Movies & Istanbul

No one can deny the beauty of Istanbul! History, people, located both in Asia and Europe, and the Bosphorus make Istanbul a well tuned and colorful location for movie scenes, add the director's vision, you sometimes see Istanbul from a point as if you've never seen before. Here is a selection of movies including Istanbul :

1. The Accidental Spy (2001)
   This Hong Kong martial arts film stars Jackie Chan and was directed by Teddy Chan. It tells the story of Bei, a salesman at a workout equipment store who harbors dreams of adventure. He follows his instincts to trail two suspicious-looking men into an alley. When he realizes that the men are robbing a jewelry store, he jumps into action to foil their plans. Later, he sets on his quest to fulfill his dreams of adventure and fortune, traveling to Korea and Istanbul. Many Turkish artists, models and stuntmen acted in the Turkish scenes of the film.
2. Girl on the Bridge (1999)                                                                                         It’s night on a Paris bridge. A girl leans over Seine River with tears in her eyes and a violent yearning to drown her sorrows… Directed by Patrice Leconte starring Vanessa Paradis, Daniel Auteuil, Frédéric Pfluger. The film ends on a bridge in Istanbul.
3. The World Is Not Enough (1998)   
   
   The 19th film of the James Bond series, directed by Michael Apted and starring Pierce Brosnan as Bond, revolves around the assassination of billionaire Sir Robert King by the terrorist Renard. Bond is assigned to protect King’s daughter, Elektra, who was previously held for ransom by Renard. While on assignment, Bond foils a scheme to increase petroleum prices by triggering a nuclear meltdown in the waters of Istanbul. Mainly around the Bosphorus and The Maiden Tower.
4. Topkapı (1964)
   Directed by Jules Dussin and starring Melina Mercouri, Peter Ustinov and Maximilian Schell, the film’s plot centers on a group of thieves who devise a plan to steal the emerald-encrusted dagger of Sultan Mahmud I from the Topkapı Palace. Filmed almost entirely in Istanbul, the city plays a major role in the film.
5. From Russia with Love (1963)
   The second film in the James Bond series, and one of the most popular, was made during a time when the effects of the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union were felt the most. In the film, which stars Sean Connery as 007, Bond is sent to assist in the defection of Soviet consulate clerk Tatiana Romanova in Turkey. The settings of the film included Istanbul’s Beyazıt, Sulukule and Basilica Cistern.
6. Istanbul (1957)
   Directed by Hoseph Pevney, the film stars Errol Flynn, Cornell Borchers and Nat King Cole and tells the story of a suspected diamond smuggler who returns to Istanbul and finds that the lady love he thought was dead is actually alive.

         7. Taken 2 (1999)

 

Starring Liam Neeson was 80% shot in Istanbul, Turkey. This city that Liam Neesons character Bryan tore apart has been known as a classic spy location.  In this action sequel from director Olivier Megaton and producer/co-writer Luc-Besson, the action follows the life of Bryan Mills, a contract protection specialist and former government spook. 

       

 8. Skyfall (2012)

The 23rd instalment of the James Bond characterized films. Directed by Sam Mendes.

The story plot opens with James Bond (Daniel Craig in his 3rd performance as agent 007), along with Eve Moneypenny. investigating an attack on MI6 in Istanbul.

 9. The International (2009)

The International is an American action thriller film directed by Tom Tykwer. The film used several locations in Istanbul and Turkey during production. In one of the scenes,the main character Clive Owen seen on top the famous Grand Bazaar.