Many movies that are filmed in Canada aren’t actually set there. However, there are plenty of worthwhile films that are both filmed and set in the country. On this page, we’ll show you 5 movies that do a brilliant job of celebrating Canada in an authentic way.
One Week
Released theatrically in 2009, this drama film by Michael McGowan stars Joshua Jackson as teacher Ben Tyler. He’s just been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer that’s in its fourth and deadliest stage. Rather than undergoing immediate treatment, he decides to travel across Canada by motorcycle. Starting in Toronto, he works his way from east to west, ending up in Vancouver. Along the way, he re-evaluates his relationship and his job and continues to dream about being a writer.
An abundance of stunning Canadian scenery forms the film’s backdrop. Music plays a big role and all of the artists who contributed to the film’s soundtrack are Canadian.
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
This rather offbeat film was filmed entirely in Canada, which isn’t too common for Hollywood films. Released in 2010, it has elements of romance, comedy and action. Though it failed to make a profit at the box office, it was well-received by critics and has gained a cult following.
The film stars Michael Cera as the lead character. He’s a musician who’s trying to win a record deal while simultaneously battling his girlfriend’s seven evil exes. Set in Toronto, some of the city’s most famous attractions are featured. These include the CN Tower, Lee’s Palace and the Baldwin Steps, among others.
The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz
Having been released back in 1974, this is the oldest entry on our list. However, its age doesn’t mean it should be overlooked. This film is set in 1950s Montreal and follows the titular character as he tries to scheme his way out of the city’s poor Jewish community. It’s a comedy-action film and it’s based on the eponymous novel by Mordecai Richler, which came out in 1959.
When it was released, it became the highest-grossing English-language Canadian film ever. Its take of $1.7 million is nothing by today’s standards, but it was very significant for Canadian cinema at the time. Many Montreal landmarks can be seen in the film. Those who visit the city for the first time will find many top attractions to see, including natural features, interesting museums and a theme park.
The F Word
This romantic comedy film was released in 2013 and is set in Toronto. It follows two characters, played by Daniel Radcliffe and Zoe Kazan, and their growing friendship. They meet and get on, but because Kazan’s character has a boyfriend, they decide to be friends.
The F Word debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2013 before getting a theatrical release in August 2014. Though it didn’t fare well at the box office, it was well-received by critics.
The film highlights some of Toronto’s lesser-known attractions. The city is home to many hidden gems, including pretty good casinos. These are worth visiting if you fancy a night out playing games such as slots, blackjack, and poker. It’s recommended to practice these games before playing in person, and online casino sites offer a wide range of games, such as online gambling slots, table games, and live dealer games. The best operators even offer exciting promotions for new players, such as 100% up to C$200, and some platforms have listed an all-in-one guide to the best online gambling sites. If you feel inspired to visit Toronto after watching The F Word, stop by its casinos and check out some of the city’s many other great attractions.
Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner
Hailed by some as the greatest Canadian film of all time, Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner showcases a part of Canada that’s rarely seen: the far north. It’s the first full-length movie to be entirely produced in the Inuktitut language, which is spoken by around 39,000 people.
Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner is an epic with a run time of almost three hours. It’s a retelling of a traditional Inuit legend passed down through generations of oral tradition.
