I went out to see the new George Lucas film Red Tails this weekend. The (mostly) true story of the Tuskegee Airmen, I enjoyed the film (keeping in mind that it's a pretty mainstream, Hollywood/comic book depiction of history). The film portrays the first US combat fighter unit composed entirely of African American pilots, during the closing years of WWII. The story takes place in Italy. The film contains some breathtakingly beautiful scenery, including a very pretty seaside hill town with a Venetian bell tower. There are also several scenes that take place in picturesque, cobbled, old hill towns. I'm deep in the details of planning a trip to Croatia this spring, and when I saw the scenes of the planes buzzing by that bell tower, I thought "gee, that sure looks familiar...could it be...?" So I went home and googled "red tails" + "croatia" and sure enough, that pretty seaside town was Rovinj, just as I suspected. I also learned that the cobbled old towns used for other scenes were the handful of Istrian hilltowns I'm planning to visit. It appears they filmed a lot of the movie in Istra (also some in Slovenia). The scenery looked great in the film. Made me glad we're going there soon. If you're considering this film, I'd recommend it, keeping it's limitations in mind - there are some liberties taken with historical/technical accuracy, but that didn't spoil it for me. The scenery will make you want to visit 1940s Italy - which is apparently still available just across the border in Croatia's Istria. Watch your six. ;)
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32216 posts
David, I saw the movie a few days ago, and definitely agree that some of the scenery was fantastic! While there may have been a few "liberties" taken with accuracy, the view of the fighter action sure looked good. I read an article recently that Lucas wanted to make that film several years ago, but had to wait for the technology to become available to provide the "effect" that he wanted. Croatia is one of the areas I'm considering this year, but it's my second choice at the moment. I was surprised to see the girl from NCIS Los Angeles in the movie. She apparently speaks English, Portugese and Spanish fluently, and her Italian was beautiful! Cheers!
Posted by
Denver, Colorado, USA
143 posts
Wow, David great minds do think alike! I thought I recognized Rovinj in that movie too. I'm also going to be in Istria in September on a Rick Steves "Best of the Adriatic" tour. I'm going to spend some time in Rovinj trying to find Sophia! I've spent some time in Slovenia and Croatia. It's fantastic. Where all are you headed? Have a great trip! Ross in Denver
Posted by
Land of La
8692 posts
@David and Ken, Croatia is very popular with the filming community. Cheap rates, gorgeous and varied scenery. HBO's Game of Thrones filmed there for the upcoming 2nd season. SPFX maybe one reason that Mr. Lucas waited to get Red Tails made but in reality he could not find a studio who felt a film based on and staring African Americans would be a good investment. So, being the stubborn and innovative genius that he is, Mr. Lucas financed it himself. Studios be damned!
Posted by
Redlands, Ca, USA
358 posts
I saw the movie yesterday and enjoyed seeing the beautiful scenes from Rovinj and other hillside towns. Croatia is one of my favorite countries I have visited. Ross if you are looking for Sophia you might want to check out some of the retirement homes as she is around 90yo.
Posted by
Denver, Colorado, USA
143 posts
Actually Byron I think she is a hot Argentinian actress. No, I'm looking for 'my' Sofia. I'm in thinking that, this being the Med, she be living with family, not in a home. Way deeper than your great comment merited going, I know! Cheers mate. Ross