Some of you may not know this, but before I started this App State site I had a movie review site. I thought it might be fun to occasionally take a look at movies that were shot in the high country.

To start it off, this is 2008′s “Goodbye Solo”. The trailer doesn’t do it justice, it’s an uncomfortable, but worthwhile look at two unlikely friends; a Senegalese cab driver and an old Southern man filled with regret. Currently it’s sitting at a 95% on Rotten Tomatoes. I can’t say it’s a great date movie, but if you’re in the mood for something like this, you won’t soon forget it.

The movie is primarily shot in Winston-Salem and Blowing Rock. Among other things you’ll see the actual Blowing Rock and the Linville Viaduct. The fact that you’ve actually been to these places adds an interesting element to the movie.

Director Ramin Bahrani was born in Winston-Salem and is highly acclaimed. This particular movie was an official selection at the Venice Film Festival and the Toronto Film Festival. It even won the FIPRESCI International Critics Prize at Venice.

So if you’re into artsy films about serious subjects, and you wouldn’t mind seeing some of the high country on film, check out “Goodbye Solo”.