La strada per il paradiso

I wrote a short essay after watching this movie, not because it affected me, but that it left such a great impression. To me, the use of 'Paradise' as title is apt, as the movie goes to show how many people continue to live in their private hells, when all around them is a place which seems like paradise. These people, though socially interactive at times, seem more preoccupied with the ghosts of their pasts rather than the blessings of the moment. Only when these characters are able to let go of the demons that haunt them are they able to once again experience the joys of love and intimacy.

This film can help us to evaluate the things that we allow to control us, and help us to understand that instead of examining our lives under a microscope, we should allow ourselves to look up and out sometimes, and maybe discover all those things missing in our lives but which were right by us all the time.

The first half of 1991's "Paradise" is great. It's essentially a coming-of-age story of two 9 year-olds (Elijah Wood and Thora Birch) on the Atlantic coast near Chrarleston, SC (shot on location). The locations are breathtaking and illustrate that every area has its unique beauty. The film's also about a couple who Elijah is visiting for the Summer (Birch's character is a neighbor). The couple (Don Johnson and Melanie Griffith) are on the verge of divorce due to a tragedy a few years earlier. Wood's visit is instrumental in reviving them as individuals and as a couple.

The first half is so well done that I thought I stumbled upon a hidden gem but, unfortunately, the second half falls into mediocrity. The awkward and contrived scenes with questionable acting/dialogue could've worked if the filmmakers simply worked out the kinks through rewriting, reshooting, better editing, etc. but it's clear that they had to finish the picture on a limited budget. They got the job done, and that's great, but if they spent a little more time, a little more money and tried a little harder they could've had a near masterpiece.

This is the only movie that I can remember where Don Johnson plays a major protagonist (I've never seen Miami Vice) and it shows that he should've been a major ultra-cool masculine actor, like Clint Eastwood, Thomas Jane, Charles Bronson and a gazillion others.

Sarah Trigger plays Birch's hot half-sister, but she's barely seen, which is a shame because she's so beautiful. They probably cut some of her scenes out. If you don't remember her, she played Steve Martin's redhead babe in "Grand Canyon."

BOTTOM LINE: This coming of age film has numerous great moments, particularly in the first half -- moments of wonder, beauty, discovery and companionship. It's too bad they drop the ball in the second half. Regardless, it's a very worthwhile movie and Johnson shows his greatness. Like the movie, he coulda been a contenda.

The film runs 111 minutes.

GRADE: B

The movie concerns a little boy (Elijah Wood) who is sent by his pregnant mummy to remain the idyllic summer with a marriage of old friends (Don Johnson and Melanie Griffith) in the countryside . The couple has numerous problems caused by an unfortunate tragedy happened years earlier . Meanwhile , Elijah befriends his neighbour small girl and takes interest in Don Johnson , fishing shrimps and speaking about interesting issues . They gave a boy a summer he'd always remember. He gave them back the love they lost. It would take a miracle to save their love... and that's just what they got.

This is a brilliant and touching story , although sometimes results to be slow-moving and tiring , but is developed with real intelligence and extreme sensibility . In the picture is treated ethic and moral themes narrated with great sense of fairness and ductility . Melanie Griffith's (at the time wedded Steven Bauer , Don Johnson until Antonio Banderas) interpretation is pretty good , she plays an embittered woman who will have to face off a traumatic truth . Elijah Wood as a sensitive and agreeable boy is nice , he's a newcomer and would have much success years later , becoming himself a first-class world star (Lord of the rings) . Thora Birch is enjoyable , she is ready as a future star (American beauty , The Hole , Ghost world) . Excellent and sensitive musical score by David Newman . Besides , exceptional and awesome cinematography by Jerzy Zielinsky , being stunningly shown on the marvelous outdoors in the country . The motion picture was compellingly directed by Mary Agnes Donoghue (Beaches) . Rating : 7/10. Essential and indispensable watching . Better than average and well worth seeing.

I fell in love with this movie the very first time I watched it on cable. Don Johnson and Melanie Griffith were perfect in this tale of grief in the aftermath of the loss of a child. Elijah Wood, Thora Birch, and Sheila McCarthy round out the cast and make this a poignant tale.

Melanie Griffith was never as vulnerable and powerful as she was in this movie - and I liked her in Working Girl and A Stranger Among Us. This was by far her most affecting role. And the almost always underrated Don Johnson turns in another versatile and incredibly touching performance. And the emotion between their two characters is clearly palpable throughout their estrangement in this film.

'Paradise' truly is a gem! If you haven't seen it, do so. You won't be sorry.

Surprisingly good. The cinematography and screenplay were excellent. Griffith played the role beautifully as did Don Johnson. This was the only movie that I liked both actors in. Elijah Wood's best performance too. This movie should have been nominated for many awards. It isn't often that the screenplay, acting, setting and theme come together so poignantly and effectively. I'd give this movie a 10.