Filming locations
I just can't help but take a cue from what is being talked about, a recent foreign film that dominates the movie houses. Discussed in social fora, I don't want to be a spoiler but rather focus on an aspect that sidelines a place of our country.
It can be noted that because of the importance of the conclusion, as it determines the plight of the main protagonists and antagonists, we would hook our attention to the final actions, and the setting, specifically the place perhaps makes no difference. And in the movie "Avengers: Infinity War," Thanos after defeating his enemies, retreats to a peaceful part of the universe and watches the sunset. The peaceful mountainside and shack are terraced rice paddies that look like giant stairways on the slopes of a mountain. If this sounds familiar, it's probably because it has been confirmed to be the Philippines' famous Banaue Rice Terraces. Indochina Productions shared the photo used as inspiration for Thanos' exile location of choice, saying that they were proud to be included in the movie's end credits.
This is not the first time our country has been part of an international film.
Some Hollywood movies used the archipelago as a backdrop for their storylines, take for instance in 2012, the movie "The Bourne Legacy" whose major chase scene was shot through the streets of Manila, and featured the local police. It also tapped some of our local actors as extras. In 2000, in the movie "Thirteen Days" the scenes taking place in Cuba were actually filmed in the Philippines, and they used the Clark Air Base in Pampanga for air base scenes.
"DNA" (1997) is best known as a horrible hodgepodge of Predator, Alien, and Jurassic Park. What's amusing however, along with other elements, is it obviously imitated from the aforementioned films. An extinct creature's bones are found in the jungles of North Borneo. The creature is then brought to life in the hopes of making it a lucrative project, but it ends up getting free and attacking everyone in its path.
"Platoon" in 1986 was the first of three Vietnam War films directed by Vietnam War veteran Oliver Stone. It starred Willem Defoe, Tom Berenger, and a young Charlie Sheen. Due to shaky US-Vietnam relations at the time, filming took place in the Philippines instead. They filmed scenes in Cavite, Mt. Makiling, and Villamor Air Base. The beginning of production actually coincided with the massive EDSA Revolution.
Another Vietnam War movie "Apocalypse Now" (1979) starred Martin Sheen, the father of Charlie Sheen. Scenes were shot all over the archipelago, including the provinces of Laguna, Aurora, and Zambales.
I have been part of an international movie that is hopefully to be released this year or next. Shot in various locations in Cebu depicting unique characters of the places. Places that tell stories and help in the development of the central message. It may be an old house, a deserted community, or a scenic place because for as long as it contributes to the development of the story or has a character in itself, it makes a perfect choice.
The obvious reason why our country has been a recurrent location is its beautiful natural landscapes and exotic charm, the Philippines looks great on the big screen, in addition to its people and unique culture.
Without a doubt we have places that continue to amaze the world. We may, at some point, ignore them but their wonders draw those from the outside to look for the second time around, and beyond.
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