Paradise (1991)

36% of critics liked it
(11 reviews)
52% of users liked it
(3,622 ratings)

Mary Agnes Donohue adapted her French success Le Grand Chemin for this American version, reworked as a vehicle for Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson. Paradise is a coming-of-age story about a 10-year-old boy named Willard (Elijah Wood), who is sent by his mother to stay with her best friend Lily… More Mary Agnes Donohue adapted her French success Le Grand Chemin for this American version, reworked as a vehicle for Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson. Paradise is a coming-of-age story about a 10-year-old boy named Willard (Elijah Wood), who is sent by his mother to stay with her best friend Lily (Melanie Griffith), who lives in the Delta shrimp-fishing country in a town called Paradise. Lily and her husband Ben (Don Johnson) have been living in an unmentioned emotional vacuum since the death of their own three year old boy. Willard makes friends with the local 9-year-old tomboy, Billie (Thora Birch), who teaches Willard to be comfortable with himself. When Willard gains a handle on his own emotions, he can now help Ben and Lily to connect, overcome grief and rediscover themselves. ~ Paul Brenner, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 1 hr. 52 min.
Directed By: Mary Agnes Donoghue
Genres: Drama

In Theaters: Sep 18, 1991 Wide
On DVD: Aug 3, 2004

Critic Reviews

Pete Croatto, Filmcritic.com
For an hour and 40 minutes, Thora Birch becomes your child and the reason to watch the movie.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
Reveals how only time and love can heal the wounds of grief.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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Featured Audience Ratings

Leigh R

FANTASTIC! Will need tissues.

Cast

            Melanie Griffith as Lily Reed

            Don Johnson as Ben Reed

            Elijah Wood as Willard Young

            Thora Birch as Billie Pike

            Sheila McCarthy as Sally Pike

            Louise Latham as Catherine Reston Lee

            Eve Gordon as Rosemary

            Greg Travis as Earl McCoy

            Sarah Trigger as Darlene

            Richard K. Olsen as Minister

            Lucy Alpaugh as 1st Old Lady

            Rick Andosca as Ernest Parkett

            John R. Copeman as Other Fisherman

            William Thomas Crumby as Lou

            Timothy Erskine as Darlene's Boyfriend

            Dave Hager as Bartender

            Scott Hubacek as Greyhound Bus Driver

            Jeff Jeffcoat as Eddie-the Attendant

            Carl McIntyre as Willard's Father

            Chestley Price as Bus Driver

            Anthony Romano as Clay-Popular Boy

            Kay Shroka as 2nd Old Lady

            Jason Robert Somrak as Neighborhood Tough

            Melanie van Betten as Marliss

            Eric Vest as D.J.

            Johanna Ray
            
See full cast