When Hollywood goes looking for a location that oozes tropicalromance, it often turns to the Caribbean, which has been starring in bothindependent and big-budget films since the 1930s. Conversely, a handful offilms produced in the Caribbean have found a wider audience by sharing thestories of island people, culture, and music with the world.
When youre stuck at home and missing the Caribbean, pour yourself a rum drink and settle into your couch with one of these Caribbean-centric films, all of which were either set or filmed in the Caribbean.
Action/Adventure Movies:
Live and Let Die: Set primarily in New Orleans and Jamaica, this 1973 James Bond film starring Roger Moore as 007 includes memorable scenes shot in Jamaicas Green Grotto Caves, the alligator farm at J. Charles Swabys Black River Safari, the Rose Hall Great House, and the Half Moon and Sans Souci resorts.
Dr. No: The first James Bond movie, released in 1962,includes the memorable scene of Bond Girl Ursula Andress meeting Sean Conneryon Jamaicas Laughing Waters Beach. The film is set primarily in Jamaica theisland is the purported location of Dr. Nos secret lair and other shootinglocations include the Bauxite terminal in Ocho Rios, the Blue Mountains, theWhite River, Montego Bay, the GrandPortRoyalHotel in Kingston, andthe former San Souci resort, now Couples San Souci.
Thunderball: The fourth James Bond film in the series brings 007 to the Bahamas, where he meets SPECTRE baddie Emilio Largo and engages in an underwater battle with his henchmen. Shot in Panavision, the big-screen action film includes a Junkanoo parade on Bay Street in Nassau, and other sites that make cameos in the movie include Love Beach, Rose Island, Clifton Pier, and Paradise Island.
The Thomas Crown Affair: While the Caribbean is only a supporting actor in the art heist film, the island of Martinique takes a star turn when Pierce Brosnans Thomas Crown takes Insurance Investigator CatherineBanning (played by Rene Russo) on an impromptu trip to his villa on the Atlantic coast of Martinique.
The Island: The film adaptation of Peter Benchleysmodern-day pirate thriller was set in the Bahamas and largely filmed in Abacoand Antigua. The 1980 film pits Michael Caine against an isolated colony ofFrench pirates who have been preying on sailors for centuries.
The Deep: Another Peter Benchley story, The Deep centerson a shipwreck dive gone wrong off the coast of Bermuda but was shot in theBritish Virgin Islands, including underwater sequences filmed near Peter Islandand featuring the wreck of the HMS Rhone.
Third World Cop: A 1999 Jamaican action film about aKingston man who joins the special forces to fight gun smugglers.
Pirates of the Caribbean: The five Johnny Depp-led Pirates of the Caribbean films have been a huge boost to Caribbean tourism in general and some less-traveled shooting locations in particular, including Dominica and St. Vincent. Islands appearing in the films include Little Exuma in the Bahamas, Petit Tabac in the Grenadines, Old San Juan and Fajardo in Puerto Rico and Samana in the Dominican Republic. The town of Port Royal, where the first film opens and is featured in most of the films, was based on the infamous pirate colony in Jamaica, but filmed in Wallaibou Bay on St. Vincent.
Countryman: A Jamaican fisherman is the hero of this 1982action film produced by Island Records head (and Jamaica resident) ChrisBlackwell. Edwin Countryman Lothan, a Rastafarianfisherman, played the title role, and the soundtrack is full of reggaeclassics.
Haven: Filmed entirely in the Cayman Islands, Haven is atale of violent betrayal set in a paradisiacal background starring Bill Paxton,Zoe Saldana, and Orlando Bloom.
The Mighty Quinn: This Denzel Washington thriller about aCaribbean police chief who tries to protect a childhood friend accused ofmurdering a rich resort owner, was filmed in Port Antonio, Jamaica and at theGolden Clouds villa in Oracabessa.
The Tamarind Seed: Mary Poppins headed to the Caribbeanin this 1974 film starring Julie Andrews and Omar Sharif and directed by BlakeEdwards. The tale of a Cold War romance reaches its apex when the lovers meeton a Barbados beach. The spy movie was filmed in Barbados, London, and Paris.
Comedies:
Captain Ron: Something of a cult classic, this 1992 comedystarring Kurt Russell and Martin Short in a story about a misbegotten yachtcruise through the Caribbean. Much of the film was shot in Puerto Rico,including old San Juan, La Fortaleza, and the Puerto del Fuego Marina inFajardo.
Cool Runnings: The late John Candy stars as a Canadianbobsled coach working with a team of Jamaicans to learn the sport so they canqualify for the winter Olympics. Verrrry loosely based on the true story of theJamaican Bobsled Team. The 1992 comedy was filmed in Discovery Bay andKingston.
