Beyond Rangoon (1995)

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. After losing her passport at a political rally, she... See full summary »

Director:

John Boorman

Writers:

Alex Lasker, Bill Rubenstein

Stars:

Patricia Arquette, U Aung Ko, Frances McDormand

2 wins & 3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
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
Kuswadinata	...	Colonel at Hotel (as Kuswadinath Bujang)
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

Storyline

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. After losing her passport at a political rally, she is left on her own for a few days, during which time she falls in with students fighting for democracy. She and their leader, U Aung Ko, travel through Burma, whilst witnessing many bloody acts of repression by the dictatorship, in an attempt to escape to Thailand. Based on a true story.

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Plot Keywords:

burma | escape | dictatorship | doctor | travel | 

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Taglines:

Truth has a witness

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Genres:

Action | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for depiction of violent political oppression

Details

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

25 August 1995 (USA)

Also Known As:

Rangoon

Filming Locations:

Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia

Box Office

Budget:

$23,000,000 (estimated)

Gross USA:

$5,750,110

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$14,700,000

Company Credits

Production Co:

Castle Rock Entertainment, Columbia Pictures Corporation

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min 93 min (TV)

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital SDDS

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

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

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Goofs

Some of the women are wearing men's longyi (skirts).

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Quotes

[first lines]
Laura Bowman: The trip was Andy's idea. It was easier to say yes than argue. Always that way with my sister. She meant well. Touch of the exotic east would get me away from all the things that reminded me of what happened. But it didn't. Where ever I looked, I saw only the moment when my life ended.

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Connections

Featured in Looking Beyond Rangoon: Truth Has a Witness (2009)

User Reviews

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?"