9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Interesting Subtext and Great Acting make this a Film, February 1, 2005
This is a film, it seems, that people either love or hate. There is truth, perhaps, to both the criticism and the compliments that have been bandied about by this film. One thing that is clear to me is that looking more deeply into the film's subtext would probably change a lot of minds.
True, some of the auxiliary characters are cliche' and underdeveloped. But in fairness, that's why they are "auxiliary."
True, not all of the sets and camera work were Academy Award character. But once again, in fairness, the imagery of the film and the beautiful use of light and color makes some of those faults less apparent.
True, it is a horrible story about what "happened" to them. Yet once again echoing other reviewers, this story is not really about the horror of the prison experience in and of itself.
What holds this movie together is the acting of Danes and the complexity of her character. What did happen between her and Nick Barnes? We never really know. What we see is a conflicted person who wants desperately to be believed while everyone, including her own father, sees her as the "trouble-maker" and assumes her guilt.
The relationship she develops with Bill Pullman's character brings out this complexity. He is the only one to shower the kindness of presumed innocence on her, and perhaps that is what prompts her to take the fall for her friend.
The question is, do you really think she was taking the fall or did she know more than she says? Or was it Darlene playing the innocent victim? We are left to wonder and to replay the scenes of them on their way to the airport attempting to figure out who, if anybody, really was innocent in all of this.
Those who like interesting character studies will enjoy this performance. A great soundtrack and a pretty good movie make this sufficient eye-candy for the rest of us. I recommend it!
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23 of 28 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Friendship, July 3, 2005
Dismissed by some as lightweight because they felt the Thailand prison scenes were not brutal enough, this is actually a terrific film about the complex friendship of two girls and a sacrifice made by one to save the other. Claire Danes gives a great performance as the girl most likely to get into trouble and Kate Beckinsale shines as the good girl who sees more in her friend than her parents do, especially her father.
After graduating high school they cook up a scheme to visit exotic Thailand on the cheap and do something special, telling Beckinsale's parents they are off to Hawaii. They meet Aussie Daniel Lapaine and he charms both girls into going to Hong Kong with them to continue their adventure. Jealousy plays a part as it is unclear at first which one he likes the best. But all is not as it seems and he disappears just as heroin is found by customs in their backpack.
What follows as they are imprisoned in Thailand with seemingly no way out as each begins to question their friendship and wonder if maybe, just maybe, the other one knew about the heroin, is compelling. Beckinsale's father comes to Thailand and, of course, blames Danes for getting his daughter into this mess. Danes does a good job at conveying the hurt she is trying not to show for the faith no one has ever shown in her, except for her friend Beckinsale.
Bill Pullman gives a solid performance as a slightly opportunistic and sleazy lawyer in Thailand who may be able to help them get out for a price. Adding to the atmosphere is a soundtrack just as exotic as the locale. Everything from Delerium's "Silence" and a remake of "Rock the Casbah" to the beautiful voice of Sarah Brightman on "Deliverance" set a unique mood for a good film.
This is an entertaining and thought provoking meditation on friendship and loyalty. A sacrifice by one to save the other is one you'll never forget. Beckinsale, and especially Danes, really sparkle in an unusual film you won't want to miss. Pick this one up. It's a nice surprise.
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9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Heart Wrenching, October 4, 2005
It is a story of two best friends who end up in a Thai prison for supposedly smuggling drugs. Claire Danes,Kate Beckinsale and Bill Pullman did amazing performances. The ending is such a good ending. I can watch this movie over and over again. It is a really heart wrenching movie.
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