Club Paradise: This 1986 comedy, a rare flop for RobinWilliams, focuses on the chaotic operations of a Club Med style resort in thefictional island of St. Nicholas, populated by a familiar cast of tourists,reggae musicians, hoteliers, developers, and corrupt local officials. The moviewas shot over four months in Jamaica, primarily in Portland, and co-starsreggae legend Jimmy Cliff and several other prominent Jamaicans.
Dramas:
Cocktail: Tome Cruise and Bryan Brown star as bartenders in this 1988 film that focuses on the two pursuing their dreams of owning their own bar. Cruises character spends years working at a bar in Jamaica to raise money Jamaican filming locations included Dunns River Falls, Sandals Royal Plantation, Dragon Bay Beach, and the Jamaican Inn in Ocho Rios.
The Harder They Come: Often credited with introducingJamaican reggae to the rest of the world, this 1972 movie stars Jimmy Cliff aslead character IvanhoeIvan Martin, following him from poverty in Kingston tomusical stardom before descending into an outlaw existence. The movie wasproduced and shot in Kingston.
Dancehall Queen: Beenie Man recording the title song forthis 1997 independent film shot in Jamaica, centering on the story of a streetvendor who adopts the persona of a dancehall star to outwit two violent men.
To Have and Have Not: This 1944 classic starring HumphreyBogart as an American expat and Lauren Bacall as his Resistance fighter wifewas written by Ernest Hemingway and set in Martinique.
Safe in Hell: This racy 1931 film tells the story of a New Orleans woman who kills the man who forced her into prostitution, then flees to the fictional Caribbean island of Tortuga.
The Rum Diary: A.k.a. the other Johnny Depp Caribbeanmovie, The Rum Diary was set (and mostly filmed in Puerto Rico); based on aHunter S. Thompson book, the 2011 film stars Depp as a hard-drinking author andalso includes scenes of Carnival in St. Thomas.
Romance:
How Stella Got Her Groove Back: In this 1998 romance,successful stockbroker Angela Bassett finds her groove on a vacation inJamaica when she meets a young Taye Diggs and embarks on a sultry love affair.The Round Hill and Time n Place resorts stood in for Stellas Jamaican digs inthe film.
Along Came Polly: This 2004 romantic comedy starring an uptight Ben Stiller and free spirited Jennifer Aniston begins and ends on a beach in St. Barth.
Islands in the Sun: This CinemaScope Darryl Zanuck-directed film released in 1957 focuses on an interracial romance between characters played by Harry Belafonte and Joan Fontaine. The movie was shot on location in Barbados and Grenada, including Barbados historic Farley Hill mansion (which was later destroyed in a fire).
Any films you love that we didnt mention? Email us at news@caribjournal.com.
Originally posted here:
24 Movies That Will Take You to the Caribbean Right Now - Caribbean Journal
- Cheap Caribbean - December 9th, 2016 [December 9th, 2016]
- Caribbean - Lonely Planet - December 12th, 2016 [December 12th, 2016]
- Caribbean Sea | sea, Atlantic Ocean | Britannica.com - December 13th, 2016 [December 13th, 2016]
- Caribbean travel guide - Wikitravel - December 22nd, 2016 [December 22nd, 2016]
- Caribbean Information Office - January 9th, 2017 [January 9th, 2017]
- Holidays to the Caribbean 2016 / 2017 | loveholidays.com - January 9th, 2017 [January 9th, 2017]
- Caribbean Cruises | Caribbean Vacation Packages | Norwegian ... - January 9th, 2017 [January 9th, 2017]
- Caribbean - New World Encyclopedia - January 9th, 2017 [January 9th, 2017]
- 'Pirates of the Caribbean' Actor Brenton Thwaites to Star in Thriller 'Ghosts of War' - Variety - February 7th, 2017 [February 7th, 2017]
- New Kokomo bar has Caribbean theme - Kokomo Tribune - February 7th, 2017 [February 7th, 2017]
- Michael Perry: Caribbean work day | Recent columns by Michael ... - Madison.com - February 7th, 2017 [February 7th, 2017]
- Orlando Bloom Returns as Will Turner in Pirates of the Caribbean 5 First Look - MovieWeb - February 7th, 2017 [February 7th, 2017]
- Link-Caribbean Awards US$125000 To Five Caribbean Firms - Caribbean360.com (subscription) - February 7th, 2017 [February 7th, 2017]
- Johnny Depp Finally Appears In Dynamite 'Pirates Of The Caribbean' Super Bowl Spot - Forbes - February 7th, 2017 [February 7th, 2017]
