When people search for the cast of Bora Bora, they’re usually looking for one of two very different things. You might be hunting for the actors in that steamy, cult-classic Italian drama from 1968, or you’re thinking of the 2011 Danish musical. Sometimes, honestly, people just want to know who was in Couples Retreat because that movie basically turned the island into a permanent Hollywood billboard.
Let's get the record straight. The 1968 film Bora Bora is a bit of a time capsule. It was directed by Ugo Liberatore and was part of that "exotic" wave of cinema where the location was just as much of a character as the humans. The story follows a man named Roberto who tracks his runaway wife, Marita, to the islands, only to find she’s "gone native," as the old-school reviews put it. It’s messy, beautifully shot, and very much a product of its era.
The Original 1968 Cast of Bora Bora: The Key Players
The 1968 film relied on a small, tight-knit group of actors to carry a pretty heavy, emotionally charged plot. Here’s who they were:
- Haydée Politoff (Marita): She was the heart of the film. Politoff was a French actress who became a bit of an icon in the 60s and 70s. In the film, she plays the wife who abandons her European life for the freedom of French Polynesia. Her performance is what most people remember—it’s ethereal and a bit detached.
- Corrado Pani (Roberto): Pani plays the husband. He was a powerhouse in Italian cinema and theater. In Bora Bora, he’s the one providing the tension, representing the "civilized" world clashing with the island’s way of life.
- Antoine Coco Puputauki (Mani): He played the man Marita falls for on the island. Puputauki brought a lot of authenticity to the role, and his chemistry with Politoff was the central "scandal" of the narrative.
- Doris Kunstmann (Susanne): You’ll recognize her if you’re a fan of German cinema. She plays a supporting role that adds another layer of complexity to the marital drama unfolding on the beach.
- Rosine Copie (Tehina): Another key supporting performance that rounded out the local perspective within the film’s somewhat narrow lens.
The movie was actually a massive hit in Italy and even did surprisingly well in the U.S. when it was released by American International Pictures. People were obsessed with the visuals. It wasn't just a movie; it was travel porn before that was a thing.
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The 2011 Danish Version: A Different Vibe Entirely
Fast forward a few decades, and we get another Bora Bora. But don’t go looking for the same plot. This one is a Danish coming-of-age musical directed by Hans Fabian Wullenweber. It’s about a 15-year-old girl named Mia who is a fast runner and gets mixed up with a group of urban pickpockets.
The cast of Bora Bora (2011) includes:
- Sarah-Sofie Boussnina as Mia: She’s the lead and is absolutely fantastic. You might know her from The Bridge or Knightfall.
- Janus Dissing Rathke as Zack: The "cool kid" who draws Mia into his world.
- Johan Philip Asbæk (Jim): Yes, that’s Euron Greyjoy from Game of Thrones! He has a smaller role here, but it’s fun to see him in something so different.
This version is more about teenage rebellion and finding your feet than tropical romance. If you’re watching this expecting palm trees and lagoons, you’re going to be very confused by the streets of Denmark.
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Why People Get Confused: The Couples Retreat Factor
If you landed here because you saw Vince Vaughn and Kristen Bell running around a blue lagoon, you're actually thinking of Couples Retreat (2009). While it’s not called Bora Bora, it is the movie that defined the island for the modern generation. It was filmed almost entirely at the St. Regis Bora Bora Resort.
The cast there was a literal A-list roster: Vince Vaughn, Jon Favreau, Jason Bateman, Kristen Bell, Malin Åkerman, and Jean Reno as the eccentric therapist.
What You Should Know Before Watching
If you’re diving into the 1968 film today, just a heads-up: it’s dated. It falls into some of the tropes you’d expect from a 60s film set in the South Pacific. However, if you appreciate cinematography, the way Leonida Barboni shot the lagoon is still breathtaking. It looks better than most modern films shot on 8K digital cameras because the film grain and the natural light are just... chef's kiss.
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The 2011 film is much more "indie" and gritty, despite being a musical. It’s worth a watch if you like European coming-of-age stories, but it’s definitely not a "beach movie."
How to Find These Films Today
Finding the original 1968 cast of Bora Bora in action can be a bit of a treasure hunt. It pops up on boutique streaming services like MUBI or occasionally on YouTube in various states of restoration. The 2011 Danish version is usually easier to find on European streaming platforms or through digital rental.
Your Next Steps:
Check your streaming library for the 2011 version if you want a modern drama, or hit up specialized "cult cinema" sites if you're looking for the 1968 original. If you just want the scenery, honestly, re-watching the 4K trailers for Couples Retreat is the fastest way to see the island in its best light.