Even if you have never been to a country, you might have some idea of what it’s like. You might even be pretty sure you know everything about it. What put that idea in your mind? A book? Documentary? Talking to someone who is actually from there? No. It was “movie magic” or historical inaccuracy.
Until reading this thread on r/AskReddit started by u/MiikuuMcFluffybutt I didn’t realize quite how many of these inaccuracies or straight up stereotypes I’d internalized about different countries from watching movies set in them.
They asked, “What does Hollywood get wrong about your home country?”
Some of the answers were expected, especially the ones about America. Hollywood generally makes movies about what brave, cool badasses we are, and I know that’s not true. We can’t even get everyone to wear a mask during the pandemic and Donald Trump is president. Throw the whole American action film genre away!
But others were a bit of a surprise, I must admit, or at least a funny observation. Read through and make plans for seeing these other countries whenever U.S. citizens aren’t banned from entering them again.
1.
That we in Southeast Asia conveniently provide the fruit carts that people in hot pursuit can knock over because we are strategically in the way. Dudes, there is always plenty of space to play chase without crashing. —eternallyks
2.
That the Amazon Rainforest is just a short car ride away from Rio de Janeiro —luhli
3.
That my world changes to sepia once I enter my country —guardianjuan
4.
We don’t all live in London, or talk like cockneys or royalty —chewbeccah
5.
Everything, it seems that they think Spain is Mexico —GeologistZestyclose
6.
My country is A COUNTRY in Africa —Nima_Waakye
7.
Basically Italy is 90% countryside and the cities in the remaining 10% are roman ruines, old houses inhabited by septuagenarians or Venice —Azathoth90
8.
We all aren’t Rastas smoking weed on the beach —Queen_Lex86
9.
That all us Irish people are alcoholics. I am actually having a beer at the moment but that’s just coincidence. I actually know a guy that doesn’t drink, but he is a bit of a weirdo. Bloody Dave —sugar-soad
10.
No one says, “Oh what a jolly good job mate, splendid show, absolutely spiffing.” It’s more like, “Oh you’re a funny little wanker aren’t you?” —umpalumpamonkey