Well now, if y’all ever wondered about them movies filmed at Angkor Wat, lemme tell ya, it’s somethin’ mighty special. That big ol’ temple over in Cambodia, it’s like a treasure chest sittin’ right in the middle of the jungle. And plenty of folks, both big-time directors and movie stars, done stopped by to film a whole mess of scenes there. You might be surprised just how many big films used that ol’ place as a backdrop.
Lara Croft: Tomb Raider is one of them films that got real famous ’cause of the Angkor Wat shots. Now, this here movie, with that brave lady Lara Croft, all dressed up fancy, runnin’ around tryin’ to find all sorts of treasure, they done filmed a good chunk of it in the jungles around Angkor Wat. The temples give the whole film a real exotic feel, like you’re wanderin’ through a lost world or somethin’. In that one scene where Lara’s ridin’ around in her Land Rover, she’s not just in any jungle, she’s at the very gates of Angkor Wat, lookin’ all heroic and whatnot. If ya ask me, that temple sure does make a mighty fine stage for all the action!
The Killing Fields is another movie where you’ll spot the famous temples. Now, this one ain’t no light-hearted romp, no sir. It’s a heavy film, talkin’ about the dark history of Cambodia, when the Khmer Rouge was in charge. Some parts of the film were shot right around the temples, showin’ the stark contrast between the beauty of the ruins and the tragic history of the country. It’s a powerful film, and Angkor Wat, with its towering stones and quiet grandeur, adds a real solemn touch to it.
But that’s not all! Angkor Wat pops up in all sorts of films. For instance, in that animated flick Atlantis: The Lost Empire, the city of Atlantis was inspired by Angkor Wat. Now, y’all know Atlantis ain’t real, but the way they made that city look, all ancient and mysterious, sure does remind you of them stone carvings and temple walls that have stood for centuries in Cambodia. It’s like the artists looked at Angkor Wat and thought, “That’s the place for Atlantis!”
And let’s not forget about the folks who make documentaries. There’s a whole lotta them made about Angkor Wat too. Angkor Wat: Hidden Secrets is one of ‘em. This here documentary takes ya on a journey through the temples, diggin’ deep into the history, the art, and the mystery of the place. It shows you them intricate carvings on the walls, the towers that rise up like giants, and the stories that have been passed down through the ages. If you ever wanted to know more about the place, this documentary’s a good start.
One of the things I always find amazin’ about Angkor Wat is how it’s not just one temple but a whole big area of temples, with different spots featured in different films. Indiana Jones might’ve been rumored to have filmed in Cambodia, but don’t go thinkin’ it was all at Angkor Wat. That famous scene where Indy’s runnin’ through them jungle ruins? That might’ve been filmed at another temple nearby, Ta Prohm, which has them trees growin’ all over the place like the jungle’s tryin’ to take it back. It’s all part of the Angkor Archaeological Park, and when you’re wanderin’ around, you can see why so many movies pick this place for their stories.
Angkor Wat in Film: The Best of the Best
- Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The action movie with Angelina Jolie that features a whole lotta Angkor Wat.
- The Killing Fields – A serious drama about the tragic history of Cambodia.
- Atlantis: The Lost Empire – A movie where Angkor Wat inspired the design of the lost city of Atlantis.
- Indiana Jones – Though not filmed at Angkor Wat, this series inspired by Cambodia’s ancient temples.
- Angkor Wat: Hidden Secrets – A documentary that digs into the history and beauty of the temple.
Now, what makes Angkor Wat so perfect for movies is not just its size but the mystery that surrounds it. These temples have been standin’ there for hundreds of years, and they got all kinds of stories hidden in them stones. When you film at a place like that, it adds a whole new level of depth to the movie. Whether it’s a big-budget action film or a somber historical drama, Angkor Wat makes everything feel more real, more powerful, and more unforgettable.
So, next time you watch one of these films and see Angkor Wat in the background, just think about how many other stories have been told right there in the shadow of them grand towers. It’s a place where history and mystery meet, and it sure does make for some mighty fine movie magic.
Tags:[Angkor Wat Movies, Tomb Raider, The Killing Fields, Atlantis: The Lost Empire, Indiana Jones, Cambodia Film Locations, Siem Reap, Angkor Wat Documentary, Famous Movie Locations]