The Beach

***
Release Date: February 11th 2000

Twenty-something Richard travels to Thailand and finds himself in possession of a strange map. Rumours state that it leads to a solitary beach paradise, a tropical bliss - excited and intrigued, he sets out to find it.

Director: Danny Boyle (Trainspotting)

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert Carlyle, Tilda Swinton

Not long after The Titanic comes The Beach, a cult classic that's hard to love and hard to dislike. It's strangely unique; it's story is a catastrophe of young travellers starting afresh, escaping the burdens of the world, only to find out that paradise isn't what it seems.

All goes down the pan when Richard (DiCaprio) turns up with French backpacker couple Francoise and Etienne. Everything that the other islanders got away from comes back to them with the newcomers.

Danny Boyle is a genius in the psychedelic, man-gone-crazy field. All you need to do is watch Trainspotting to know what The Beach is like. Leonardo DiCaprio is a perfect fit as Richard, showcasing his capability as an accomplished actor. Flipping the mental switch comes naturally. Like Boyle's previous work, The Beach won't impress everyone. This is not a way to travel, it demonstrates a group of young adults running away from actual responsibilities. The characters can come across as childish. Maybe this is aimed at a younger audience only.

What the film lacks in depth, easily makes up for in cinematography and its soundtrack. With music from New Order, Moby and Bob Marley and visually exceptional landscapes it's simple to forget all else.

Apart from Richard and the French couple, the only other interesting character is Robert Carlyle's Daffy, who's off his rocker, telling Richard about beach paradise. It's just a shame he's not in it for long.

Overview: Danny Boyle's films are unique, keeping you hooked whether you like it or not. The Beach fits this, with DiCaprio being favoured over Boyle's usual favourite Ewan McGregor. It's hard to imagine anyone else play the part.