Before you jet off for Malaysia, you should get in the mood by watching these wonderful Western films that were shot in Malaysia's gorgeous landscape.
South Pacific
The 1958 film of the hit Broadway musical has given the world some famous musical numbers, including Some Enchanted Evening, Happy Talk, I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair and There's Nothing Like a Dame. The tale of two romances involving members of the American military and locals on a pacific island, it was shot partially in Malaysia, making the most out of the gorgeous coastline.
Anna and the King
The 1999 film version of Anna and the King is possibly the film that makes the most out of the richness of the Malaysian landscape. Back dropped by extraordinary scenery, this film, starring Jodie Foster and Chow Yun Fat, was shot mainly in Penang, Shah Alam and Parit. The plot concerns the relationship between King Mongkut and a British school teacher. Though set in Thailand, the Thai government stepped in to ban the film being shot there as it objected to the subject matter. Fans of the movie often come to visit certain locations that appear on screen, including Penang Town Hall and Armenian Street.
Entrapment
This slick thriller was not popular with the critics when it hit cinemas back in 1999, yet that does not stop it being a worth a watch for anybody heading to Malaysia. That's because it was shot in some of the country's most beautiful locations. The Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur make a big appearance, while the Melaka River also plays a big role in key scenes. So, rather than watch Sean Connery and Catherine Zeta Jones playing off each other, just pay attention to the backdrops.
Indochine
Of all the Western movies shot in Malaysia, Indochine is perhaps the best. Certainly it is the most acclaimed – this French production, starring Catherine Deneuve and Vincent Perez won the Best Foreign Lanauge award at the 1992 Oscars. Set in Vietman, it was shot in Malaysia in order to make the most of the wonderful, ancient landscape. It's a true must-watch for anybody heading to Malaysia.