Paradise (1991)

If you don't like this, we can't be friends.

everything you have heard about this movie is true.

Unshakable, witty and deeply felt, the film will be paying emotional dividends for a long, long time.

Very good movie overall, highly recommended. Most of the negative reviews don't have any merit and are all pollitically based. Give this movie a chance at least, and it might give you a different perspective.

This is a heartfelt drama starring Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson, who play couple Lily and Ben Reed, who having experienced a family tragedy. With their love for each other on the rocks, their relationship may be rekindled with the visit of young Willard Young (Elijah Wood).The title "Paradise" is fitting for this movie, as it is filmed in the quiet countryside by the lake, making you forget your troubles and inner-demons, which is exactly what Lily and Ben are trying to do in the story. Many people live seemingly happy lives, but are still haunted by past mishaps, missed opportunities and mistakes. However, it is when you live and learn and let go could you enjoy the many blessings life has to offer in the present time, elements which is beautifully depicted in this film.Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson had great on-screen chemistry and young Elijah Wood did a heartwarming job in his Williard Young role. The story is a little slow at times, but the overall message of letting go and enjoying the finest things in life (in a Paradise setting) would resonate in your mind and make you appreciate this film.Grade B+

This movie was very touching, bringing up past memories from the viewer with an innocent and heartfelt storyline. The ten year old Willard Young, played by Elijah Wood, similar to his role as Frodo Baggins of Lord of the Rings becomes the protagonist of the movie. His unconditional love and affection to the surrounding cast leave a trail of transformational outcomes beyond rigidity and indifference to life. At the same time the viewer has the opportunity to relive their childhood experiences and reflect on what is valuable. Each of the characters learn to confront their biggest fears: loss,feeling of being unloved, inadequacy, and brokenness.

Paradise was a beautiful yet underappreciated movie. If it weren't for HBO I probably would have never seen it. Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson play a married couple who's relationship is falling apart after the death of their baby son. Both are very good actors and play their parts very well. The scene in the attic when Don comes home drunk is amazing and not the mess that it had the potential of being.Elijah Wood is playing a small a 10 year old I believe who's father says that he's away at work but is really leaving his mother. He is in private school and doesn't have any friends. One summer his mother sends him to his aunt's house, most likely to try to hide the truth from him. Elijah isn't the best actor, but he's very good for his age. Not to mention the cutest thing that you've ever seen.Thora Birch is a little country girl who doesn't know who her father is and has a mother who really can't keep a relationship to save her life. She doesn't have many friends either but is very smart and inquisitive. Thora Birch is incredibly adorable and well on her way to her excellent role in 'American Beauty.'The movie is somewhat slow moving at the beginning but builds up to a great movie. Everything is believable. Don and Melanie are great together. Thora Birch and Elijah Wood also make a great duo. This is definitely a film worth seeing. Don't be turned off just because you haven't heard of it. It's better than a lot of that trash that is highly advertised.

I was surprised and touched by this film, starring two actors I do not normally enjoy. The on-screen chemistry between Don Johnson and Melanie Griffith, as grieving parents, isolated in their grief, was amazing. Elijah Wood is convincing in his role as a friend's child, visiting the couple, and going through his own family turmoil. Also excellent is Thora Birch, one of the most gifted child actors I have had the pleasure of watching. A wonderfully touching and uplifting film about hope and risk and coming home. One of my top five movies!