Filming the scenes where Lara drives her Land Rover through the jungle there had to be endless re-shoots due to snakes and other wildlife falling through the open top roof. Angelina Jolie herself was reported to be terrified.
When Lara starts smashing the clock with a hammer, Hillary (the butler) uses a silver tray to protect his face. This is a reference to the games, in which, while exploring Croft Manor, the player can shoot at the butler, who then also uses the tray he's carrying around to protect himself.
Angelina Jolie agreed to do the first film because of all the locations she would get to visit. She fell in love with Cambodia, leading her to move there and help with a minefield cleanup. It was also where she met and eventually adopted her first son, Maddox.
Towards the end of the film when Lara finds a bunch of wolves, she says "A-ha!" This was a link to the original games where Lara would use this phrase whenever she picked up an item.
Angelina Jolie was extremely hesitant towards wearing Lara's famous short shorts that she wears in the games, and the opening fight scene with Simon. However, she eventually agreed, because she knew it would make the fans of the character happy.