Beyond Rangoon (1995)

User Rating:

6.4/10   

Director:

John Boorman

Writers (WGA):

Alex Lasker (written by) &
Bill Rubenstein (written by)

Release Date:

25 August 1995 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Tagline:

Truth has a witness

Plot:

Laura is trying to pick up the pieces of her life after the murder of her husband and son, and goes on vacation with her sister to Burma...

Plot Keywords:

Burma | Travel | Bloody Body Of Child | Place Name In Title | Firing Squad

Awards:

2 wins & 3 nominations

Cast

Patricia Arquette	...	Laura Bowman
U Aung Ko	...	U Aung Ko
Frances McDormand	...	Andy Bowman
Spalding Gray	...	Jeremy Watt
Tiara Jacquelina	...	San San, Hotel Desk Clerk
Kuswadinath Bujang	...	Colonel at Hotel
Victor Slezak	...	Mr. Scott
Jit Murad	...	Sein Htoo
Ye Myint	...	Zaw Win
Cho Cho Myint	...	Zabai
Johnny Cheah	...	Min Han
Haji Mohd Rajoli	...	Karen Father
Azmi Hassan	...	Older Karen Boy
Ahmad Fithi	...	Younger Karen Boy
Adelle Lutz	...	Aung San Suu Kyi

MPAA:

Rated R for depiction of violent political oppression.

Runtime:

100 min | Turkey:93 min (TV version)

Country:

UK | USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital | SDDS

Certification:

South Korea:12 | Singapore:PG | Norway:15 | Argentina:16 | Finland:K-16 | Germany:12 (w) | Portugal:M/12 | Spain:13 | Sweden:15 | UK:12 | USA:R (certificate #33655) | Iceland:16 (video rating) | Iceland:12 (original rating)

Filming Locations:

Perak, Malaysia

Company:

Castle Rock Entertainment

Trivia:

Patricia Arquette's role was originally intended for Meg Ryan.

Goofs:

Continuity: When Patricia Arquette arrives at the railroad station, a train is standing on the track nearest the platform. When she runs to get on the train, it is just pulling in to the station.

Quotes:

Doctor: Who the hell are you?
Laura Bowman: I'm a doctor, do you need any help?
Doctor: Are you kiddin', how long can you stay?
Laura Bowman: As long as it takes.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Seinfeld: The Pool Guy (#7.8)" (1995)

Inspiring

Patricia Arquette plays American doctor Laura Bowman, who takes a holiday to Burma in an attempt to heal her spirit after the murders of her husband and young son. She is left behind in Rangoon during a military crackdown and leaves the city with an aging man who works as a "tour guide." But he is no simple tour guide; he is a professor who introduces her to the life outside of the tourist traps ... the two of them get caught up in the political upheaval and Laura sees with her own eyes how the government betrays and oppresses its own people.

This movie is one of my favorites because of its themes. First, it's informational (describing some of the injustices that are occurring in Burma). Secondly, it's about a woman's struggle to find meaning in life after an incredible loss. Thirdly, it's about compassion and sacrifice, and people coming together - without even knowing each other - to endure pain and fear.

Just about every beautiful scene in this movie is important; nothing is wasted here. It's an earnest and moving film. There is also a very emotional score composed by Hans Zimmer which complements scenes nicely.

A definite recommend, especially to people concerned with human rights ... and people who want to know, "What purpose can I serve?"