Burma, also known as Myanmar, is a country rich in culture, history, and scenic beauty. It has served as the backdrop for numerous films, TV shows, and books, captivating audiences with its unique landscapes and fascinating stories. This comprehensive guide will take you on a journey through the lens of cinema and literature, exploring the 10 famous films shot in Burma or Myanmar, hidden gems, and much more. So, buckle up as we embark on this cinematic journey!
10 Famous Films Shot in Burma or Myanmar
Burma has been a favorite setting for filmmakers due to its historic landmarks, diverse culture, and scenic beauty. Here are ten movies shot in the heart of Burma:
- “The Lady” (2011) – This biographical film tells the story of Aung San Suu Kyi, Burma’s pro-democracy leader, highlighting the country’s political landscape.
- “Rambo” (2008) – The fourth installment of the Rambo series, this action film showcases Burma’s rugged terrains and rivers.
- “Beyond Rangoon” (1995) – Set during the 8888 Uprising, this film offers a glimpse into Burma’s tumultuous past.
- “Burma VJ” (2008) – This documentary uses undercover footage to shed light on the 2007 protests in Burma.
- “The Burmese Harp” (1956) – A Japanese film that presents the impacts of World War II on Burma.
- “They Call It Myanmar: Lifting the Curtain” (2012) – This documentary provides a rare look at the everyday life of people in Burma.
- “Lucanamarca” (2008) – A Peruvian film that draws parallels between the political situations in Burma and Peru.
- “Golden Kingdom” (2015) – This narrative feature film highlights the spiritual side of Burma through the story of four novice monks.
- “Balibo” (2009) – While mainly set in East Timor, this political thriller features scenes shot in Burma.
- “Alms and Vows” (2016) – This documentary explores the lives of Buddhist nuns in Burma.
These films not only showcase Burma’s cultural richness and scenic beauty but also provide a platform for sharing its political and social narratives.
5 TV Shows Set in Burma or Myanmar
The unique landscape and culture of Burma have also served as the backdrop for numerous TV shows. Here are five that capture the essence of the country:
- “Burma’s Secret Jungle War with Joe Simpson” (2016) – This documentary series follows Joe Simpson and a group of local tribes as they venture into Burma’s remote jungles.
- “Walking the Himalayas” (2015-2016) – While the series covers various locations, one episode explores Burma’s northern region.
- “Burma’s Lost Royals” (2018) – This documentary series delves into the story of Burma’s Royal Family and their struggles.
- “Top Gear: Burma Special” (2014) – In this special episode, the famous trio embarks on a road trip across Burma, providing plenty of laughs along the way.
- “Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown” (2013-2018) – In one episode, Bourdain explores Burma’s cuisine and culture, offering a unique perspective on the country.
These TV shows offer a sneak peek into Burma’s vibrant culture, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes, enhancing the viewer’s understanding of the country.
5 Animated Films Set in Burma or Myanmar
While not traditionally associated with animated films, Burma’s landscapes and stories have inspired several animated features. Here are five that bring the spirit of Burma to the screen:
- “Burma Boy” (2014) – This animated short film tells the story of a young boy during World War II in Burma.
- “Sittwe” (2017) – An animated documentary that explores the lives of two teenagers affected by religious violence in Burma.
- “Miss Burma” (2018) – This animated short provides a snapshot of the Miss Burma beauty pageant amidst the country’s political unrest.
- “Burma’s Belly” (2015) – A humorous animated short that explores Burma’s cuisine.
- “The Legend of the Golden Boat” (2016) – This animated feature brings to life a popular Burmese folk tale.
These animated features offer audiences of all ages a glimpse into Burma’s rich cultural heritage and contemporary society.
Famous Books Set in Burma or Myanmar: Classic and Contemporary
Burma’s rich history and unique culture have inspired numerous literary works. Here are three classic and three contemporary books that bring the spirit of Burma to life:
Classic:
- “Burmese Days” by George Orwell – A critique of British colonial rule, this novel offers a glimpse into the darker side of Burma’s history.
- “The Glass Palace” by Amitav Ghosh – This historical novel tells the story of the British invasion of Burma through the eyes of a poor boy in Mandalay.
- “From the Land of Green Ghosts” by Pascal Khoo Thwe – A memoir that narrates the author’s journey from a remote part of Burma to Cambridge University.
Contemporary:
- “Miss Burma” by Charmaine Craig – Based on the true story of the author’s mother and grandmother, this novel explores Burma’s tumultuous history through the lens of the Miss Burma beauty pageant.
- “The Lizard Cage” by Karen Connelly – This novel delves into the brutal reality of Burma’s political prisoners.
- “Burmese Lessons: A True Love Story” by Karen Connelly – This memoir explores the author’s personal experiences and love affair in Burma.
These books, both classic and contemporary, offer readers a deeper understanding of Burma’s complex history, culture, and society.
Exploring Burma or Myanmar Filming Locations: Where to Go
Burma’s diverse landscapes and unique architecture have made it a popular filming location. Here are some must-visit places:
- Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon – This golden pagoda has been featured in numerous films and documentaries due to its religious significance and stunning beauty.
- U Bein Bridge, Mandalay – Known as the longest teakwood bridge in the world, this iconic location offers a perfect setting for romance and drama.
