2020, Hold My Beer: Top 10 Movies That Will Take You on a Journey

Amidst the 2020 COVID-19 Crisis and international travel bans, here are Top 10 global films that need to be seen on a big screen. This post features exciting international movies *especially for those prevailing nomads* that will take you on an unforgettable journey straight from your comfy couch!

Announced as a global pandemic, the outbreak and rapid emergence of COVID-19 or Coronavirus has most of us unable to hit the club on a Friday night, let alone travel. The lockdown/house arrest situation, although ideal for many longing to catch up on some sleep; is deemed an absolute nightmare for those who crave zeal for adventure. Notwithstanding ongoing conversations, this post encourages you to take a break from awaiting trending updates and to rather encounter new experiences through international cinema!

#10: The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (1&2)

The Sisterhood of Traveling Pants (2005), directed by Ken Kwapis, follows the distinct summers of four teenage friends who remain connected via a pair of 'magic' denims that miraculously fits them all. Regardless of the apparent discrepancy in whether the theme caters to the notion that 'one size fits all,' or perhaps the girls merely tried on a pair of jeggings; the comedy-drama takes the audience on a journey about a moving friendship. Moreover, the film provides a unique montage of locations including Santorini, Greece; Baja California, Mexico; South Carolina; and Maryland.

#9: The Bucket List

The Bucket List (2007), starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, is sentimental and although foreseeable, shares the heartwarming tale of friendship. The film takes place in a myriad of settings such as China, Egypt, France, India, Tanzania, and the United States. This movie will inspire you to fulfill your bucket lists (fingers crossed once the virus lifts) and may even offer potential travel ideas!

#8: Queen

Queen (2013) presents the journey of a naive Indian girl, Rani (Kangana Ranaut), who embarks on her honeymoon to Europe solo after her sudden split with her fiancé. The film follows both Rani's pathbreaking journey of self-discovery, whilst illustrating a fusion of Punjabi, Parisian, and other notably ethnic influences.

#7: Eat Pray Love

“Il Bel Far Niente, the Beauty of Doing Nothing," -Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat Pray Love.

Eat Pray Love (2010), is a classic story following Elizabeth Gilbert's (played by Julia Roberts) journey of self-discovery. After her devastating divorce, the author globe-trots across Italy, India, and Indonesia in pursuit to heal and find herself. The film and Gilbert's memoir exhibits self-empowerment, and actualization through a very familiar character. Moreover, we can all relate to Gilbert's travelogue of exuberant experiences.

#6: Midnight in Paris

Midnight in Paris (2011), a film by Woody Allen, shares the sublime tale about nostalgia, and modernity. Beguiled by Parisian influence, Gil (Owen Wilson) travels back in time to the 1920s, where he encounters revered individuals including Scott Fitzgerald, Zelda, Ernest Hemingway, Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, and many others. This satisfying fantasy-romance transfers Gil's reminiscence of the 'perfect' past onto the audience.

#5: Mamma Mia!

“There's an island, Kalokairi. People used to think if you sailed on from there, you'd fall off the edge of the world. That sounds like the place for me," -Young Donna, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.

Mamma Mia! (2008), will verily make you want to write a travel piece or go on a spontaneous holiday no matter your position. The romantic musical takes place on a Greek island, following joyful Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) determined to find her father during her wedding. The film fuses both present and past employing ABBA's spirited soundtrack.

#4: Parasite

Parasite (2019), directed by Bong Joon-ho, is an unorthodox trailblazing cinema of the decade. Contrasting from other genres recommended in this post, this drama/mystery presents the manifest class segregation in South Korea. The destitute and avaricious Kims will verily take you on a hysterical journey during this dark-comedic thriller!

#3: Crazy Rich Asians

“The only thing crazier than love is family."

Crazy Rich Asians (2018), directed by Jon M. Chu, follows high-spirited local Chinese-American New Yorker, Rachel (Constance Wu), as she meets her boyfriend, Nick's (Henry Golding) Singaporean family. The romantic-comedy is riddled with societal/elitist issues while delivering familial significance through dynamic character relations. The cinema highlights various parts of Malaysia, New York, and Singapore, exploring predominantly Singaporean culture and heritage. This film will take you from your couch straight to the rich Asian continent, #staycation!

#2: Zindagi Na Milegi Dubara (You Won't Get a Second Life)

Zindagi Na Milegi Dubara (2011), directed by Zoya Akhtar follows Kabir (Hrithik Roshan), Imran (Farhan Akhtar), and Arjun's (Kabir Dewan) Boys' Trip in Spain. The drama/romance explores the diverse region and remarkable landmarks, whilst highlighting Spanish culture through art, music, and festivals. Adventure ensues the boys' vacation as they combat obstacles and fears, reconcile, and discover love.

#1: Dil Dhadakne Do (Let Your Heart Beat)

“Imagine being holed up on a cruise with your immediate family, relatives, friends, ex-loves, and work associates....” -Sonia Chopra (2015).

Dil Dhadakne Do (2015), number one on my recommendation list (available on Netflix), is a non-stereotypical Bollywood film, directed by Zoya Akhtar. The film stars an array of versatile actors, including Ranveer Singh, Priyanka Chopra, Farhan Akhtar, Anil Kapoor, Shefali Shah, and Anushka Sharma. The comedy-drama narrative follows the 30th Anniversary celebration of affluent Kamal (Anil Kapoor) and Neelam (Shefali Shah), hosted on a several-day cruise that voyages through the Mediterranean Sea.

Lighthearted and fun, this Indian film addresses South Asian societal issues by exhibiting the dysfunctional relationships between a myriad of characters with humour, drama, and romance; whilst manifesting exceptional details of a mosaic of Mediterranean cultures!

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