glamorous and delicious this little red dot truly is. 5. The Dark Knight (2008) - Hong Kong's Urban Jungle Christopher Nolan bringing Batman to Hong Kong? YES, PLEASE! The iconic verticality and neon glow of Hong Kong provided the most incredible, gritty backdrop for some serious superhero action. Remember that epic scene where Batman glides from a skyscraper? That was Hong Kong, baby! 6. Jurassic World: Rebirth (2025) - Krabi's Wild Stonescapes While the original Jurassic Park didn't use Vietnam or Indonesia, the latest installment in the Jurassic World saga, Rebirth, actually filmed in the stunning landscapes of Thailand. Imagine towering limestone karsts, lush rainforests, and crystal-clear waters providing the perfect, prehistoric backdrop for some serious dinosaur action! This movie truly embraces the natural beauty of Thailand, making its national parks and islands (like Khao Phanom Bencha National Park and Ko Kradan) look like the ultimate lost worlds. 7. Thunderbolts* (2025) - Defying Gravity Florence Pugh actually brought her superhero prowess to Kuala Lumpur for some epic scenes in Marvel's upcoming Thunderbolts*. Yep, the iconic Merdeka 118, the world's second-tallest building, was apparently a major backdrop for some thrilling stunts, with Pugh herself reportedly jumping off the skyscraper as Yelena Belova. Beyond the heart-pounding action, Florence was also totally won over by Malaysia's food scene, even expressing a desire to learn some local dishes for her "Cooking with Flo" series.
Bangkok Post
18-07-2025
- Bangkok Post
Facial recognition to help manage Maya Bay crowds
KRABI - A facial recognition system will soon be adopted at Maya Bay to manage visitor flow and enhance conservation efforts, according to national park officials. The face-scanning system will be set up at the entrance to the popular attraction and will start operating on Oct 15, said Saengsuree Songthong, chief of Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park. He said the system would link with the existing e-ticket platform under the e-National Park scheme and allow real-time verification of tourists against pre-booked data. 'The system will distinguish between Thai and foreign nationals, as well as adults and children, helping reduce entry delays during high season, when visitor numbers peak at 4,000 per day,' Mr Saengsuree said. Maya Bay will be one of 11 pilot locations in six marine parks nationwide to introduce facial recognition simultaneously. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation will ensure transparent and traceable fee collection, allowing rangers to focus more on tourist safety and environmental protection, he noted. Although tourist numbers are lower during the monsoon season, averaging 1,000 to 2,000 per day, park authorities still limit access to Maya Bay to a maximum of 375 visitors per hour to minimise ecological impact. In the first half of the 2025 fiscal year, the e-ticket system helped generate over 391 million baht in park revenue. Tourists planning to visit Maya Bay this coming high season are advised to book in advance and familiarise themselves with the new system to support sustainable tourism, said Mr Saengsuree. Entrance fees to Maya Bay for Thai nationals are 40 baht for adults and 20 baht for children. Foreigners pay 400 baht for adults and 200 baht for children. Maya Bay, Loh Samah Bay and Lo Go Bay in Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Koh Phi Phi park will be closed from Aug 1 to Sept 30 to allow natural restoration and ensure safety as seas can be rough during the monsoon season. Maya Bay gained fame — and notoriety — as the locale for the hit movie The Beach 25 years ago. The subsequent damage to the area took years to repair, and the site has been the focus of intensive conservation efforts ever since.
