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Not rated. () |
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846 |
3915 |
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441 |
2039 |
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405 |
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Plot:
In Malaysia, three young Americans with little else in common are united in a shared enthusiasm for beer, women, and righteous hashish. Eventually, "Sheriff" (Vince Vaughn) and Tony (David Conrad)...( read more 
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Meet Other Fans
Recent Reviews
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MCT:March 24, 2008I love it when a movie relies on a strong idea to win the audience over -- rather than excessive violence or high-tech special effects (although I enjoy those kinds of movies as well).
The premise of Return to Paradise is relatively simple: Three friends on holiday in Malaysia. Two leave. The police arrive and find hash where they were staying. The third is put in jail. Two years later a lawyer finds the two remaining men in New York and tells them that their friend was found guilty of trafficking. They must go back to share the punishment or he will die in 7 days.
It's a frightening dilemma and you can't help but ask yourself the same question. Would you go back? If one goes back they go to prison for 6 years. If both go they will have 3 years each. All of the arguments are put forward, making the answer not seem as clear as originally imagined. The timeframe is made even tenser with titles reminding us of how many days are remaining.
Vince Vaughn plays our hero who doesn't always act in the morally correct way we expect him to do. He doesn't immediately decide to go back, making us question if we would either. Vaughn gives the finest performance of his career as the not completely likeable 'Sheriff'. Anne Heche plays the increasingly desperate lawyer who will do anything to save her client from execution. And her desperation is made completely believable by Heche's multi-faceted performance.
The real stand out performance for me was that of Joaquin Phoenix who plays the imprisoned Lewis. Phoenix has little screen time but whenever he's on he totally captivates. The video message to his two friends is just heartbreaking, and his last scene is one I will never forget.
The powerful portrayals in this film are rivaled by its powerful story. The plot is so richly detailed that, though it seems a ridiculously simple premise, it is brought to life with horrific realism.
Not a car chase in sight and hardly any violence, but the tension is sky high. When Sheriff visits Lewis in prison, and Lewis tries to describe his life of the last two years, knowing that his friend has still not yet agreed to the deal . . . what a scene!
And by the time the suspenseful court scene arrives, you will find yourself nervously hoping for a happy ending.
Needless to say the film ends with a succession of unspeakably powerful scenes. I find that not too many people know of this movie, and that's a shame...5 stars, definitely recommend.
(Ask yourself...would you give up years of your life for a friend? Would you be willing to let that friend die if you didn't?) -
MCT:March 13, 2008I've got to admit, it's one of my favorite movies. Intense drama with a VERY interesting ending that encourages a LOT of soul-searching.
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MCT:February 13, 2008
Good film, towards the end was really sad but realistic. Good performances by Vince Vaughn, Anne Heche, and Joaquin Phoenix.
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MCT:November 25, 2007
An emotional movie. Vince Vaugh and Joaquin Phoenix are really good in this. Phoenix's performance was really emotionally and desperate. It was beautiful. But the ending ruined the rest of the movie for me. Hated the ending.
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MCT:August 25, 2007Boring for about the first hour or so. After that it picks up a bit but then the whole film just becomes pointless.
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MCT:July 8, 2007
This movie was really good yet it creeped me out in the end. It also shows what true friendship and integrity is all about.
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MCT:June 18, 2007
An underrated and often unheard of film, Return to Paradise is an original story told in a realistic fashion. The three characters work perfectly together and should be remembered for works such as this rather than blockbuster no brainers they've been in.
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MCT:May 23, 2007
The plot for this film has been done many times but it still doesn't stop it from being an engaging watch. Vince Vaughn, Anne Heche and Joaquin Phoenix give really good performances and there are some powerful moments.
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MCT:April 29, 2007This is a piece of depressing flotsam.
:::SPOILER:::
Asian judicial system gets pissed off at insensative, career driven "any sacrifice for the story" US reporter trying for an international headline and doesn't hold up it's end of bargain.
Cowardice aplenty here and honor too. But if I'm supposed to believe that taking her dead brother home to bury him (Malaysia hung him in spite of Vince Vaughn coming back to answer for his part) and then coming back to wait for Vince Vaughn to get out of prison is a happy ending, well that's ludicrous!!! As was most of this movie.
Don't even bother with it! I WISH I hadn't!!! -
MCT:March 11, 2007
A film that asks the ultimate question. Would you do time for a friend if it meant his sentence is halved?
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MCT:January 14, 2007I always cry when I see the ending to this movie. Joaquin Phoenix gets hanged and the way Vince Vaughn supports him right till the end is wonderful. Ooops, just told you the ending there! Don't sue me!
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MCT:December 31, 2006i missed the beginning when i watched it. i didnt see the ending coming, it was so sad! i didnt like the ending though. the movie was so good and thent here was the ending! joauqin pheoinix did an awesome job. he did better than anyone else. and the acting was the best part of the movie. vince vaughn was totally realistic. but the plot should have been better. it was ok but not great.
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MCT:November 12, 2006
I have always asked myself: "How far would you get to save a friend's life?" This movie came to theaters when I was living a similar moment, it caught my eye and my heart!
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MCT:November 2, 2006
Pheonix and Vaughn are brilliant in this believeable drama about three friends who's lives are turned upside down after they share a holiday in Malaysia (Without giving too much away). The movie raises an amazing question; would you go back? And this, ontop of a superb script, brilliant cinematography and top drawer acting create a real powerful movie. 4 and a Half Stars.
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MCT:October 3, 2006
It was ok, Vince Vaughn showed he can act abit. i think Anne Heche should have been in the LOTR films as a hobbit, she is tiny!
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MCT:October 1, 2006
Nice to see Vince Vaughn finally do some acting on his own 2 feet rather than having all his friends in the cast to do it for him. The storyline is interesting and the support cast are fantastic, particularly Phoenix.
Very interesting twist but you could see it coming a mile off, I also really wanted to see that reporter get smacked around a bit as she was annoying me throughout the movie. -
MCT:September 18, 2006
A really good flick with a somewhat interesting story line. Looking back now, not all that much happens in the film. When I read the back of the dvd I thought the synopsis was pretty vague but now that Ive seen it I realise it was spot on. Really good to see Vince Vaughn in a serious film, I think he should have stuck to this kind of film as hes not all that great a comedian. Joaquin Poenix is absolutly stunning in this. You must see this, not because its so great but the story it tells is just seems so true.
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MCT:September 8, 2006
Sad tale about a vacation that goes very wrong. I thought the performances kept the film interetsing.
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MCT:August 6, 2006
awesome drama - but come on, they should've made the 3 friends long time friends.....not just a few months
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MCT:August 3, 2006
A dramatic movie about courage and having clear or guilty consciousness, the sacrifice of your own life so as to save one of your friend, taking your own part of responsability... Very moving
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MCT:August 1, 2006
Difficult to watch, but worth the time. Refreshing, non-cliche plot. Oh, you will probably fall for Vince Vaughn, too.
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MCT:July 12, 2006
Jail isn't paradise! What a dumb title. But the movie itself is cool. Anne Heche and Vince Vaughn get it on despite having no chemistry.
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