Macau in the movies overview, Macau is a special administrative region of China and has been featured in numerous movies, often portrayed as a hub of gambling, crime, and luxury. The city’s unique blend of Portuguese and Chinese culture, as well as its iconic landmarks such as the Ruins of St. Paul’s and the Macau Tower, are often highlighted in films set in Macau. Some famous movies set in Macau include “The Man with the Golden Gun,” “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom,” and “Now You See Me 2.”
Macau in the Movies of the best selling of all time!
001. The Man with The Golden Gun (1974)
This film was the first to put Macau on the map in Hollywood. Macau was chosen as a shooting location due of its abundance of casinos, which starred Roger Moore in the principal role of James Bond. Shots of a floating casino called ‘Macau Palace’ appeared in the film. This historic Macau icon was eventually shuttered and demolished in 2007 to make way for new development. As of now, it exists only in our recollections (and James Bond films).
002. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)
This Hollywood classic’s opening sequences were shot on location in Macau. In the film, Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) is seen attempting to flee the evil guys by jumping out of the window of Shanghai’s Club Obi Wan. The former hotel has now been replaced with the Best Western Hotel Sun Sun.
003. Shanghai Surprise (1986)
Several sequences in this romantic comedy starring then-husband and wife Madonna and Sean Penn were shot in Macau. Notably, Penn’s character in the film was staying at the Penang Hotel. In truth, there was an old derelict hotel called ‘Hotel Cantao,’ located at No. 286 Rua do Guimaraes in Macau. It has since been transformed into a chic café. Penn later said that during filming in Macau, he was arrested for attempted murder after dangling a photographer from a ninth-floor hotel balcony. Penn managed to escape from prison and was later pardoned by the government. The picture was a colossal disappointment, costing $15.5 million to make and earning only $1 million.
004. Johnny English Reborn (2011)
The action briefly moves to Macau and features exterior and interior shots of both the Casino Lisboa and newer neighbour Grand Lisboa (Macau’s tallest building, often nicknamed “the giant golden pineapple” by locals due to its shape bearing a striking resemblance to the fruit.)
005. Skyfall (2012)
The ‘Golden Dragon Casino’ in Macau was featured in the 2012 James Bond film featuring Daniel Craig. Unfortunately, this casino, as well as all of the films of so-called Macau, were built and recorded at Pinewood Studios in the United Kingdom. Nonetheless, the film’s massive success helped to enhance global awareness of the little-known Macau.
