This Fall, when my girls head off to University, I’ll be getting ready to head out on my own adventure. The Hubby and I are in the throws of making some very, very, exciting plans. We’re off to the land of pasta and wine. Yes, Italy is calling and we’re answering in a very big way. Two stops that we know will be on our agenda? Milan and the drop dead gorgeous Lake Como. To say I’m just a little bit excited would be a massive understatement. I’ve been weaving my way through countless websites and indulging in romantic books set in these tortuously beautiful areas. As I get ready to transport my way back to one of my favourite places in the world, I’m also indulging in all the movies I can find that feature Lake Como. Have you been? Want to jump into the glorious scenery with me? Get ready to be transported to Italy with this list of my choices for Top Eight Movies set in Lake Como.
Man on Fire (1987) This Italian action movie introduces us to John Creasy, a former CIA operative, who now has a new job as a live-in bodyguard for a rich Italian family in the Milan/Lake Como area. When she is abducted, Creasy’s rage is unleashed and embarks on a bloody revenge spree. Man on Fire was remade in 2004, with Denzel Washington and Dakota Fanning in the starring roles.
A Month By The Lake (1995) A cheeky little comedy starring Vanessa Redgrave, Edward Fox and Uma Thurman. This romantic comedy is set upon Italy’s stunning Lake Como in the time period just before WW II erupted in Europe.
The Luzhin Defence (2000) This romantic thriller, set in the 1930’s, is based on a novel by Nabakov Two. Worlds collide when a chess grandmaster travels to Italy to play the match of his life and meets a beautiful young woman who is vacationing with her mother at a nearby resort. In Italy, the hotel scenes were filmed at The Bergamo, Lombardia, and Lake Como.
Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002) Anakin Skywalker shares a forbidden romance with Padmé Amidala, while Obi-Wan Kenobi investigates an assassination attempt on the senator and discovers a secret clone army crafted for the Jedi.
Ocean’s Twelve (2004) The final scenes of Ocean’s Twelve, those featuring Night Fox’s mansion, were shot on Lake Como in the Villa Erba area. The film is partly set in Villa Erba in Cernobbio and Villa Oleandra in Laglio, residence of Clooney.
Casino Royale (2006)
In Casino Royale, Secret Agent James Bond sets out on his very first mission as the famous 007. Multiple scenes were shot in Italy. Villa Balbianello in Lake Como welcomed Daniel Craig’s debut as Bond, other scenes show off nearby Lake Garda.
The Other Man (2008) The Other Man, starring Laura Linney, Liam Neeson and Antonio Banderas, is a tale of a husband who suspects his late wife of adultery, and sets out a mission to track down the other man who might have been taking up time in her life. The film was deemed a flop, but scenes shot in Milan and Lake Como might make it worth a watch.
Julia and Julia (2009) Frustrated with her job blogging, native New Yorker Julie Powell decides to embark on a daring project. her plan to recreate all 524 recipes in Julia Childs’ landmark cookbook, “Mastering the Art of French Cooking.” The beginning scenes of this film, starring Meryl Streep and Amy Adams, were filmed in Lake Como.
Murder Mystery (2019)
*Image courtesy of IMBD.com
Starring Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston – this made for Netflix movie tells the tale of a wanna be New York Detective and his wife as they go on a European vacation. Hoping to enjoy their long awaited Honeymoon, they end up running from the law as they are framed for the death of an elderly billionaire. The scenery in the entire movie is spectacular, the last few focusing on Lake Como and area.
Did I miss any? It won’t take me long to get through these eight movies set in Italy, recommendations welcome!
Ocean’s Twelve (2004) is probably the only one of the listed movies that I’ve seen
I haven’t seen many of these titles but Julia and Julia is one that I’ve wanted to see for a long time now. I used to watch Julia Child growing up so I think it would be interesting.
What a beautiful place Lake Como is, I’d love to go there one day.
The Murder Mystery movie sounds interesting. I will have to check it out.
“Murder Mystery” sounds fun,will have to look it up!
I’ve never been to lake Como but it does look beautiful, perhaps one day…
This looks like an awesome trip so much interesting things to do
Now I want to grab a bowl of popcorn and a plane ticket. Great list!