Brokedown Palace

[the spy]

Brokedown Palace was a good performance by Claire Danes. Although the pace of the movie was a little slow, the way the tale was told was interesting and the end really packed an emotional punch. Made you think about the power of personal character and the strength of true friendships. It is one of several movies out there right now about the third world, drugs and dangers for unsuspecting Americans tourists. I would give it 3 stars noting that I paid the matinee price.

Score: 6/10

[Xena]

Did you see "Return to Paradise" which came out last year? If so, how would you compare the two?
I haven't seen Brokedown Palace because it seems like a female version of Return to Paradise. And since I thoroughly enjoyed Return to Paradise I am not very interested in seeing a similar movie so soon.

Return to Paradise was very emotionally gripping with interesting characters who seemed real in that they were alternately heroic, selfish, inmature and compassionate. The movie wasn't perfect, but very moving. I recommend it to anyone who hasn't seen it.

[the spy]

Xena - you are right. Not only is Vince Vaughn handsome but his character (played by Claire Danes in Brokedown Palace) was real life. He was great at playing the full range of emotions in such a tough situation. I thought the ending was a little sugar-coated in that Vaughn's character would be so happy to see the demise of a friend AND spend time in prison in another country. No need for you to see Brokedown Palace . . . Return to Paradise (the male version) was better.

[Xena]

Spy-- Thanks for the tip. Maybe I will see it on video.