Plenty to Like, Plenty to Dislike

Excellent, Without a doubt!!

Strong acting helps the film overcome an uncertain premise and create characters that hold our attention absolutely.

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

Paris is a psychological/noir film that stars Chad Allen, Bai Ling and James Russo.It was directed by Ramin Niami and written by Niami and Steven Beschloss as well.The plot of the movie is about a young and rookie detective Jason Bartok that tries to escape his past in the company of his dead partner's girlfriend,who in turn wants to escape the seedy underworld of Los Angeles and Las Vegas. It follows his disturbing journey through the shadowy underworld of Los Angeles and Las Vegas, illuminated only by a sweet but short-lived romance with a strikingly beautiful, enigmatic woman. As the tale unfolds, he accidentally shoots his corrupt partner, Leon, grabbing stolen money from the crime scene at the older policeman's urging. The guilt-ridden young man quickly takes to the road to track down Leon's lover, Linda/Shen Li, an illegal Chinese immigrant, to deliver the bag of cash to her. Jason's search takes in seedy motels and rough bars, an L.A. massage parlor and a Nevada ranch, until finally in a dingy Vegas dive, he discovers the irresistible Linda, a sparkling jewel ensnared by the sex trade. Stalked by thugs, the money's "rightful owners", Jason and Linda are thrust together to make their escape through the haunting landscape that is the California desert. As Linda's "American Dream" continues to crumble and Jason struggles with numbing guilt, passion takes over these star-crossed lovers desperate for a fresh start. As maybe only beautiful young lovers can,they envision life beyond their differing values, allegiances, and doom itself.Paris is an a good psychological film.Chad Allen and Bai Ling did have a good performance as the lead stars of the film.Although the movie remains average,it still worth one's time to discover about how prostitution that involves Asians and a rookie detective that are involved in investigation about sex trade.

Not having a clue as what to expect, and the prospect of nothing better to watch, we decided to tune in this crime film that showed a good promise as it starts, but it clearly went downhill as the hero, Jason Bartok, (any relation to Bela Bartok, the great composer, is purely coincidental) gets involved in a love affair with the exotic Linda.Director Ramin Niami who wrote the material with Steve Beschloss, probably had a better picture in his mind than what really comes out in the finished product. The movie has a lot of elements that have been better done in other films of this genre. There are situations that require a stretch of the imagination.The best thing in the film is Lin Bai, a beautiful presence in any film. Karen Black is asked to play the madam of a shady joint, camping all the way to the top. Chad Allen's Bartok probably required a different tone.Oh, and by the way, Bartok and Linda gets close to Paris at the conclusion of the story!What worked best in the film is the phenomenal cinematography by Jack Cochram who captures some great scenery one does not get to see often in Hollywood movies. Also the music score by John Cale contributes to create the atmosphere of the story.

Paris is a beautiful contemporary film noir. The photography is excellent and shows how great DV can look. The film offers an impressive combination of unique visual motifs with an intriguing plot. The romantic story is highlighted by Bai Ling's captivating acting. Her beauty stands out and she shows a wide emotional range. Considering she is still at the beginning of a great career!Also, Karen Black adds some extra sparks to the story.Overall, the filmmakers created a wonderful enjoyable film, I would highly recommend it!

A demonstration of how good a performer can be, even when the movie is ineptly directed and photographed. Bai Ling stands out for her emotional range and beauty, despite the fact that the camera here doesn't fails to take best advantage of her. The plot is the routine corrupt cops story, full of plot holes, not making much sense, with a couple thrown together and finding tragic love. The film's style constantly distracts and annoys with repetitive canted angles and a failure to take advantage of scenic possibilities, especially in the desert. The seams show so badly that it is barely above the standard of a student film. Bai Ling deserves so much better, yet withal still worth seeing just for her sake as a lesson in the art of acting.