- RORC Caribbean 600 attracts Classics - Scuttlebutt Sailing News - February 7th, 2017 [February 7th, 2017]
- Caribbean dancer N'Jelle Gage-Thorne visits Allen Hall - Daily Illini - February 7th, 2017 [February 7th, 2017]
- Norwegian, Royal Caribbean expand Cuba sailings through end of the year - Orlando Sentinel - February 7th, 2017 [February 7th, 2017]
- Why Disney's 'Pirates Of The Caribbean' Had The Best Super Bowl Movie Ad - Forbes - February 7th, 2017 [February 7th, 2017]
- The 'baseball island' is taking on water at the Caribbean Series - ESPN (blog) - February 7th, 2017 [February 7th, 2017]
- World's Smallest Biennale Drops Anchor on Caribbean Islet - Hyperallergic - February 7th, 2017 [February 7th, 2017]
- Obama kiteboards in Caribbean with billionaire Richard Branson - Reuters - February 7th, 2017 [February 7th, 2017]
- Crime Costing Caribbean Billions | Caribbean360 - Caribbean360.com (subscription) - February 8th, 2017 [February 8th, 2017]
- Classics Gather in Caribbean - Sailing World - February 8th, 2017 [February 8th, 2017]
- CCGA enters partnership with Caribbean college - The News (subscription) - February 9th, 2017 [February 9th, 2017]
- Caribbean Charm Enjoying New Location - Hartford Courant - February 9th, 2017 [February 9th, 2017]
- World Bank Appoints New Country Director for the Caribbean - St. Lucia Times Online News (press release) - February 9th, 2017 [February 9th, 2017]
- Caribbean reports record of 29M visits - The San Luis Obispo Tribune - February 9th, 2017 [February 9th, 2017]
- Puerto Rico edges Mexico for Caribbean Series title - MLB.com - February 9th, 2017 [February 9th, 2017]
- LGBTQI coalition gears up in eastern Caribbean - Erasing 76 Crimes - February 10th, 2017 [February 10th, 2017]
- Caribbean Series artifacts to be displayed in Hall - MLB.com - February 10th, 2017 [February 10th, 2017]
- Pros and Cons of Royal Caribbean's unlimited drink packages - Royal Caribbean Blog (blog) - February 10th, 2017 [February 10th, 2017]
- AP PHOTOS: Editor Selections From Latin America, Caribbean ... - ABC News - February 10th, 2017 [February 10th, 2017]
- Caribbean reports record of 29M visits - Beloit Daily News - February 10th, 2017 [February 10th, 2017]
- Humanitarian Bulletin Latin America and Caribbean Volume 30 | November December 2016 - ReliefWeb - February 10th, 2017 [February 10th, 2017]
- All inclusive Caribbean trips with nonstop flights hit the vacation spot - The Tennessean - February 10th, 2017 [February 10th, 2017]
- US, EU Food Standards Major Hurdle for Caribbean Exporters - Caribbean360.com (subscription) - February 11th, 2017 [February 11th, 2017]
- Cruises that cater to the Chinese on Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas - Miami Herald - February 11th, 2017 [February 11th, 2017]
- St. Croix Restaurants Named Among Top Ten In Caribbean By USA Today - VI Consortium (press release) - February 11th, 2017 [February 11th, 2017]
- Caribbean Brothers Bar & Grill opens along Route 30 in Lancaster Family Resort - LancasterOnline - February 11th, 2017 [February 11th, 2017]
- FATCA hurting Caribbean: Revoke it, Mr Trump - Jamaica Observer - February 12th, 2017 [February 12th, 2017]
- Book review: 'Island People' brings Caribbean's humanity, color to life - Fredericksburg.com - February 12th, 2017 [February 12th, 2017]
- Caribbean/American leaders want strong stance against Trump's immigration policy - Jamaica Observer - February 13th, 2017 [February 13th, 2017]
- 10 Ways MSC Cruises is Elevating the Caribbean Cruise Experience - Cruise Fever - February 13th, 2017 [February 13th, 2017]
- Caribbean hoteliers concerned over poaching - Jamaica Observer - February 13th, 2017 [February 13th, 2017]
- Caribbean all-inclusive resorts: Top spots for families, foodies, more - USA TODAY - February 13th, 2017 [February 13th, 2017]
- This Unknown Caribbean Island Should Be Your #1 Vacation Destination In 2017 - Huffington Post - February 15th, 2017 [February 15th, 2017]
- Belize among the Caribbean countries recording strongest tourism growth - Amandala - February 15th, 2017 [February 15th, 2017]
- You can take a family vacation the Caribbean - AZCentral.com - February 15th, 2017 [February 15th, 2017]
