Filmed in Budapest: the Rookies

Budapest, Hungary, has quickly accumulated the reputation as the go-to place for top-quality film production in Europe. The list of big-budget movies shot here includes Blade Runner 2049, Red Sparrow, Gemini Man, Black Widow, and so many more. The latest to join this list is the Milla Jovovitch-starring espionage film, the Rookies. What makes this film special, is that it didn’t originate in Hollywood, but in China.

Written and Directed by Alan Yuen (Firestorm), filming took place in both China and Hungary, and co-stars popular Taiwanese actor Wang Talu. Film site Rotten Tomatoes, which found the film not the freshest piece of produce, summarises the plot like this: An extreme sports athlete joins a mysterious special agent and her ragtag team of recruits to battle a group of deadly terrorists. A film that mixes spy elements with the daredevilry of extreme sport parkour, is a natural fit for Budapest, with its diverse settings and architecture.

While critics took the film to task over plotting and dialogue, there was almost universal praise for the use of Budapest as a setting. This from Daily Variety: “Technical aspects are clean and crisp, with some snazzy animations giving the film a much-needed boost. Hungary’s tourism authorities are sure to be delighted by ravishing photography of Budapest’s most beautiful sights.”

It helps that Budapest, in this case, is not being used as a stand-in for another city, but is the actual location it depicts, as a wealthy Hungarian who has somehow acquired the Holy Grail plays into the script. With elements of Mission Impossible and The Di Vinci Code, some critics wondered if the film bit off more than it could chew. Other critics have made a lot — good and bad — of the travelogue-like feeling to some sequences, that seem to be showcasing the city as much as the characters. Those who found the film itself lacking, gave high praise to the scenery.

While the Rookies didn’t exactly go pro at the box office, it did hi-light the growing interest from Asian countries like China in exploring Budapest as a filming location. Of course South Korean forays into Hungary have already been noted on this blog. It’s a trend we only hope will continue.

Flatpack Films has many years of experience dedicated to offering expert servicing. It has brought the best of Hungary to countless brands, agencies, and production companies through its unique locations, exceptionally skilled crews, top of the line equipment and technical solutions. Backed by an impeccable track record, Flatpack Films has worked with world-class clients including Samsung, Samsonite, Toyota, Braun, Chivas Regal and many more - bringing their projects to life through a highly bespoke approach.