Caribbean Cinematic Gems: Exploring Iconic Movies Filmed in the Dominican Republic
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The Dominican Republic is famous for its beautiful beaches, but there's more to discover – it's been the backdrop for some amazing movies. These films have won big awards and made the Dominican Republic a favourite for filmmakers.
As travel experts, knowing more helps us do better for our clients. If you have cinefile clients, share these cool facts with them. And if you're visiting soon, why not check out one of these movie spots? Let's uncover the Dominican Republic's hidden gem – its significant contribution to the world of cinema.
Some Famous Movies Filmed In The Dominican Republic
While the Dominican Republic is renowned for its leisure and relaxation, it has also become a magnet for renowned directors and filmmakers. Let's delve into some of the cinematic masterpieces that have graced its landscapes:
The Godfather Part II (1974)
Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, this iconic film chose the colonial part of Santo Domingo and Duarte and Mella avenues to recreate pre-revolutionary Havana. Featuring legendary actors like Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, and Robert Duvall, this masterpiece was nominated for 11 Oscars, securing six wins, including Best Film, Best Director, and Best Supporting Actor.
Locations:
Apocalypse Now (1979)
Another Coppola classic, while primarily shot in the Philippines, featured memorable scenes along the banks of the Chavón River in La Romana, capturing the essence of the Dominican Republic's captivating landscapes. Nominated for six Oscars, it won awards for Best Sound and Best Photography.
Locations:
The Chavon River (best view from Altos de Chavon city at Casa de Campo)
Old (2021)
Although it appears to be set on an island off the coast of France, "Old" was predominantly filmed in the Dominican Republic. Amanera Resort and Playa El Valle beach in Santa Bárbara de Samaná served as the stunning backdrop for this enigmatic thriller. Additional shooting took place at Pinewood Dominican Republic Studios in Juan Dolio and other scenic locales around Samaná.
Locations:
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Rambo II (1982)
Like Apocalypse Now, this installment in the Rambo franchise also found its Vietnam settings on the Chavón River's shores. The film's thrilling helicopter escape scene was filmed in the Dominican Republic.
Locations:
The Chavon River (best view from Altos de Chavon city at Casa de Campo)
Pirates of the Caribbean (2003)
Gore Verbinski's swashbuckling adventure starring Orlando Bloom and Johnny Depp included scenes shot on Saona Island, offering a unique blend of adventure and natural beauty.
Locations:
Jurassic Park (1993)
Steven Spielberg's iconic masterpiece used the Amber Museum in Puerto Plata as a key filming location, with the museum's exhibits even inspiring the film's design. The movie clinched three Oscars, including Best Sound Editing, Best Sound, and Best Visual Effects.
Locations:
Fast & Furious 3.5: The Outlaws (2009)
Directed, produced, and starring Vin Diesel, this adrenaline-fueled action movie utilized various areas of Santo Domingo, including the Colonial City and the Malecón de Santo Domingo promenade.
Locations:
There are also other famous movies made in the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic's natural beauty and cultural richness have left an indelible mark on the silver screen. As travel professionals, we have the unique opportunity to share these cinematic gems with our clients, inviting them to explore the real-life settings of their favourite films. The Dominican Republic is not just a destination; it's a living work of art waiting to be discovered.
Text by Artur Khachatryan
"The Killer," the latest movie by David Fincher, was partially shot in the Dominican Republic, specifically in Santo Domingo, Samana, and Casa de Campo.
A new movie, "Arthur The King," featuring Mark Wahlberg, was filmed in the Dominican Republic! The film is set to be released on March 22, 2024.