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Find out more about Shiwani: Shiwani Srivastava is a freelance writer and a general wanderer (and wonderer) of the world. She lived in New York City for six years before moving to Seattle in 2005 to attend graduate school at the University of Washington. She currently lives in Seattle, but remains a Jersey girl at heart. |
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So, you're thinking of moving to Seattle. Well, congratulations are in order. If you decide to take the plunge, you won't be sorry (as long as you buy a good raincoat). Still not sure what to expect? Here's some background material - movies about/set in Seattle that'll give you a sense of the history, culture, and lay of the land.
1.) Singles - The early '90s were legendary in Seattle. Cameron Crowe captures an era in his romantic comedy with a Seattle-centric soundtrack (Pearl Jam and Soundgarden make cameos) and vignettes of everyday life in the city.
2.) Harry and the Hendersons - While heading back to home to Seattle after a camping trip, a family runs into a friendly, furry creature (none other than Bigfoot) hanging out in the woods. The family decides to bring him back home, and Sasquatch runs amok in Seattle. Hilarity ensues.
3.) Battle in Seattle - This film is a portrayal of WTO protests that captured the world's attention in 1999. Featuring Charlize Theron and Woody Harrelson, the film got mixed reviews but is a raw look at the protests-turned-riots that put the city in a State of Emergency and brought in the National Guard.
4.) Sleepless in Seattle - I have to include this on my list, I have no choice. I don't know what it was about the early '90s, but people were enamored with Seattle. This one's a personal nostalgic fave becuase it's set in my two homes - Seattle and New York (little did I know in '93 that I'd end up living in Seattle...)
5.) Kurt Cobain About a Son - This documentary features real audio of an interview with Kurt Cobain, along with music from Seattle artists like Ben Gibbard of Death Cab and Mudhoney. Even if you're not into Nirvana, the audio is set over some pretty amazing cinematography of the Seattle area.
These are just a few in a fairly long list of movies that have been set in and around Seattle. Some other favorites include Outsourced, 10 Things I Hate About You, and Snow Falling on Cedars. That's enough to keep you busy for your entire first rainy winter in Seattle. Happy viewing!