prefer to ignore the callous self-serving side that still exists in all people. Sheriff must overcome himself, his own personal flaws to make a decision to give up years of his own life to save another. The man with his head literally on the chopping block, Lewis, is played by Joaquin Phoenix a brilliant actor who has finally had the chance to show his amazing talent. The film is an intense ride that leaves viewers in tears but enlightened. Not a feel-goof film for the faint of heart but an eye-opening lesson for the morally lost. Possibly my all-time favorite film.

actors -- there is absolutely no doubt about it.

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!

were busy paying money to see the regular trash that comes out of Hollywood. This is a shame cause I would have made the effort to see it a couple of times at the cinema.Anne Heche Psycho gave such an amazing performance in the film maybe the performance of her career , my heart was aching at the end for her and the rest of the cast including Vince Vaughn Psycho , David Conrad Men of Honor , Joaquin Phoenix Gladiator and Jada Pinket Smith Scream 2 who you'll hate once the movie's over as she's pretty good as the bitchy/power hungry journalist are all so convincing in their roles.Everyone should have a pretty good idea of what the plot involves but even if it isn't your cup of tea, the film is worth seeing for the performances which unfortunately have pretty much gone unrecognized. Check it out. Score: 9 out of 10

Beth. And what were the motives of Sheriff. Yet the morally or in love with Beth. The two story lines are beautifully interwoven in each other with surprising twists here and there.The only down point from this movie is that the director misused Heche by not giving her good camera angles and coverage of her expressive face. 'Return to Paradise' is one of the most underrated films ever. It deserved at least two Oscar nominations. Best actress: Anne Heche, Best supporting actor: Joaquin Phoenix Even if you do not like this kind of movie, the movie is worth seeing for the performances which unfortunately have pretty much gone unrecognized. Check it out. Score: 9 out of 10

punishable by death by Malaysian law. In 8 days time, Lewis, who has been locked up in dreadful Penang prison for two years, will be hung unless both the guys go back to Penang and accept their responsibility for the Hashish. An acceptance that will get each of them 3 years prison themselves.Return To Paradise is a remake of a little known and seen French film from Pierre Jolivet called Force majeure. Throwing up a deep moral quandary and no small amount of surprises, it may just be one of the most undervalued films from the 90s. Starring Vince Vaughn, Anne Heche, Joaquin Phoenix and Jada Pinkett Smith, Jolivet's story gnaws away at the audience as it forces the issue at hand. Namely what would you do in the same situation? To save a friends life are you prepared to spend three years in a notoriously dank and desperate hell hole? Tho the piece is emotionally loaded in favour of doing what most would deem the right thing, the makers sucker us in, only to then steer us in other directions with a triple hander of a finale. There is also the impact of the press here, something that is crucial to the plot, and it's something that thankfully isn't glossed over. This really is a tightly constructed picture.Vaughn {Sheriff} shows some great dramatic chops, it's refreshing to see him away from frat pack comedy shenanigans. Heche {Beth} looks gorgeous and gives her character real depth, while Phoenix as the imprisoned Lewis is heartbreakingly real. Not faring so well is Pinkett Smith as pesky reporter M.J. Major. Tho only a small part, it's really hard to accept her as a tough reporter who can get things done. Worthy of a mention is the cinematography by Reynaldo Villalobos, the shift in tones he uses between Malaysia to America is very smart and forces the issue of two completely different cultures. This is after all not just about a dilemma, it's also about differing laws on different continents. I found this film to be an emotional roller-coaster that stayed with me for some time after. It's hoped that more people will seek it out and get as much emotion and cranial ponderings from it that I most assuredly did. 8/10

to watch. 8/ 10 stars