Mystical Films About Sacred Cities

Description: This adventure film follows Indiana Jones in his quest for the Holy Grail, leading him to sacred cities and ancient ruins. Its inclusion highlights the allure of sacred artifacts and the cities that house them.

Fact: The film features a real-life location, Petra in Jordan, as one of the settings for the Grail's resting place.

Description: While not directly about a sacred city, the film's plot revolves around a mysterious artifact from a South American expedition, linking it to ancient, sacred places.

Fact: The film was based on a novel by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, and it features a creature inspired by South American mythology.

Description: Although more of an action-adventure, this film touches on the mysticism of ancient Egyptian cities like Hamunaptra, the City of the Dead, making it relevant to our theme.

Fact: The film's set for Hamunaptra was one of the largest ever built for a movie, covering 26 acres.

Description: Directed by Roman Polanski, this film follows a rare book dealer on a quest involving a book that can summon the Devil, leading him through various sacred and mysterious locations in Europe.

Fact: The film's ending was changed from the book to provide a more ambiguous and mystical conclusion.

Description: This film explores the phenomenon of stigmata, which is often linked to sacred places and religious mysticism, set in modern-day Pittsburgh but with connections to ancient sacred cities.

Fact: The film was controversial for its depiction of the Catholic Church and its handling of religious themes.

Description: While not exclusively about a sacred city, this film delves into the mysteries surrounding the Holy Grail, which is often associated with sacred places like Jerusalem. It's included for its exploration of religious symbolism and secret societies.

Fact: The film was shot in various locations including Paris, London, and Rome, to authentically depict the settings described in Dan Brown's novel.

Description: Darren Aronofsky's "The Fountain" intertwines three stories across different time periods, all connected by the Tree of Life, a sacred symbol in various cultures. The film's mystical narrative and visual splendor make it a perfect fit for this collection.

Fact: The film was initially conceived as a much larger project but was scaled back due to budget constraints, yet it still delivers a visually stunning experience.

Description: This animated film tells the story of the creation of the Book of Kells, set in the sacred city of Kells, Ireland. Its mystical narrative and stunning visuals make it a unique addition to this list.

Fact: The film uses a style inspired by the actual illuminations found in the Book of Kells.

Description: This film explores the legend of El Dorado, the mythical city of gold, through the eyes of a modern-day explorer. It's a blend of adventure, history, and mysticism, showcasing the allure of sacred cities.

Fact: The film was shot in various locations in South America to capture the essence of the Amazon rainforest, where the legend of El Dorado originated.

Description: Directed by Alejandro Jodorowsky, this surreal film follows a thief who joins a group of alchemists on a quest to ascend the Holy Mountain, a sacred place of enlightenment. Its inclusion in this list is due to its exploration of spiritual and mystical themes.

Fact: The film was banned in several countries for its controversial content, but it has since gained a cult following for its unique visual style and philosophical depth.