Rome, Eternal City

Before traveling to Rome, lots of people get in the mood by watching movies: La Dolce Vita, Roman Holiday, Ocean's Twelve (?🙈).

One movie that often goes overlooked - but shouldn't! - is a much more modern take than decades-old classics. Paolo Sorrentino's La Grande Bellezza depicts the city at its most sacred and profane, following a disillusioned writer through the extravagant, hollow world of 21st century Roman high society.

At its heart, La Grande Bellezza is a film about the overwhelming power that Rome seems to have over people, whether you were born there or (like most of us) not. Whether you're dreaming of a first visit or a tenth, give it a watch: whenever you do get there next, you'll find yourself navigating the ancient streets with a completely different perspective.