leplatypus It's not a surprise that it's a movie from the 90s simply because actually there aren't no more American movie like this : a movie that puts a common (not famous) woman in the spotlight, that supports (civil) war victims, that denounces violence and that have no gratuitous sex ! As it happens in Burma, the movie is great for exotic vacations and really transcendent with Buddhism spirit : joy is only temporary and above all, violence isn't the answer for violence : like the old professor says, if we kill our enemies because they kill us, we become like them ! It's so true that everybody forgets it today like welcoming refugees ! The movie also really gets me because i'm writing a world tour novel and it happens i'm in Burma now after getting out Thailand (the reverse of the movie) : so i know the Karen and the desolated, poor way of life: outside the few cities, it's the jungle and the huts, with indeed checkpoints and corrupted soldiers, and for sure Buddhas everywhere ! Patricia may be a shy, quiet girl but she is very courageous to act in those conditions and she shows a strong spirit and find her own illumination! Her old friend is amazing and embodies all the oriental wisdom ! For a movie i watched to check Frances filmography, she ended here as a nice bonus !

Nicholas Rhodes I am afraid I will have to add my name to the long list of people who remain flabbergasted that this film has STILL not ( sept 2007 ) been issued on DVD. It's one of those mysteries that makes the mind boggle, especially when you consider the amount of DVD's available today containing material that should have been binned years ago. Still I have an excellent digital VHS copy in English with subtitles and Nicam Stereo so my qualm is more one of principle than a frustration at not being able to view the film. As to the film itself, this is an excellent all-rounder with good picture quality, more than satisfactory soundtrack, lively plot involving suspense, emotion, sadness, frustration, feeling good and exotic surroundings ( for a European ). How true the film fits in with the reality in Burma I have no idea, indeed, that is less important, the essential thing is that entertainment-wise, it is a success. One soon becomes attached to each of the main characters and I admit to having my heart in my mouth during the final crossing-the-river scene. It's a shame we hear so little about countries such as Burma and this film at least gives some insight into the country. Has the situation changed since 1995 ? The events which are to occur later this month seem to answer this question with a resounding "No" and the regime in place seems to be as brutal as ever, not even sparing the lives of monks, let alone women or children !

Olaf Mertens I am very surprised to see the good ratings for this movie.I watched the film 9 years ago and I still remember how angry I felt to sit in the movie theatre and to look at this mess. I am a big fan of John Boorman's work. I really like his movies. So I went to "Beyond Rangoon" with big expectations. But I felt like watching a dumb, cheap Chuck Norris jungle movie with all action scenes cut out. Even the soundtrack was very annoying.I can't believe that John Boorman was the director because this movie was so badly done. I think the Burmese people deserve better films to illustrate their struggle.

mdholt I would give this movie a good strong 7. While it definantly isn't the greatest movie, or even one the best movies of it's kind (The Killing Fields is better) it does at least attempt to tell a necessary story.I think the method of introducing Laura into Burma was a bit contrived. First of all, Burma isn't exactly the easiest country to visit, especially in the late 80's. Secondly, if you did make it Burma, your passport would not get lost. A sane person would make darn sure they knew where their passport was at all times. With that in mind, I'm sure the screenwriter knew that was weak, but needed something. Patricia Arquette's performance was understated, and I just didn't buy that she was a doctor. However, at least she didn't overact the role, which often happens in movies like this. U Aung Ko was good, but also understated. The end is hard to follow, since most of the dialogue is in Burmese, with people translating for Laura. It would have been difficult for Laura, and is difficult for the viewer as well. Another plus is the strong SE Asian scenery in the film, which was enjoyable to see.