Bangkok Hilton (1989)

Sadly Over-hyped

Don't Believe the Hype

This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.

One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.

This couldn't be better - witness Denholm - Never Less - Than - Brilliant - Elliott at his usual best as a super top quality English boozer on a mission to get sober and sort his daughter's problems simultaneously - also Hugo Weaving as the best oily lawyer you'd want on your case and Nicole when she was an actress rather than a superstar or Mrs Tom Cruise or former Mrs Tom Cruise. When cute, asthmatic and incredibly wealthy Kat Stanton (Kidman) journeys to London on a genealogical quest she never imagines that the charming young man who beds her(Jerome Ehlers)will tuck several kilos of best quality heroin in the camera case he so kindly bought her. Needless to say it's discovered by an exceptionally clever airport dog with a penchant for class A drugs, and Ms Kidman is soon having a cosy chat with two rather grumpy policemen. This is where her troubles begin ....... she's in Thailand - where dope pushers face a mandatory death sentence - administered by a handsome young gent with a machine gun ! This film's got everything – including (like in Eastenders) a comedy ethnic postman. Purchase, watch, enjoy!

I loved this TV mini-series when I saw this many years ago. It is a wonderful story on multiple levels. It is about a girl Kat (played by Nicole Kidman when she still had very curly hair) searching for her father, and the trouble she gets herself into when she trusts, and is "set up" and abandoned, by a travelling companion. It is also educational in alerting all to the extreme dangers of trusting strangers. The characters are real and well portrayed. There is a good deal of suspense and insight into the legal and prison system in Thailand. I would love to see it again, or purchase the DVD. I don't understand why it apparently was not released in the US?

If you're an Aussie you will be well-aware of the recent Bali-based drug cases involving Schapelle Corby and the "Bali 9". The latter are clearly guilty and will pay for their crimes, many will say justifiably.Schapelle Corby's case is another matter altogether with opinion as to her guilt or otherwise being divided. Her case is very similar to Kidman's in that the drugs are alleged to be someone else's.If anyone saw Corby's reaction to her conviction on TV last November it is identical to Kidman's in the BH with shortness of breath, deep breathing, shocked look. The resemblance is uncanny: life imitates art which imitates life.Acting in the BH is superb all round. The story is well-written and harrowing, especially given those recent events. One can accept the Asian countries' reasons for their tough stance against drugs but emotions and sympathy for those jailed are stirred in the BH.It's amazing that this miniseries was made 20 years ago as it could have happened yesterday. Indeed the only differences are that the barbaric firing squad was replaced by more humane lethal injection (just 3 years ago) and that actors such as Kidman and Weaving have moved on to even greater acclaim and Elliott has unfortunately passed on.... and the callous Ehlers has left an indelible impression, typecast for life by me at least.

You have to see this movie! As it was said in the other comment, the story is very exciting and the play of the actors is just super! I was, however, very surprised to see there was only one comment on this movie! Haven't you seen this? I can guarantee that after seeing this one you will definitely want to stay our of jail and away from Thailand. Trust my word! The story is very beautiful and there's no way to tell for sure how it will end (if you haven't seen it before). If you like adventure and close to truth stories then this one is for you. Can suggest you also to see "If tomorrow comes" with Tom Berenger and "Shawshank redemption"!! Just marvelous!