Where Is Blended Filmed In Africa
Imagine waking to the symphony of the African bush – the chirping of exotic birds, the distant roar of a lion, and the gentle rustling of wind through the acacia trees. Picture vibrant sunsets painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, casting long shadows across the golden savanna. It's a world away from the everyday, a place of untamed beauty that serves as the stunning backdrop for the Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore rom-com, Blended.
This article will journey to the heart of where the movie Blended brought its comedic charm to the African continent. We'll unpack the specific locations used during filming, delve into the significance of these choices, and explore the lasting impact the movie had on the local area.
The Sun City Resort: South Africa's Glamorous Gem
While Blended is set in a fictional African resort, the actual filming took place primarily at the luxurious Sun City Resort in South Africa's North West Province.
Sun City isn't just a single hotel; it's a sprawling entertainment complex boasting four hotels, two casinos, an artificial lake, a water park called the Valley of Waves, and two world-class golf courses.
This mega-resort provided the perfect setting for the family-friendly, albeit chaotic, vacation depicted in the film.
A Variety of Locations Within Sun City
The film utilizes several distinct areas within Sun City to create the on-screen resort.
The opulent Palace of the Lost City, Sun City's flagship hotel, frequently appears in the movie's exterior shots. Its grandeur and fantastical architecture, inspired by a mythical African kingdom, lend an air of escapism to the vacation experience.
The Valley of Waves, with its thrilling water slides and wave pool, provided the setting for many of the film's comedic set pieces, particularly those involving the children.
Scenes of families enjoying outdoor activities often feature the resort's meticulously manicured gardens and sprawling landscapes.
Beyond Sun City: Adding Authenticity
While Sun City provided the core location, certain scenes required a more authentic African backdrop.
Short scenes of safari trips feature landscapes more representative of the natural African bushveld, likely filmed in a nearby game reserve.
These brief glimpses add a layer of realism to the film, contrasting the manufactured luxury of Sun City with the raw beauty of the surrounding wilderness.
The Significance of Location Choice
The decision to film Blended in South Africa, and specifically at Sun City, wasn't arbitrary.
South Africa boasts a well-developed film industry, offering world-class facilities, experienced crew members, and stunningly diverse landscapes. This made it an attractive location for a major Hollywood production.
Sun City, with its blend of luxury and entertainment, served as a convenient and visually appealing setting that could easily portray a high-end African resort experience.
The resort's self-contained nature simplified logistics, allowing the production team to control the environment and minimize disruptions.
Choosing South Africa also helped to showcase the beauty and potential of the African continent to a global audience, even within the context of a lighthearted comedy.
Impact on the Local Economy and Tourism
Filming Blended in South Africa had a positive impact on the local economy.
The production created jobs for local crew members, actors, and support staff. It also generated revenue for local businesses, including hotels, catering companies, and transportation services.
Moreover, the film helped to promote South Africa as a tourist destination. After the film's release, Sun City experienced an increase in bookings, with many visitors eager to experience the resort firsthand.
The movie served as a form of advertisement, showcasing the resort's attractions and the country's stunning scenery to a global audience.
More Than Just a Backdrop
The locations where Blended was filmed aren't merely scenic backdrops. They're integral to the film's overall narrative and thematic concerns.
Sun City's artificial paradise becomes a symbolic representation of the manufactured family dynamic that Adam and Lauren are trying to create.
The occasional glimpses of the "real" Africa, through short snippets of real safaris, serve as a reminder of the authenticity and connection that both characters crave.
The contrast between the resort's manufactured environment and the natural world highlights the tension between artifice and genuine connection, a theme that resonates throughout the film.
Reflecting on the Journey
Ultimately, Blended offers more than just a few laughs; it offers a glimpse into the beauty of South Africa and the luxury of Sun City.
The film’s use of locations emphasizes not only the visual appeal, but also adds a layer of meaning to the story of blended families and the search for genuine connection.
The next time you watch Blended, remember that behind the comedy lies a real place, a vibrant country with a rich culture and stunning landscapes just waiting to be explored.
