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Review

There's a telling moment in Paradise Road which transcends traditional POW films. British prisoner Close is taken into the jungle by the guard who has beaten her. Instead of another attack, this heretofore monster reveals an unexpected humanity which takes her by surprise -- through the universality of music, there is the slightest glimmer of hope. And it is through music that the prisoners of Paradise Road retain their faith and the will to survive. Based on actual incidents which occured in a Japanese POW camp during WWII, this is the affecting, hard-hitting story of a group of female Allied prisoners who for nearly three years suffered at the hands of the often brutal Japanese. Under the leadership of Close, the women form a "vocal orchestra" to show the enemy "they still have life to them." Though it sometimes approaches sappy and clichéd waters, it is quite touching and affirming. Close's stirring performance is the film's center of gravity, and Collins as a missionary excels in support.