Cinematic Journeys: 10 Biographical Films About Circumnavigating the Globe

Description: Before he became Che Guevara, the revolutionary, he was a young medical student who embarked on a motorcycle journey across South America. This film captures his transformation and the awakening of his social consciousness.

Fact: The film was shot in several South American countries, retracing the actual route taken by Guevara and his friend Alberto Granado.

Description: This film adaptation of Jules Verne's classic novel follows Phileas Fogg, who takes on a bet to travel around the world in 80 days. It's a whimsical journey filled with adventure, humor, and a touch of romance, making it a delightful watch for those interested in global exploration.

Fact: The film was shot in 13 countries, showcasing a wide array of landscapes and cultures. Jackie Chan, who plays Passepartout, also served as the film's action director.

Description: While not a circumnavigation, this documentary tells the harrowing tale of two climbers' near-fatal expedition in the Peruvian Andes, showcasing the extreme lengths humans will go to survive and return home.

Fact: The film uses dramatic reenactments alongside interviews with the climbers, providing an intense viewing experience.

Description: Based on the memoir "The Long Walk," this film follows a group of prisoners escaping from a Siberian gulag, trekking through harsh landscapes to reach freedom. It's a story of survival, hope, and the human spirit's resilience.

Fact: The film was shot in Bulgaria, Morocco, and India to capture the diverse terrains of the escape route.

Description: Inspired by the true story that inspired "Moby-Dick," this film recounts the Essex's encounter with a giant whale, leading to a desperate struggle for survival in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

Fact: The film was shot in the Canary Islands and on water tanks in Malta to simulate the vastness of the ocean.

Description: Based on Thor Heyerdahl's real-life expedition, this film recounts his daring 1947 voyage across the Pacific Ocean on a balsa wood raft to prove that ancient South Americans could have settled Polynesia. It's a tale of human endurance and the quest for knowledge.

Fact: The film was nominated for the Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards. The actual raft used in the film was built using traditional methods and materials.

Description: This Chinese film follows a group of adventurers on a quest to find a lost city in South America, blending elements of action, romance, and historical adventure.

Fact: The film features stunning visuals of various South American landscapes, showcasing the diversity of the continent.

Description: This documentary chronicles Sir Ernest Shackleton's 1914 expedition to Antarctica, where his ship, the Endurance, was trapped by ice, leading to an epic survival story. It's a testament to human resilience and leadership under extreme conditions.

Fact: The film includes original footage from the expedition, providing a rare glimpse into the early 20th-century exploration.

Description: This film explores the life of British explorer Percy Fawcett, who ventured into the Amazon in search of an ancient lost city. It's a tale of obsession, adventure, and the mysteries of the jungle.

Fact: The film was shot in Colombia, which provided the lush, dense jungle setting for Fawcett's expeditions.

Description: This lesser-known gem follows a group of adventurers who set sail on a schooner to explore the South Pacific. It's a blend of adventure, romance, and the beauty of island life, capturing the essence of a true sea journey.

Fact: The film was shot on location in the South Pacific, with many scenes filmed in real-time as the crew lived aboard the ship.