- “The Bounty” (1984) – This historical drama film starring Mel Gibson and Anthony Hopkins is set in the landscapes of French Polynesia. The movie tells the story of the infamous mutiny on the HMS Bounty in 1789.
- “The Blue Lagoon” (1980) – Although not entirely set in French Polynesia, parts of this romantic adventure film were shot in Bora Bora. The scenery and crystal-clear waters of the islands serve as an enchanting backdrop for the story of two young castaways.
- “The Other Side of Heaven” (2001): Based on a true story, this film depicts the trials and triumphs of a young Mormon missionary in the 1950s who is assigned to the remote islands of French Polynesia.
- “Taboo” (2002): Directed by Nagisa Oshima, this French-Japanese drama delves into the relationships between French colonisers and Tahitian natives during the 19th century, examining the dynamics of power and desire in a colonial setting.
- “Rapa Nui” (1994): While primarily set on Easter Island, a remote island in the Pacific, this adventure film takes viewers on a journey through various South Pacific islands, including French Polynesia, capturing their beauty.
- “Typee: A Peep at Polynesian Life” by Herman Melville: Published in 1846, this semi-autobiographical novel follows a young sailor who jumps ship and finds himself immersed in the Polynesian culture of French Polynesia. It offers a firsthand account of the local customs, people, and landscapes.
- “The descendants” by Kaui Hart Hemmings: This 2007 novel tells the story of the King family in Hawaii, including their ties to the legacy of Hawaiian royalty and their connection to French Polynesia. It explores themes of identity, family, and cultural heritage.
- “Memory of Fire” by Eduardo Galeano: Although not exclusively set in French Polynesia, this trilogy of books (Memory of Fire: Genesis, Faces and Masks, Century of the Wind) by Uruguayan author Eduardo Galeano delves into the history, myths, and cultural richness of the entire continent, including French Polynesia.
- “Trouble in Tahiti” by Nancy Mitford: This comedic novel, published in 1948, tells the story of an English couple who move to French Polynesia and encounter various amusing and eccentric characters along the way. It offers a lighthearted perspective on life in Tahiti.
- “The Savage Detectives” by Roberto Bolańo: Although primarily set in Mexico, this epic novel by Chilean author Roberto Bolańo includes a section set in French Polynesia. It follows a group of poets and their adventures as they travel across continents, showcasing French Polynesia as a significant backdrop.
WANDERLIST: French Polynesia in books and on film
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