Watch Paradise
- PG-13
- 1991
- 1 hr 51 min
-
6.6 (3,102)
Paradise is a 1991 romantic drama film that features Melanie Griffith, Don Johnson, and Elijah Wood. The movie tells the story of a young boy named Willard Young (Elijah Wood) who is tragically orphaned following a plane crash that claims the lives of his parents. Willard is left with his paternal grandparents in Iowa, where his grandfather dies shortly after Willard's arrival. His grandmother is forced to sell their farm and move to California to live with her son and his wife, a social-climbing woman who has never liked Willard.
In California, Willard struggles to adapt to his new life. He misses his parents terribly and is estranged from his stepmother. One day, while he is exploring the nearby forest, he stumbles upon a widowed woman named Lily Reed (Melanie Griffith) living in a cabin. Lily has been living in isolation ever since her own husband died in a tragic accident.
Against all odds, Willard and Lily forge a deep bond. They share a love of nature and a deep sense of loss, which draws them closer together. Lily hires Willard to work for her, doing odd jobs around her homestead. In the meantime, Willard's father Jack (Don Johnson) comes to California, hoping to reconcile with his son. Jack realizes that his wife has mistreated Willard, and he wants to make things right.
As Jack becomes more involved in Willard's life, he begins to see the special relationship that has developed between Willard and Lily. Jack becomes jealous, thinking that Lily is trying to replace him in his son's life. Jack does not realize that his son has found a new sense of belonging and purpose with Lily, and he tries to force Willard to choose between them.
Paradise is a heartwarming film that explores themes of loss, redemption, and the power of connection. Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson's performances are excellent, portraying complicated characters with sensitivity and depth. Elijah Wood, in his first major role, is outstanding as the young boy trying to find his place in the world. The film is set against the beautiful backdrop of California's rugged wilderness, adding to its charm and appeal.
The film's plot is well-crafted, with several unexpected twists and turns that keep the viewer engaged. The film's pacing is spot on, giving the characters room to grow and develop naturally. The film's emotional climax is poignant and satisfying, and it leaves the viewer with a sense of hope and possibility.
Overall, Paradise is a timeless film that holds up well over time. It is a beautiful portrayal of the power of human connection and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of loss and adversity. It is a must-watch for fans of romantic dramas and coming-of-age stories alike.
Paradise is a 1991 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 51 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.