Directed by Michael Mann, ‘Blackhat’ is a thriller about a major cyber hack at a major facility in Chicago and Hong Kong. As a result, convicted hacker Nick is called in to help with the investigation. The decision to release him is made by Chinese team leader Chen Dawai after the FBI partners with China to solve the case. Starring Chris Hemsworth in the lead, the film features superb action sequences accented by dramatic locations that seem too exquisite to be filmed solely in the country. If you are curious about his filming locations, we are here for you!
Blackhat Filming Locations
“Blackhat” was widely filmed in multiple locations in California, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Indonesia. The production team visited exotic locations in the aforementioned locations to make the film more distinctive and memorable. Tentatively titled “Cyber”, filming began on May 17, 2013, and wrapped after a few months. Let’s go into more details!
Los Angeles, California
The film was shot in Los Angeles, which is one of the top tourist spots in the world for its beauty and glamour. A few outdoor scenes took place on popular streets in the city. The team rolled their cameras to the intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and Alexander Avenue. In addition to this, 515 South Flower Street also served as a filming location.
Another notable location is 6 Street & Catalina Street which appears in the film. The JW Marriott Los Angeles LA LIVE located at 900 West Olympic Boulevard also appears in the film. It is a 4-star hotel full of luxury and extravagance embellished by the LA LIVE area, which is a collection of stadiums, open-air plazas and theaters.
Jakarta, Indonesia
The film was also shot in Indonesia, a country known for its culture and beliefs. The Indonesian archipelago is a storehouse of coveted treasures associated with its culture, landscapes and cities. Tourists love the prospect of adventure the region offers. It has nearly 13,500 islands that are home to ancient temples, active volcanoes, and scuba diving.
Several scenes of the film were shot in Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, which is usually very lively, unlike the villages of Tana Toraja or the serenity of Bali. At one point, the Balinese Nyepi Day Parade was recreated in Banteng Square. Also known as Lapangan Banteng, the square is locked in the pages of history as an important area which was previously called Weltevreden. The West Irian Liberation Monument, located in the square, is also one of the filming locations. It is essentially a post-war modernist monument that stands in the center of the square.
Hong Kong, China
Much of the film revolves around the Chinese government, and a few scenes in the film were actually shot in China. The team set up production in Hong Kong, where Tsuen Wan’s Drain Tunnel appears in the chase sequence starring Elias Kassar. Woo Sung Street in Kowloon is where filming took place overnight. The bank scenes were shot at Hang Seng Bank, located in Quarry Bay. Ningpo Street also served as the backdrop for a few scenes.
Malaysia
Photos taken in Malaysia beautifully capture the country’s coastal scenery and multiculturalism. Locations that feature in the film include Kuala Lumpur, Perak and Selangor. Kuala Lumpur is famous worldwide for its significant structures, including the Petronas Twin Towers, the Petaling Street Flea Market and the ancient Batu Caves.
Klang is a royal city that is located in the eponymous district of Selangor and is one of the most historically significant places in the country. Perak is located in the northwest region and is known for its diverse culture. In Perak, the production team shot several scenes in the city of Ipoh and on the resort island of Pulau Pangkor in the Manjung district.
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