Diagonaldi Very well executed

Hottoceame The Age of Commercialism

BootDigest Such a frustrating disappointment

Humbersi The first must-see film of the year.

eric262003 "Return to Paradise" was a 1998 film that was sadly over-turned that it quickly became a forgotten gem, which was quite sad because it was different from the easy-going junk that's been tossed down from us over the recent years. The story was packed with punch and the acting was equally subliminal. The low box office sales for this movie should not come as quite a shocker because it's one of those sporadic movies that refrain from walking out of the theatre lightly and it is a far cry from influx of escapist movies that Hollywood is noted for.Film, much like art represents the way of life, therefore, films based on more serious content should be out more in the open, even more for those who could handle, heavy complex subject matters with dignity and consideration. Three friends (Vince Vaughn, David Conrad and Joaquin Phoenix)take a sabbatical to Malaysia (which contains boozing, drinking and philandering), two return home to New York, while one is left behind as he faces jail time for drug possession the triad used. Not only that, the incarcerated friend is being sentenced to death for his misdemeanor. Feeling that his life is on the line, there is one loophole that could overturn his death penalty. His other three friends must return to Malaysia and serve their prison time for the crime they are personally responsible for. An attorney (played by Anna Heche)persuades the two friends to get them to return and serve their time, even though that's no easy task as neither want to spend years in jail or let alone let his poor friend get hanged.Quite a very touchy subject! But what makes this movie very effective is the execution in how the film was handled. The direction, the performances, the script and the editing was nurtured in a careful and provocative fashion. But the real standout to this recommended film is the moral dilemma that each character is up against succeeds in keeping it real and yet the situation each one faces will not make you envious of them (and that is a good thing too. Who wants to go through what they are up against?)It succeeds in keeping it firm and concrete and never tries to take the easy way out. At the same time it doesn't overwhelm its viewers with becoming preachy or moralistic. The scruples are already there for you and though this movie is a heavy hitter, the viewers feel the metaphoric concrete weight as much as the characters depicted here.Another standout trait "Return to Paradise" offers is that it focuses on are the numerous culture clashing while avoiding any signs of showing and anachronistic traits (like in "Midnight Express" or "The Deer Hunter" among others). It actually succeeds in balancing the story by remaining judicious in every way possible. Sure we have faced many troubled situations where you are caught in an inescapable trap and you cannot get out of it, the film is not very plot oriented, but more leaning towards a debate faced solely on ethics.The acting is very provocative as each character yearns for our sympathy. Joaquin Phoenix shines very nicely as the misfortunate victim who has the most weight placed on him who is also fading out from the exhaustion that was inflicted on him. Anne Heche is wonderful as the attorney who knows her situation is dire and makes the most of time trying to cope with the complicated situation she's facing in this case. The real scene stealer is Vince Vaughn as "Sheriff" and his change from a careless person to a more responsible person is all very real. The characters are all very real people.By the end of the movie, the humanity materializes before our very eyes as Sheriff goes through great lengths by helping out his fallen buddy Lewis (Phoenix), which would expunge all of his other past mistakes and by his helping out his buddy, we see the moral strength Sheriff has deep inside of him."Return to Paradise" stands the test of time as a brilliant movie in all of its hardships and complexities. As a suggestion if you should see another movie, make it lighter movie so that you won't get sadder through every movie you see.

csmith-31 This was a fairly good movie, exploring a moral choice: would you give up your own comfort to share in the punishment for something you did years earlier, or would you just let a friend take the rap? Unfortunately, however, the movie paints an erroneous picture of Malaysia. The film opens with the friends taking in Malaysia's "cheap drink, loose women and easy access to drugs." Nothing could be further from the truth. Alcohol is extremely expensive in Malaysia, the women are very conservative and buying drugs would be impossible.As a predominately Muslim country, alcohol, sex and drugs are taboo. Malaysians do like to have fun, but without getting too wild - - similar to conservative Christian denominations in the U.S. In fact, the government of Malaysia would not allow the studio to film in the country, because of the morally corrupt image that the story puts forth. Instead, it was filmed in Thailand, as can be seen from the Thai store signs, non-Malaysian cars and the fact that Anne Heche's taxi cab is always driving on the wrong side of the street.Enjoy the story, but do not get the idea that Malaysia is a free-love, drug-happy society. As the judge says, during the trial, "We are strict in our drug laws. As a result, our people enjoy life, are happy and are drug free. In your country (United States), however, there is crime in the streets and many people have their lives ruined by drugs. That's why death by hanging is the penalty for possessing more than minute quantities of drugs." One more thing: In Malaysia, if you are caught with small amounts of drugs, you are not put in jail. Instead, they put you through a well-run treatment program to help you stay drug-free. Large quantities, as is stamped on your visa, is considered trafficking and carries the penalty of death by hanging. In the U.S., with our prisons bursting at the seams from drug convictions, we are still unable to bring our own drug problem under control. Maybe we could learn something from Malaysia!

softee2003 This was 'my' first Vince Vaughn experience and made me a fan of his. I thoroughly enjoyed the chemistry and non-chemistry between he and Ann Heche; Joachim Phoenix was extremely well cast and did a great job. This was a well-written story which has been a favorite of mine since it's release. The roles are thoroughly believable and well-acted; not overdone. Although I thought the character changeover at the end was a bit improbable, it did not at all change affect my affection for this film. A stellar performance from all involved.This movie is #4 on my A list behind Shawshank, Steele Magnolias, Road to Perdition and ranks high among my 'emos' (emotional flicks) I like to cry to on occasion. I would recommend this to male and female lovers of drama.

knight_armour This movie was on my watch list for a long time before I finally got around to it. I'm familiar with Malaysia and its laws so the story intrigued me even more. Overall it was a good story but quite slow moving at times. They could have gotten through some issues much more quickly. Nevertheless, the movie keeps you compelled to know what will happen next so it's never really a bore. The sex scenes are mild and almost unnecessary. Personally, a better, longer sex scene would have been more suitable than the sporadic stuff (bordering on pointless) we find here. The ending sends a very strong message you won't forget any time soon, though. Not a waste of time.