John Woo

The 1991 John Woo film “Once a Thief” was shot in France and Hong Kong. Several Paris landmarks are seen during an opening montage, including Saint-Louis-des-Invalides Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower.

LOCATION: Eiffel Tower, Champ de Mars, 5 Av. Anatole France, 75007 Paris, France

The opening title is shown over the Institut de France, where the opening scenes also take place. An artist draws an image of Jim, played by Leslie Cheung, as he watches a painting being transported.

LOCATION: Institut de France, 23 Quai de Conti, 75006 Paris, France

Joe, played by Chow Yun-Fat, meets with Cheri, played by Cherie Chung, next to the Notre-Dame, which is also seen during the opening establishing shots of Paris. The famed cathedral has appeared in countless films, such as “Amélie,” “Midnight in Paris,” “The Man in the Iron Mask,” “National Lampoon’s European Vacation,” “Charade” and many more.

LOCATION: Cathédrale Notre Dame, 6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris, France

The Arc de Triomphe is briefly seen as the whereabouts of the painting are discussed near the end of the film.

LOCATION: Arc de Triomphe, Pl. Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris, France

Related articles: Face/Off (1997)

John Travolta plays FBI Agent Sean Archer in John Woo’s 1997 action film “Face/Off.” Archer lives with his family at this Pacific Palisades home, right near the ocean. Later in the film, Nicolas Cage’s villainous character, Castor Troy, bearing the face of Sean Archer, comes to his home and begins role-playing as husband and father. The home was destroyed by wildfires in 2025.

LOCATION: 326 N Swarthmore Ave, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272

The hospital where Eve Archer, played by Joan Allen, works can be found in Baldwin Park. This entrance sits closest to Dalewood Street. A different area of the same facility was seen in the movie “Starship Troopers.”

LOCATION: 1011 Baldwin Park Blvd, Baldwin Park, CA 91706 (near Dalewood St)

Caster Troy and his brother plant an explosive at the Los Angeles Convention Center. This particular section is near the intersection of S Figueroa St and W Pico Blvd. The same building was seen in the film “Demolition Man.”

LOCATION: 1201 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015 (near the intersection of S Figueroa St / W Pico Blvd)

Near the climax of the film, Victor Lazarro’s funeral takes place at the Cabrillo Beach Bath House in San Pedro. The Adam Sandler comedy “50 First Dates” also notably shot at the same location.

LOCATION: 3800 Stephen M White Dr, San Pedro, CA 90731

Archer’s daughter is dropped off outside at the entrance to the building.

Inside, an epic John Woo gunfight takes place, featuring his signature use of doves and slow motion. Thankfully, the staff is quite friendly and welcoming and allows visitors inside. Here are some areas where the shootout takes place.