Review of Brokedown Palace (1999) by Elisa L — 24 Mar 2008

Although it bears many resemblances to the previous years excellent Return To Paradise, this is a very good film in its own right and stands on its own as a harrowing tale of persecution and imprisonment in another country. Danes and Beckinsale both give powerful performances, and the setting achieved by director Kaplan is disturbingly realistic.

Brokedown Palace beats on the drum of self-discovery while it weaves a tale of desperation, perceived betrayal, unjust imprisonment and legal frustration; where trust, loyalty, and honesty are constantly tested.

I first saw this movie many years ago at a time when my best friend and I were "disagreeing" with each other. This movie gave me so much more feeling, more meaning, than it probably warranted, because it hit home personally for me on the friendship level. That's why its given more credit than it should actually deserve, and why it will always be one of my favorite movies.