Glenn Close, Frances McDormand, Cate Blanchett

Earnest and well-meaning, this film also accumulates power as it goes along, despite its inability to generate any moral complexity. But then how complex can you get in a story about the Japanese impr...( read more  read more... )isonment and mistreatment of an international group of women (including Glenn Close, Frances McDormand, and Julianna Margulies)? Written and directed by Bruce Beresford, it's based on a true story. Japanese brutality has been well chronicled before; the real story here is the way these women of different social and ethnic backgrounds achieve a sense of solidarity in the face of potentially deadly abuse. Strong performances and many uplifting and moving moments. --Marshall Fine

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76% liked it

3,873 ratings

R, 120 min.

Directed by: Bruce Beresford

Release Date: April 11, 1997

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DVD Release Date: March 13, 2001

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Flixster Reviews (144)


  • February 11, 2008
    My husband and I both liked this movie about women in a Japanese prison camp.
  • April 3, 2009
    How can you give this film anything but 5 Stars. If there is one thing I enjoy about any movie, is the fact that I learned something from it. It is ashamed that it takes 50 years to learn the secrets of a War. There seems to be more and more movies coming out that tell us of thes...( read more)e hidden secrets. This is based on a true story. I had no idea that women were held prisoner of war during World War II. All the actors were outstanding. The Human Vocal band was out of this world. And as many captives will tell you, you must band together and work on something to keep your mind from whets really happening. This is a must see and a must add to the collection. 5 stars.
  • April 19, 2009
    At times, the grueling pageant of torture and abuse became a bit much for me. Still, Paradise Road is a triumphant celebration of the human spirit in the face of suffering.
  • December 8, 2008
    no thanks not my thing
  • June 1, 2008
    Lackluster. Some genuine moments don't make up for the rest of the unfocused, underdeveloped story...
  • March 23, 2008
    With this movie there isn't any real plot to it, other than that which we already know from history class. It has a ridiculously sad movie... but also uplifting knowing its based on a true story.
  • January 24, 2008
    Really good film. Probably could have been better, but I honestly can't think of anything specifically that needs improving...
  • December 8, 2007
    Not for the faint of heart! This movie captures the triumph of the human spirit!
  • October 24, 2007
    triste et dure a la fois

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Paradise Road Trivia


  • Which actress, who also played a character known for her penchant for dog fur starred in the 1997 film Paradise Road?  Answer »
  • Who played the role of the doctor in Paradise Road?  Answer »
  • Which of the following actresses did not appear in Paradise Road?  Answer »
  • Cate Blanchette is in the film 'Paradise Road'.  Answer »

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