- Caribbean-style lagoon coming to Houston-area development - Chron.com - February 15th, 2017 [February 15th, 2017]
- Royal Caribbean CIO Sets Sail For Digital Innovation - Forbes - February 15th, 2017 [February 15th, 2017]
- 2000 Royal Caribbean passengers stranded after ship fails life jacket inspection - Fox News - February 15th, 2017 [February 15th, 2017]
- Caribbean's Carnivals Tip Their Hats to Trinidad - New York Times - February 15th, 2017 [February 15th, 2017]
- New shark of the Caribbean - Deutsche Welle - February 15th, 2017 [February 15th, 2017]
- Caribbean labour ministers to meet in Jamaica - Jamaica Observer - February 16th, 2017 [February 16th, 2017]
- Record Fleet for RORC Caribbean 600 >> Scuttlebutt Sailing News - Scuttlebutt Sailing News - February 16th, 2017 [February 16th, 2017]
- Caribbean hoteliers predict positive tourism performance for 2017 - Amsterdam News - February 16th, 2017 [February 16th, 2017]
- Venezuela promotes trade with Caribbean - St. Lucia Times Online News (press release) - February 16th, 2017 [February 16th, 2017]
- Disney World announces expansion at Coronado Springs, Caribbean Beach resorts - Orlando Sentinel - February 16th, 2017 [February 16th, 2017]
- AP PHOTOS: Editor selections from Latin America, Caribbean - SFGate - February 17th, 2017 [February 17th, 2017]
- UK weather to get hotter than Barcelona as Caribbean blast 'heatwave' keeps temperatures soaring into next week ... - The Sun - February 17th, 2017 [February 17th, 2017]
- Black Caribbean Immigrants In The US Today 10 Things You Should Know This Black History Month - News Americas Now Caribbean And Latin America Daily... - February 17th, 2017 [February 17th, 2017]
- The 8 Most Memorable Island Cocktails To Try On Your Next Caribbean Adventure - Huffington Post - February 17th, 2017 [February 17th, 2017]
- Caribbean air will send February temperatures soaring in Cornwall - Cornwall Live - February 18th, 2017 [February 18th, 2017]
- New LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean sets revealed at New York Toy Fair 2017, coming in May [News] - The Brothers Brick - February 18th, 2017 [February 18th, 2017]
- Caribbean/American legislator dispels rumours about immigration sweep - Jamaica Observer - February 18th, 2017 [February 18th, 2017]
- Lego's New Pirates of the Caribbean Ship Can Open Itself Up Like a Skeleton's Ribcage - Gizmodo - February 18th, 2017 [February 18th, 2017]
- Royal Caribbean cancels all cruise stops in Turkey in 2017 - Royal Caribbean Blog (blog) - February 20th, 2017 [February 20th, 2017]
- Caribbean trained attorneys are taking over the judiciary in the region - Stabroek News - February 20th, 2017 [February 20th, 2017]
- Caribbean Nations Concerned President Trump's Immigration Policy Will Slow Tourism - South Florida Caribbean News - February 20th, 2017 [February 20th, 2017]
- Woman suffering diabetic shock airlifted by Coast Guard from Royal Caribbean cruise ship - ABC News - February 20th, 2017 [February 20th, 2017]
- Johnny Depp is in 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales', Apparently - Bloody Disgusting - February 20th, 2017 [February 20th, 2017]
- Dozens Starve to Death in Caribbean Prison - Newser - February 20th, 2017 [February 20th, 2017]
- Horses on the Caribbean Track - Scuttlebutt Sailing News - February 21st, 2017 [February 21st, 2017]
- SXM Festival on the Caribbean island of Saint Martin announces 2017 edition - Mirror.co.uk - February 23rd, 2017 [February 23rd, 2017]
- Navigator of the Seas Live Blog - Day 5 - Curacao - Royal Caribbean Blog (blog) - February 23rd, 2017 [February 23rd, 2017]
- Jamaica Commended For Its Economic Initiatives At IDB - South Florida Caribbean News - February 23rd, 2017 [February 23rd, 2017]
- RORC Caribbean 600: It's Never Like This >> Scuttlebutt Sailing News - Scuttlebutt Sailing News - February 23rd, 2017 [February 23rd, 2017]
- More Caribbean illegals in line for deportation - Trinidad & Tobago Express - February 23rd, 2017 [February 23rd, 2017]
- CHIEF and Taste Of The Caribbean To Be Held In Miami In June ... - Caribbean360.com (subscription) - February 23rd, 2017 [February 23rd, 2017]
- Caribbean islands offer Carnival travel choices: St. Lucia, Barbados and more - Newsday - February 23rd, 2017 [February 23rd, 2017]