“We are taught that suffering is one promise that life always keeps. So that when happiness comes we know it is a gift, and it is ours only for a brief time.” – U Aung Ko
Number of Times Seen – At least twice (Cable in the 90’s and 3 Jun 2021)
Brief Synopsis – Following a personal tragedy a doctor travels to the Far East and while visiting Rangoon, Burma, she is moved by the rebellious nature of the people and decides to try and help their cause.
My Take on it – This is a film that I recall seeing not long after it came out and despite not knowing anything about the uprising in Burma, I found this film quite educational in the way it tells this story.
Patricia Arquette is great in the lead role and makes the viewer care much about her characters past and her current plight due to the way they flesh out her character.
The scenes are filmed in a very suspenseful way which helps make the story even more powerful to watch unfold.
The story is able to explain the strife in the country in a someone simplistic way, but at the same time, it helps keep things engaging throughout.
Loved seeing Spalding Gray and Frances McDormand in small roles, but the best supporting turn is by a completely unknown actor; U Aung Ko, who plays a character named for himself.
John Boorman does a nice job directing this film and keeping things gripping and informative at the same time about the Burmese struggles of the 1980’s.
Recommended!
MovieRob’s Favorite Trivia – Patricia Arquette’s role was originally intended for Meg Ryan. (From IMDB)
Rating – Globe Worthy (7/10)
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