The film was shot in the USA, primarily in New York, but some scenes, such as the Pennsylvania landscapes, were recreated in studios in California. One of the key locations in the film is the Apollo restaurant at 9th Avenue and 23rd Street in Manhattan, where Johnny (Al Pacino) works as a chef and meets Frankie (Michelle Pfeiffer). Other locations include areas around Broadway and Brooklyn Heights, where scenes related to the characters' daily lives were filmed.

Filming Locations:

Johnny's Apartment

In the Movie

Scene where Frankie tells Johnny about her past relationships, in which she was a victim of betrayal and violence. In response, Johnny lets her know that he has fallen in love with her and wants to help her overcome her fears and distrust. After this conversation, Frankie begins to see Johnny in a new light: she starts to understand that he is not like her past partners and is genuinely interested in being with her.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at a house on 423 West 45th Street and 9th Avenue in Manhattan. This location was chosen for its authenticity and atmosphere: the Hell's Kitchen area, with its historic buildings and lively street life, was ideal for depicting Frankie's everyday life. The building, with its modest and cozy apartments, matched Frankie's image as a simple and lonely woman trying to find her place in life. The location allowed the filmmakers to convey a realistic picture of the heroine's life in New York and highlight the themes of loneliness and the search for happiness that are central to the story.

Sports Court

In the Movie

Scene where Johnny and Frankie play handball. Johnny invites Frankie for a walk and a bite to eat; midway through the walk, they come across a sports court for basketball and handball. Frankie takes a ball from some nearby guys and challenges Johnny to a few games. This and subsequent scenes show the audience the growing closeness of the main characters, highlighting the possibility of a friendly and closer relationship between them.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at a handball and basketball court on 6th Avenue and West 3rd Street in Manhattan. The location is in the Greenwich Village area, known for its cultural diversity and lively atmosphere, which is evident in the film's shots. Greenwich Village is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, with many cafes, restaurants, and shops. It makes sense that the characters chose this area for a short walk during the workday.

Union Square

In the Movie

Scene where Frankie and Johnny eat street food and walk. Johnny invites Frankie for a walk during her lunch break, and they head to the Union Square area. Upon arrival, they buy tuna sandwiches and eat them on the steps of the square. They wander around the square and park, popping into small souvenir shops, and constantly talk about Frankie's failed relationships with other men, discussing whether they would be a good match. This and subsequent scenes illustrate the characters' growing closeness and how they begin to open up and share their innermost thoughts and feelings in an informal setting.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at Union Square in New York City. This is a bustling spot in the heart of Manhattan. Residents and tourists spend time here walking and having lunch breaks. Every week, the famous Greenmarket, a mobile market where fresh produce and flowers can be bought, gathers here. Thanks to the green square, this place can also be called a small recreation area amidst the skyscrapers and hustle. The choice of this location allowed the filmmakers not only to show the characters' daily life in an urban setting and emphasize their growing connection in an informal environment but also added visual recognizability to the film.

Port Authority Bus Terminal

In the Movie

Scene where hints at travel plans, arrivals or departures, using the atmosphere of a recognizable Midtown transportation hub to add urgency and emotional weight to decisions.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the main intercity bus terminal in Midtown Manhattan, known for constant arrivals, departures, and crowded sidewalks along Eighth Avenue. The location naturally conveys themes of travel, transitions, and anxious waiting in a real-world setting.

Brooklyn Heights Promenade (Park Way)

In the Movie

Scene where provides quiet moments for walks and conversations with open views, creating a natural pause from the restaurant and apartment scenes while keeping the story firmly rooted in New York.

In Reality

The scene was filmed on the waterfront pedestrian walkway above the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway with wide views of Lower Manhattan and the harbor. Benches and railings provide a convenient quiet spot for dialogues away from the Midtown crowds.

Union Square (East 14th Street and Broadway)

In the Movie

Scene where uses the crowd and open views of the square, placing the characters in a common urban environment and showing how personal conversations unfold against the backdrop of the metropolis's continuous activity.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at a well-known Manhattan square with open space, subway access, and constant traffic. The intersection of Broadway and 14th Street quickly establishes the location and is suitable for scenes with the energy of a bustling city.