The Beach (2000)

Dir Danny Boyle

Written by

Leonardo DiCaprio, Tilda Swinton, Virginie Ledoyen, Guillaume Canet, Robert Carlyle.

American travelling in Thailand Richard (DiCaprio), meets three people at a backpackers he is staying at; the French couple, that includes the stunning Françoise (Ledoyen), and her boyfriend Étienne (Canet), and the Scottish Daffy. Daffy shows him a map to a secret Island Beach, so Richard goes out searching for ‘the beach’ with the French couple. They soon arrive at the Island, and find a group of recluses, led by the mysterious Sal (Swinton).

Despite this film being almost 25 years old at the time of writing this, this was my first time watching it… and in researching the reception it received on release, I had to agree with the response. Unfortunately this was not a very good movie.

The direction by Boyle is fine, and the location shots were lovely, but that’s about where the positives end. The characters are not overly likeable, with Richard – the protagonist, hard to really root for with some of the actions he takes throughout the film. Other characters are either poorly written, or poorly executed.

The pacing is okay, with the traditional three acts (first act – getting to the island, second act – the positive times, third act – the drama), but the overall story falls apart in the third act. Richard’s behaviour doesn’t make any sense, and it doesn’t make any sense to the rest of the film.

There are some aged graphics within as well, which considering it was made in 2000 is a little off putting.

The score and soundtrack are solid as well, with some memorable songs by artists like Moby and All Saints.

Only okay and not something I would watch again, primarily due to the silly third act.