Review of Brokedown Palace (1999) by John R — 28 Feb 2010

Rating - M for Adult Themes, Low Level Coarse Language.

Tagline - They were young and fearless, and friends forever. Until a stranger came between them.

Website -.


Australian Gross -.

Two best friends are on their dream vacation when they meet a nice young Australian man. Both quickly develop feelings and are given tickets to Hong Kong to meet him in a few days. Just before boarding the plane, airport officials search their bag and find illegal narcotics, and they are taken to prision. They try and try to prove their innocence, but how can they prove their innocence without evidence that backs up their story?.

Touching. This is a very touching and inspiring story, and shows just how much a friendship can mean to someone. From the fun beginning to the brilliant climatic end, the film successfully keeps you on edge with nail-biting tension, build-ups and sequences with a powerful effect on your mind. You'll be guessing right to the end whether the girls are innocent, guilty and are telling the truth. It's almost like it was based on a true story, it's a dramatic thriller that's elements are emotionally intriguing, and physically draining. The ending was a tad predictable, but not in the way you would be expecting it to be.

The plot was very original. I haven't seen any films like this that aren't stamped with a "based on true events" or "inspired by a true story". It was true to what happens when you are set-up with drugs and are innocent, some countrie's just don't care even if you had proof and reliable resources. The sub-plot with the lawyer and his wife trying to give the girls there freedom was also a nail-biter as you were hoping they would be spared.

The acting was great. "Claire Danes" and "Kate Beckinsale" were the obvious stars, playing best friends "Alice" and "Darlene". "Danes" was outgoing and shameless, "Beckinsale" shy and awkward. They both reeled us in with great acting and believability, and came through with true emotions.

Overall "Brokedown Palace" is a touching story of friendship, and is a nail-biting thriller that deserves to be witnessed. My rating is 3/5.