There young American men meet in Malaysia and together enjoy a last fling before settling down for the rest of their lives. They enjoy the wonderful climate, the local women and the inexpensive local drug supply. Unfortunately soon after two of them (Vince Vaught, David Conrad) depart for New York, the local police while investigating a missing bicycle discover the unused drugs and arrest the remaining companion (River Phoenix).
Due to the quantity of drugs Malaysian law stipulates that it was an amount indicating trafficking and therefore mandates the death penalty. It is with this information that a lawyer (Anne Heche) arrives on the doorsteps of the two companions who returned to New York two years later. She informs them that they have 8 days to decide whether they will return to Malaysia and accept part of the responsibility and subsequently serve 3 years in prison each to prevent the death of their one time companion.
Well executed film with good performances especially from Heche and Vaughn, and a very compelling moral question. Would you be willing to spend 3 years of your life in a primitive prison to save the life of someone you only knew for a short period of time? Would the fact you were partly responsible be a factor in your decision. This is the dilemma which the two companions are confronted with, and it is the role of the lawyer to try and convince them of their responsibility.
The issue of the morality of the three young men and their behavior and drug use is barely eve addressed, but there is a message about the role and responsibility of the media thrown into the mix.
Review of Return to Paradise
