Beyond Paradise

A deliciously fresh take on the modern love story with gripping dramatic moments. It's a poetic, passionate film that loves its characters. I could not take eyes off of star Francia Raisa from the moment she graced the screen. She wholly embodies the role of Shahrzad and nails every emotion too a tee -- lust, shame, self-loathing, fear, artistic passion, and so much in between -- as the haunted and conflicted woman who escapes her oppressive homeland, and becomes the center of a complex love triangle in her newfound Western surroundings.

Ryan Guzman not only looks GOOD as Sebastian, the Spanish American gardener who captures the heart of Shahrzad, but really delivers both charm and sensitivity needed to set the sparks really do fly between the two of them.

Strong performances from the supporting cast -- especially impressive is Daphne Zuniga as a former movie star turned piano teacher also entangled in a love affair with Sebastian.

The characters also boast their own love affairs, so to speak, with the poems of Rumi and Lorca which playfully tie into the story. The soothing music of Tchaikovsky and Persian classical music effectively amp up the emotional level of the story, paired with equally rhythmic and playful visual intercutting. Great film all around.

I have not seen such a good well developed story in a while. The film is full of artistic moments: classical music ,poetry, good acting. I liked the cast,I saw that they delivered and brought to the screen a very powerful story. I was actually very impressed that this romantic love drama touched such a strong subject and talked about women rights. You don't really see much of important, urgent topics in romantic movies and this was amazing, that the director was able to combine all the elements in his movie, and touched the topic of violence against women. The movie is well made and need to be seen and shared among people . Highly recommend this poetic drama for everyone.

​I really enjoyed watching this beautiful ​original​ ​love​ story​ starring Ryan Guzman. He did a great job playing poetic lover, usually I saw him as an action hero in films. There are many romantic moments in the movie, which remind me of ​great​ amour​ films I watched when was living in Europe. BEYOND PARADISE​ is full of unexpected moments​,​ and the dialogue is​ fresh and very well ​ written​.​ Plus the movie has RUMI & LORCA's love poems. Also the music score contains captivating classical music (Tchaikovsky) and Eastern music.​ ​ I recommend the film as it also ​deals with​ very deep ​current women issues​, which will touch everyone. I watched it on iTunes platform, which I usually use for watching the films, but it's available everywhere now.

One of the most overall pleasing and gratifying movies I've seen, Beyond Paradise wins on all levels--emotional, spiritual, and intellectual.

A movie that gives you new perspectives about life, relationships, love, and interpersonal connections that define us. Of course the primary reason it succeeds is great directorship by J.J. Alani, and excellent acting by Ryan Guzman and Francia Raisa. This film served as a great entertainment with its colorful cast and numerous plot twists. Beyond paradise is exciting, creative, amusing, and well worth your time.

I will highly recommend this movie since it is both entertaining and educational. Brilliant movie.

It is an opening into the how love is perceived as a consequential emotion by many people through many cultures, rather than being acted upon with the presumed support of the family and community. MIsha Crosby as Ray brought such a dimension of realism to the plot, truly a fantastic performance. I believe the characters have interacted with each other in believable ways. It was also very refreshing to watch Max Amini's character, who plays a comedian, play through this film experiencing serious life and marital dilemmas, rather than hype up his comedic career and force a constant "funny man" character. Through the film, Rumi poems and implications are placed organically and help the viewer to sympathize with Shahrzad and her struggle coping between unrequited love and searing pains from the past.