In association with

The Beach [2000]
from 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Tilda Swinton, Virginie Ledoyen, Guillaume Canet, Robert Carlyle
directed by Danny Boyle

Features:

• Anamorphic
• PAL
• Widescreen

Editorial Review:

Leonardo DiCaprio sought to distance himself from the cloying wholesomeness of his character in Titanic, and his role in The Beach is in many ways a polar opposite. As Richard, a young American seeking to "suck in the experience" of freestyle travel in Thailand, he is a chronic liar, a pot-smoking hedonist, an amoral lover and ultimately an unstable snake in a doomed Garden of Eden. This crazy descent might be expected from the filmmakers of Trainspotting, but The Beach is a movie without a rudder, venturing into fascinating territory, promising a stimulating adventure and then careening out of control.

After receiving a not-so-secret map to a secluded island from a stoned-out loony (Robert Carlyle, full of dark portent and spittle), Richard sets out to find the hidden paradise with a young French couple (Virginie Ledoyen, Guillaume Canet). What they find is a tropical commune existing in delicate balance with Thai pot farmers, and before long--as always--there is trouble in paradise. There is trouble in the movie, too, as DiCaprio is reduced to histrionics when the plot turns into a muddled mix of Lord of the Flies and Apocalypse Now, with shark attacks tossed in for shallow tension. Director Danny Boyle attempts perfunctory romance and a few audacious moves (notably DiCaprio's vision of life as a violent video game), but what's the point? Tilda Swinton registers strongly as the commune's charismatic leader, but her character--and the entire film--remains largely undeveloped, and pretty scenery is no guarantee of a laudable film. --Jeff Shannon

A young American backpacker, is willing to risk his life and innocence for just one thing: braving the ultimate adventure - Paradise Found - Innocence Lost!

Special Features - (tbc)

Commentary Track
Original Trailer
Behind the Scenes Feature
Alternative Opening and Ending scenes (Never seen before)
Original Artwork
"Pure Shores" by All Saints Music Video
Cast and Crew Biographies

Leonardo DiCaprio stars in this high-charged tale of survival, based on the popular novel by Alex Garland. He portrays Richard, a traveling American who wants nothing more than to experience life completely. Backpacking in Thailand, he gets more than he bargained for when he discovers a seemingly utopian island that is protected by a weapon-yielding gang. Throw into the mix an affair with a beautiful young French woman (Virginie Ledoyen) and dangerous drug smugglers and the situation becomes even more dangerous. Director Danny Boyle (TRAINSPOTTING, SHALLOW GRAVE) turns up the energy to an almost unbearable level, making for an exhilarating ride.

Leonardo DiCaprio is electrifying in this adrenaline drenched, tantalizingly seductive thriller from the director of "Trainspotting". Richard (DiCaprio) a young American backpacker is willing to risk his life for just on thing: that mind blowing rush you can only get from braving the ultimate adventure. But on a secret, deceptively perfect beach, he'll soon discover that, as the level of intensity rises and the stakes climb higher, desire grows strongerand danger grows deeper. Co-starring gorgeous Virginie Ledoyen, this "journey to the unexpected, full of surprises, twists and turns, love and romance, lust and desire" (Maria Sallas, GEMS) explores the hidden perils and dark places that lurk just beyond the shores of paradise

Customer Reviews:

• Avg. Customer Rating: 3.5 / 5.0

• i wish i'd read the book
  ive heard eny good things about the book and i thought id watch the film first. I don't no about this film. there is something good and plausible about it nd it makes you want to believe that there are places no one knows exist but its also very unrealistic and the film doesnt cover all the topics it should. Parts of the film are left unknown to us and it doesnt do this film any favours!

• Good
  This is the only film where Leonardo Dicaprio didn't irritate the hell out of me.
  It's good, I think you'd really like this if you're a keen traveller as it's all about soaking up every experience and not following the same old tourist route.
  I definately enjoyed this.

• Game Over...
  I wish this film was good, I really do, I want to like it so much it hurts, but the simple fact is, that for anyone who has read Alex Garland's stunning book, it will only serve to disapoint.
  Dont get me wrong, its a decently made film, although the "Hollywood" elements were a little intrusive, but I cant help but think a more faithful recreation of the book would have been more apropriate. Here however, Danny Boyle (otherwise one of my favorite directors, and well known for his collaborations with... more info

• Moderate Adaptation of a Best Seling Novel
  The novel was a best seller whereas the film was a moderate success...just means that objectives were not fully met.Casting is OK with Di Caprio and Tilda Swinton well cast.The photography is breathtaking but the ending is very contrived.

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