A Film That Takes You Away.

Rating: Null/10 (19 December 2000)

The Beach, from the makers of Trainspotting, is a film that possesses the magic quality in that it actually takes you to that idyllic and secluded island on which it was filmed. An enjoyable and exciting film, it is especially impactful on young people who are likely to connect with it's themes of leaving home, travelling and doing something you have never done before like drink snake's blood (in the film). The acting by lead Leonardo DiCaprio is excellent as is that of beautiful newcomer to Hollywood (however a seasoned French actor) Virginie Ledoyen. These two are supported by an excellent cast that includes Robert Carlisle and Guillaume Canet. The directing by Danny Boyle reminds us that is one of the most exciting directors currently at work. The storyline is suspenseful and the end is definitely not what many expected. The cinematography captures the scenery amazingly and this is matched by a soundtrack that has to be one of the best this year including tracks by Underworld and Leftfield. The Beach shows the viewer what paradise is, how quickly it can be lost and to what lengths some people will go to find it and defend it from others. The Beach is an excellent film, definitely worth watching, 9/10.