Brokedown Palace

Before I saw this film, I thought that Claire Danes and Kate Beckinsale are pretty good-looking chicks. But they are hotter now that when they were twenty. Other than that, they got entangled in quite an interesting conflict with a classical 1990’s atmosphere and a solid blow-up at the end. The ending makes the movie worth watching. You won’t believe it until you see it. In my opinion, this is the greatest self-sacrifice in the history of film. (10/03/2016)

The defense's challenge to the defendants: admit your guilt, and show remorse, and the judge will be lenient toward you, and you will receive a minimum sentence, about 40 years without parole. A different country, different customs, and different criminal code. Two Czech boys learned that when they received 50 years in prison. In Europe and the States, there are legends about the Thai justice system, but it cannot be said that draconian punishments can truly reduce crime and limit drug trafficking. Thanks to the testimony of one Czech prisoner, who was able to return home, we have a fairly good idea of how things work in Bangkok with foreign inmates. Both the girls in the film had it somewhat easier, like movie heroines, because the United States managed to negotiate special conditions for their convicted citizens - much to the outrage of other foreign prisoners. Although it is a solidly acted thriller, it is nowhere near the top rankings of its genre, as it lacks a quality direction and screenplay, and essentially represents only a better average. Jonathan Kaplan tries to spice up his film with uncertainty about the level of guilt of his characters, who naturally play the usual game of the accused and convicted, claiming a judicial error or conspiracy. However, only having one truly excellent scene at the end does not make it an exceptional drama. The most interesting aspect of Kaplan's film is probably the presence of then-emerging stars of the television screen and the silver screen, Claire Danes and Kate Beckinsale. Overall impression: 65%. (04/05/2014)

A neat little film, full of great performances and excellent music. This is where Hollywood discovered Claire Danes and Kate Beckinsale. (02/09/2014)