- Inle Lake, Shan State – The floating gardens and stilt-house villages of Inle Lake provide a unique backdrop for films.
- Bagan – With thousands of ancient temples and pagodas, Bagan has been a popular filming location for historical and adventure films.
- Kyaiktiyo Pagoda, Mon State – Also known as Golden Rock, this site is a pilgrimage destination and has been featured in several regional films.
- Ngapali Beach, Rakhine State – This pristine beach offers a great setting for travel documentaries and romantic films.
Exploring these filming locations allows you to immerse yourself in the cinematic history of Burma while enjoying its cultural and natural attractions.
Where to Sleep in Burma or Myanmar: Cheap and Luxury
Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly hostel or a luxury resort, Burma offers a wide range of accommodations to suit your needs.
Budget:
- BaobaBed Hostel, Yangon – A popular choice among backpackers, offering clean dorms and a friendly atmosphere.
- Ostello Bello, Bagan – Known for its helpful staff and fun social events, this hostel is a great base for exploring Bagan’s temples.
- Song of Travel Hostel, Inle Lake – This hostel offers comfortable rooms and bike rentals for exploring the surrounding area.
Luxury:
- Belmond Governor’s Residence, Yangon – A colonial-style mansion offering luxurious rooms and a tranquil garden setting.
- Aureum Palace Hotel & Resort, Bagan – This luxury resort offers stunning views of Bagan’s temples from its spacious villas.
- Sanctum Inle Resort, Inle Lake – This resort combines luxury with traditional design, offering a peaceful retreat after a day of exploration.
Regardless of your budget, each accommodation option offers a unique way to experience the diverse landscapes and culture of Burma.
Where to Eat in Burma or Myanmar: Budget and Luxury
Burma’s cuisine is a blend of flavors influenced by its neighboring countries. Here are three budget and three luxury dining options:
Budget:
- 999 Shan Noodle, Yangon – Known for its delicious Shan noodles, this eatery offers a wide variety of dishes at affordable prices.
- Be Kind to Animals The Moon, Bagan – This vegetarian restaurant serves a range of Burmese dishes and is a favorite among travelers.
- Inle Pancake Kingdom, Inle Lake – As the name suggests, this eatery specializes in pancakes but also offers other dishes.
Luxury:
- Le Planteur, Yangon – This fine-dining restaurant serves French and European cuisine in a colonial mansion.
- Nyaung U, Bagan – This restaurant offers traditional Burmese cuisine with a modern twist, accompanied by spectacular views of the temples.
- Inle Princess Resort, Inle Lake – This resort offers a fine dining experience with dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.
Whether you’re in the mood for street food or a gourmet meal, Burma’s culinary scene offers an array of options to satisfy your palate.
Detailed Itinerary Day by Day
To make the most of your trip, follow this detailed five-day itinerary to explore Burma’s famous filming locations:
Day 1: Yangon Start your tour at the Shwedagon Pagoda, the city’s most iconic landmark. After lunch, visit the Chaukhtatgyi Buddha Temple, featured in several documentaries.
Day 2: Mandalay Head to Mandalay and visit the U Bein Bridge, a popular filming location. After lunch, explore the Royal Palace and Mandalay Hill.
Day 3: Bagan Spend the day exploring Bagan’s ancient temples and pagodas, used as settings for many films.
Day 4: Inle Lake Travel to Inle Lake and visit the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda and the floating gardens, both featured in various travel documentaries.
Day 5: Golden Rock On your last day, visit the Kyaiktiyo Pagoda, also known as Golden Rock. This pilgrimage site has been featured in several regional films.
Cryptid Legends and Curiosities
Beyond its cinematic allure, Burma is also home to a number of cryptid legends and curiosities. The country is known for its folklore, with tales of mythical creatures and spirits, such as the Nats, that play a significant role in local culture. These legends add an element of the mysterious to Burma’s cinematic locations.
Hidden Gems in Burma or Myanmar
While many visitors flock to the famous landmarks, there are also hidden gems in Burma that offer a unique experience:
- Hpa-An – This city in southeastern Burma is known for its limestone caves and mountainous landscape, providing scenic locations for films.
- Mrauk U – Often overlooked in favor of Bagan, this ancient city offers a more off-the-beaten-path experience for film location hunters.
- Pyin Oo Lwin – Known as the “City of Flowers,” this hill town offers colonial-era architecture and botanical gardens, making it an ideal filming location.
Exploring these hidden gems provides a unique perspective on Burma, allowing you to uncover its lesser-known beauty.
What to Pack for a Trip to Burma or Myanmar
Packing for a trip to Burma requires consideration of the country’s tropical climate. Essential items include lightweight clothing, a hat, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes. For temple visits, pack modest attire that covers your shoulders and knees. Don’t forget to bring a universal power adapter for your electronic devices.
Transportation Tips
Getting around Burma can be an adventure in itself. Public transportation options include trains, buses, and shared taxis. For more convenience, consider hiring a private driver. When visiting popular tourist sites, be aware of the entrance fees and opening hours.
In conclusion, Burma offers a wealth of experiences for film buffs and travelers alike. From its famous films shot in Burma or Myanmar to its hidden gems, you’re sure to have a memorable cinematic journey in this fascinating country.
