Is East & West: Paradises Lost Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1993)

📖 The Core Premise

East & West: Paradises Lost returns to the screen in 1993, bringing a fresh narrative to the Documentary, History genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "In this quasi-semi-documentary, a Russian angel leads viewers in a quest to discover what, if anything, remains of the great, utopian "American Dream" now that the so-called "Worker's Paradise" dream of Russia has passed completely into oblivion. Along the way, real celebrities and working members the film community in Hollywood are interviewed, and a number of "types" are impersonated by actors. Some of the celebrities interviewed include Jacqueline Bisset, Zsa Zsa Gabor, and screenwriter Jonathan Lawton (the Pretty Woman script writer)."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. In East & West: Paradises Lost, even the presence of Philippe Bergeron struggles to save a script that feels disjointed. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Documentary. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is East & West: Paradises Lost worth your time? If you appreciate Documentary, History films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, East & West: Paradises Lost misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 70 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.