Daily Mirror
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Leonardo DiCaprio's best film ranked and it's one everyone has forgotten
Leonardo DiCaprio has starred in a number of iconic films over the years, but according to Rotten Tomatoes, one movie in particular stands out as his best work Rotten Tomatoes, the renowned film review aggregator, has compiled an ultimate list of Leonardo DiCaprio's films, ranging from fan favourites to lesser-known gems. The list unveils the top-rated film featuring the Hollywood heavyweight. Leonardo DiCaprio is known for his fearless approach to diverse roles, embodying a range of characters from wealthy tycoons and impoverished voyagers to Shakespeare's Romeo. Each film has been ranked based on fan reviews, with the top spot going to a film where the then 28-year-old actor adopts multiple false identities. "Catch Me If You Can" emerges as DiCaprio's highest-rated film, boasting an impressive 96 per cent score and a plethora of five-star reviews. This 2002 cinematic masterpiece, directed by the legendary Steven Spielberg, left such a lasting impression on film enthusiasts that it has garnered over 1,000 reviews on the platform alone. The film features DiCaprio alongside a star-studded cast including Tom Hanks, Christopher Walken, Martin Sheen, Nathalie Baye, and Amy Adams. It's based on a semi-autobiographical novel by Frank Abagnale Jr, who claimed to have executed numerous cons worth millions of dollars, impersonating a pilot, a doctor, and even a district attorney, all before reaching the tender age of 19, reports the Mirror US. The movie delves into these outlandish and intricate tales, which have since faced considerable scrutiny, as the young lad executes a series of lucrative cons whilst being chased by an FBI operative portrayed by Tom Hanks. A Rotten Tomatoes review says: "Steven Spielberg's Catch Me If You Can is an electric yet ultimately sad story, easily one of his best films from this century. It's packed with so many memorable moments, from Frank Abagnale Jr's audacious cons to Carl Hanratty's relentless pursuit. "Leonardo DiCaprio is dynamite in the lead role, embodying the charm and vulnerability of a young man caught in a web of his own making, while Tom Hanks provides a wonderfully understated counterpoint." Another commented: "Very funny movie that still manages to have a very hard-hitting and emotional drama. Great performances all around, especially by Christopher Walken. It's just overall very entertaining to watch Leonardo DiCaprio's antics and grandiose cons and escapades; what more reason could you have to watch this?". Within the catalogue of over 20 pictures, securing second place as the highest-rated DiCaprio flick is the 2023 offering Killers of the Flower Moon. This production boasts an impressive 93 per cent rating, with audiences captivated by Martin Scorsese's western, adapted from a 2017 novel. Devotees of the silver screen star won't be taken aback to discover that his 1991 role in The Critters is at the very bottom of the list, closely followed by the tropical thriller The Beach. However, there are some unexpected entries in the top 10, including the often overlooked What's Eating Gilbert Grape and the 1996 film Marvin's Room. Top 10 Leonardo DiCaprio movies ranked by Rotten Tomatoes reviews Catch Me if You Can Killers of the Flower Moon The Departed What's Eating Gilbert Grape Titanic Inception Django Unchained The Aviator Once Upon a Time... In Hollywood Marvin's Room
Daily Mirror
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Leonardo DiCaprio fans brand little known thriller 'painful watch'
Leonardo DiCaprio's film, The Beach, was released in 2000 and is one of the actor's most divisive roles in his career to date, with some fans calling it a 'painful watch' Leonardo DiCaprio is a titan in Hollywood, yet his early career featured him in this film, set amidst an exotic paradise, which has since left audiences with mixed feelings. The Beach showcases one of the globe's most stunning and renowned beaches, located on the tiny Thai island of Ko Phi Phi Le. Since the film's release, this once tranquil island has become a must-visit spot for any globetrotter, but it hasn't been enough to win over fans of the thriller. Released in 2000, the film follows DiCaprio's character Richard embarking on an adventure as he travels to Bangkok and finds himself lodged in a hotel near Khao San Road. Here, he encounters a jovial French couple and Daffy. They regale him with stories of a deserted island, and Daffy leaves behind a map for him to discover its secret beach. As they voyage to the secluded island, Richard grows increasingly smitten with Françoise, one half of the couple he met, and upon reaching their destination, things aren't quite as expected. They soon realise they aren't alone and start to establish an unconventional community with local inhabitants, while Richard's forbidden romance with Françoise flourishes, adding further complexity to their stay, reports the Express. One review on Rotten Tomatoes stated: "Danny Boyle's 'The Beach' offers an escape for those seeking it. It also emphasises the fact that even in isolation, paradise can consume. For those looking for a blockbuster Hollywood film with blockbuster actors... sure, you'll find them. But you'll miss the whole point of this film. Severely underrated film. Grateful for else shared." Another viewer shared: "Amazing and underrated. Not a love story or a dumb way to show a young DiCaprio. But an interesting reflection on our modern society on the research of pleasure at all costs and on the meaning of "paradise" in our lives." Tilda Swinton stars alongside DiCaprio, playing Sal, the leader of the beach community discovered on the island. Virginie Ledoyen, known for her modelling career in the 90s and roles in French films, plays his love interest and Étienne's girlfriend. However, not everyone had positive things to say about Danny Boyle's film, with some criticising its storyline and adaptation from the book. One person wrote: "Just about watchable. Started ok but then descended into a muddled plot with Richard's intangible mental collapse." A viewer has slammed the film for being "problematic" in terms of the ethics portrayed by its characters, expressing: "It glorifies acting selfishly, lying, manipulation and infidelity as positives. I have never actively HATED a main character more than Leo's character in my entire life." They continued their scathing review, saying: "He has blood on his hands, hurts people he is supposed to care about, ruins the paradise he spends the whole movie trying to find, and then the movie plays a happy jingle and shows you that everything works out fine for him, no consequences, no growth." Despite the mixed feelings towards The Beach, it's interesting to note that Leonardo DiCaprio's top-rated flick on Rotten Tomatoes is Catch Me If You Can, released just a couple of years after. In stark contrast, The Beach finds itself languishing at 28th place in the ranking of DiCaprio's extensive filmography. For those curious to form their own opinions on DiCaprio's controversial turn in The Beach, it's currently available for streaming on Disney+.
