Definitely one of the most underrated movies out there!

Rating: 8/10 (22 May 2009)

I can't really remember when I saw The Beach for the first time, it was probably some time after it's release, 2000-2002. I remember though that most people didn't think too highly of this movie, which in a way, kind of bummed me out. I guess the majority of film viewers don't really feel like opening their minds too much, they just want something easy and then 2 hours later they go on with their lives. And with a film like this, that doesn't really work out. You have to give it some time and keep your mind open for incoming ideas. It's very philosophical in a way, which actually is one of the greatest things about it.
With time as I saw this movie once and once, here and there, I started noticing all the little things in this movie that really make it what it is; an outstanding example of excellent film-making. This movie takes you somewhere else... which in my opinion is a big point in film-making.
People who tend to glue themselves to the ground, over-analyzing details every step of the way; might not find this movie as rewarding as people who give in to every emotion that comes along the way.
The story follows the adventure of Richard, an American(the only two things we know about him) who's on his great journey to experience something unique.. something else than what is to be found in his everyday life. He eventually hooks up with two Europeans after he hears about this magical island, a paradise island covered with white sand and surrounded by crystal clear ocean. Without going into the plot more thoroughly I'll say that what struck me so hard about this movie is that, like said in the movie; that paradise is not a place you find or a somewhere you just go to. It's something you'll only find in time while exploring the abundance of landscapes, cultures, societies and of course all the visually stunning wonders of our world. It might not last long, maybe not even a second, but if you'll ever get there.. you'll remember it as long as you live. And our little protagonist is willing to go great lengths to reach that moment, even if there's the chance of death. Once in a place of purity, freedom and never-ending euphoria the character finds that there is a thin line between paradise and hell. How such beautiful places can so swiftly take away your sanity.
I'll say that I haven't yet had the courage to embark on such a great trip yet, I intend to. But meanwhile, this movie successfully takes me to that place of paradise where every problem just goes away. The soundtrack to this movie, combined with stunning cinematography is just something that makes you forget everything and sucks you into this world of perfection, where even the most lustrous shores can evenly be paralleled by hell.
Give this movie a shot and just use your imagination for a while. I watch this movie probably several times a year and it's one of those movies that just soothes me down.
I give this movie a 9 because it exceeded my expectations by far and gives me everything I expect from it. It fulfills it's role perfectly. Highly recommendable to anyone longing to travel the world, just to see something new.