Directed by Jon M. Chu and starring Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco, Daniel Radcliffe, Lizzy Caplan, Jay Chou, Morgan Freeman and more, the sequel to the inventive 2013 film Now You See Me – Now You See Me 2 – dropped in Malaysian cinemas last week.
Unlike the first film, the sequel somehow doesn’t leave as good of an impact. Having said that, something else drew our attention. As we watched the returning magicians and new cast wow us with new tricks up their sleeves, it was evident to us that roughly 30 minutes of its plot was set in Macao.
This wouldn’t be as significant to you if you’ve yet to visit, but we recently travelled to Macao and many snippets of the film indeed rang a bell. Ultimately dubbed as the Vegas of the East, Macao is a tiny Peninsula that is a part of mainland China, and beneath the glitz and glamour of lavish casinos alongside dazzling neon lights, it is an exuberantly charming city rich in blended cultures – Chinese and Portuguese – that really is unparalleled.
Here are six interesting locations in Macao we’ve picked up from watching Now You See Me 2:
Sands Macao Hotel – You probably would recall the bright neon signs, the busy casino with the lion dance and Walter Mabry’s (Daniel Radcliffe) lavish suite that comes complete with a sweeping view of the Macao skyline from the movie.
Those scenes were shot at Sands Macao Hotel – a luxury all-suite casino hotel that overlooks Macao’s Fisherman’s Wharf and boasts opulence with high-end suites fit for a king, marble-clad bathrooms and extravagant amenities. The casino is one of the hotel’s main attractions, and if gambling is a no-go, you can always experience one of the hotel’s many exciting live entertainment options.
Macao Science Center – The predominant heist of the movie in which the Horsemen ostentatiously showcased their card-tossing wizardry was shot around and within the architectural masterpiece that is the Macao Science Center.
Designed by world-renowned architect Ieoh Ming Pei, the Macao Science Center serves as a regional platform for science education, convention and exhibition with its 20,000 square metre space consisting of a 14-gallery Exhibition Center, Guinness World Record winning Planetarium and Convention Center.
During our visit, we explored the history of dinosaurs and archeology at the Living Dinosaurs exhibition that’s ongoing until September, and witnessed the 32-metre high giant floating rubber duck which made an appearance on the harbour on its world tour that began in 2007.
The Venetian – The Great Hall and iconic curved escalators of The Venetian were also featured in the film with majestic grandeur. How could one overlook the beautiful architecture and hand-painted ceilings that are inspired by the Venetian renaissance?!
Located on the Cotai Strip, the Vegas-styled The Venetian is undoubtedly one of the most notable luxury casino hotels in Macao that’s swanked by Italian-styled suites with sunken living room areas and marble bathrooms, a world-class shopping mall, four outdoor pools, gondola rides, sensational entertainment and an extensive variety of dining options. Even if you’re pressed for time, we’d highly, highly recommend making a stop here. It is an experience you shouldn’t skimp on.
Rua da Felicidade – Parts of the film were shot at Rua da Felicidade – a popular alley in Macao dubbed as the street of happiness. What used to be an emblematic brothel district has become an invaluable historic site. You’ll find Chinese-style buildings that date back to the colonial era with red shutters and doors, mingled with European influences that are prominent in the architecture and patterns.
Aside from enjoying fantastic Chinese cuisine and shopping for souvenirs as well as local delicacies, it is a must-visit as the alley presents a quintessential substance of rich Chinese culture you possibly wouldn’t find anywhere else. Rua da Felicidade has plenty to offer and it is a sight to behold.
Other similar old streets that are featured in Now You See Me 2 include Rua dos Mercadores and Rua das Estalagens.
Sao Domingos Municipal Market – Another prime spot featured in the film is Sao Domingos Municipal Market that is located just behind the historic Senado Square. It is often overlooked as there are other much more outstanding buildings in its vicinity, but it really is worth checking out.
Besides the stalls selling clothing, accessories, souvenirs, household bits and bobs outside, the municipal market itself, which offers fresh meat, vegetables and fruits, is also a food haven for the locals. The top floor has just about any Macanese food and delicacy at your disposal, so be sure to sample as many as you can while you’re there.
Iong’s Magic Shop – Yeap, the wondrous magic shop filled with enchanted little knick knacks owned by Bu Bu (Tsai Chin) and Li (Jay Chou) in the movie isn’t merely fiction! It exists.
This professional magic shop has been operating for over thirty years and has gained recognition as one of the most renowned companies in the field. Most of the equipment and accessories used for magic shows across Asia are distributed by Iong’s Magic Shop. It’d be fascinating to explore the store, and perhaps it’d interest you in mastering a magic trick or two.
This article is written following our recent visit to Macao. Don’t forget to access the Macao Government Tourist Office website before you plan your travel itinerary to explore this exciting city!