Metro
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
I dreamed of Thailand's paradise island, but I left it too late to visit
In the 12th installment of Metro Travel Hot Takes, Sophie-May Williams shares her disappointment with an island that Hollywood put on the map. Thailand is a destination on many people's bucket lists, mine included. From tropical beaches and rainforests, to laidback culture and world-class cuisine, it ticks all the 'paradise' boxes. In 2023, I was one of the 28.15 million tourists who travelled to the Southeast Asian country. Though figures still hadn't reached pre-pandemic levels, it was obvious that tourism was steadily recovering. The place felt alive. In Bangkok, I dived straight into the chaotic atmosphere, hailing tuk-tuks like a local and gorging on green curries. In Ko Tao, I sipped bottles of Chang in a fishing boat-turned-beach bar. In Ko Pha Ngan, I hiked through verdant forests, discovering coves lined with coconut trees. For three long weeks, my experience was everything I had imagined it would be. In fact, it was better. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. But when I arrived on tiny Phi Phi Island, which welcomes (read: endures) over 14 million international tourists each year, something shifted. Instead of being greeted with simple shacks serving up seafood or smiling locals inviting me onto their island, I was met with a Burger King and McDonald's. Side by side. I'm no snob. And I'm certainly not one to shy away from a McChicken sandwich after a night out. I'd just heard stories of Phi Phi being one of the most naturally beautiful islands in Thailand. The 2000 movie The Beach had also been a reference point, so expectations were high. It wasn't just that the Golden Arches had been my first sight after a particularly nauseating boat ride. It was that the vibe felt off. I'm not naive to the fact that many places in Thailand cater to the 'party' traveller. The difference was, I had yet to come across the disrespectful type. Case in point: On our first night, we saw fully grown men release their bladders into the ocean as people skinny dipped, while others got dangerously obliterated on the infamous buckets. In hindsight, it's no surprise the island constructed two fast food restaurants within a 30-second walk of one another. They're clearly a much-needed hangover spot. My visit to Phi Phi wasn't just for the dramatic limestone cliffs, turquoise waters and white sandy beaches. Which, by the way, didn't disappoint. I was also visiting a friend, Ana, who had been living on the island since 2018. Spending six months of the year in Thailand and the rest on the Isle of Wight, Ana has seen firsthand how the island has changed. She explained that before the 2004 tsunami, Phi Phi was the authentic Thailand paradise you envision: wooden huts, palm trees, and untouched beaches. But unfortunately, the disaster destroyed so much of the infrastructure, locals had to rebuild from the ground up. 'The Thai people were so resilient and resourceful,' Ana told me. But as modern hotels and sprawling resorts sprang up, what made this place so special started to slip away. 'In the years I've lived on Phi Phi, I've seen it get busier and busier, especially during high season,' Ana said. Which is when the behaviour gets worse: people flick cigarette butts in the sea, leave rubbish on the beach, and feed monkeys cans of beer 'for a laugh.' I saw evidence of this. On a trip to the exquisite Monkey Beach, where we snorkelled amongst schools of colourful fish, I watched people harass the monkeys for the perfect Instagram shot. Ana said it really hit home how much damage tourists can cause when she spent time on the island during Covid. 'I saw so much of the landscape restored. The main party beach, which usually had murky water from boat petrol, was the clearest I'd ever seen it. It was so nice to see nature getting the break it needed.' Interestingly, in the two years since my visit, Ana explained that Phi Phi has been working to reduce its party reputation. By no means are they trying to shun it for good — they're just asking people to be more respectful. 'Phi Phi Island is a dream world. I've always said it's the best balance of paradise and party, with such beautiful places to discover if you venture off the party tourist track,' Ana said. I can also vouch for this: the iconic viewpoint took my breath away. More Trending The hike to the top was filled with magical moments, too. Locals stopped to talk to us, I enjoyed a fresh mango smoothie from a small cafe halfway up, and I met plenty of like-minded travellers along the way. All of whom shared my sadness for the behaviour on the beach. Ana is right. Everyone who visits this island says the same thing: that it leaves a special place in their heart. It's just a shame that the careless party actions of a few (which are always tourists and never locals) can ruin the reputation of such an extraordinary place. Who knows, when I head back to Thailand in 2026, perhaps I'll make a detour to Phi Phi. I can only hope that I experience the same island my friend fell in love with: one where tourists are considerate of the environment and the people around them. MORE: 'A city for strolling': The overlooked Spanish gem with £29 return flights MORE: This street in Europe is just 50cm wide and has traffic lights so tourists don't get stuck MORE: 'Birthplace of the Renaissance' crowned world's most walkable city — with UK flights from £44
