Where was Uncommon Valor Filmed?
Released in 1983, Uncommon Valor is a war drama film directed by Ted Kotcheff and starring Gene Hackman, Patrick Swayze, and Robert Stack. The movie tells the story of a group of Vietnam War veterans who band together to rescue their sons, who were kidnapped by a terrorist organization in Beirut, Lebanon. The film’s action-packed scenes and gripping storyline have made it a classic in the war movie genre. But where was this movie filmed?
Location Scouting
The filmmakers spent several months scouting locations to find the perfect settings for the movie. They wanted to create a realistic and gritty atmosphere that would immerse the audience in the world of the story. After considering several options, they decided to film in Marrakech, Morocco, and Rabat, Morocco.
Marrakech, Morocco
Marrakech, known for its vibrant souks and stunning architecture, served as the primary location for the movie. The city’s ancient medina, with its narrow alleys and bustling markets, provided the perfect backdrop for the scenes where the characters navigate the streets of Beirut. The city’s grand architecture, including the Bahia Palace and the Koutoubia Mosque, were also used as filming locations.
Rabat, Morocco
Rabat, the capital city of Morocco, was used as a secondary location for the movie. The city’s historic Kasbah, with its ancient walls and towers, was used to depict the terrorist organization’s hideout. The city’s bustling streets and markets were also used to film scenes where the characters interact with the local population.
Other Locations
In addition to Marrakech and Rabat, the filmmakers also used other locations in Morocco to capture the essence of Beirut. Essaouira, a coastal city in Morocco, was used to film scenes where the characters arrive in Beirut by boat. Chefchaouen, a small town in northern Morocco, was used to film scenes where the characters take refuge in a local house.
Filming Challenges
Filming in Morocco presented several challenges for the crew. The scorching desert heat and sandstorms made it difficult to capture smooth footage, and the narrow streets and alleys of the medina made it challenging to move equipment and crew members. Despite these challenges, the crew worked tirelessly to capture the essence of the story, and their efforts paid off in the end.
Table: Filming Locations
| Location | Description |
|---|---|
| Marrakech, Morocco | Primary location, used for scenes in the medina and city streets |
| Rabat, Morocco | Secondary location, used for scenes in the Kasbah and city streets |
| Essaouira, Morocco | Used for scenes where characters arrive in Beirut by boat |
| Chefchaouen, Morocco | Used for scenes where characters take refuge in a local house |
FAQs
Q: What was the budget for Uncommon Valor?
A: The budget for Uncommon Valor was approximately $14 million.
Q: How long did it take to film Uncommon Valor?
A: Filming for Uncommon Valor took approximately 6 months.
Q: What was the box office performance of Uncommon Valor?
A: Uncommon Valor grossed approximately $17 million at the domestic box office.
Q: Who composed the score for Uncommon Valor?
A: The score for Uncommon Valor was composed by Carter Burwell.
Q: What was the significance of the title "Uncommon Valor"?
A: The title "Uncommon Valor" refers to the bravery and selflessness displayed by the characters in the movie.
Q: Were any of the actors injured during filming?
A: Yes, Patrick Swayze was injured during filming when he fell off a building.
Q: What was the reception of Uncommon Valor?
A: Uncommon Valor received mixed reviews from critics, but it has since become a cult classic.
Q: Is Uncommon Valor available to stream?
A: Yes, Uncommon Valor is available to stream on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video and YouTube.
In conclusion, the filming locations for Uncommon Valor were primarily in Marrakech and Rabat, Morocco. The city’s unique architecture and bustling streets provided the perfect backdrop for the movie’s action-packed scenes. Despite the challenges faced by the crew, the movie’s success can be attributed to the dedication and hard work of the cast and crew.