Such a frustrating disappointment

Excellent adaptation.

There are better movies of two hours length. I loved the actress'performance.

One of the film's great tricks is that, for a time, you think it will go down a rabbit hole of unrealistic glorification.

I think this film is rather poor. I didn't like the soundtrack, it wasn't suitable and far too noticeable. I found the plot to be mediocre at best, but by far the worst part of the movie is the total lack of likeable characters. Except for the French guy I guess, all characters are utterly despicable with near to no redeeming qualities and they haven't been fleshed out that well. I can handle a film with unlikable characters and even love it sometimes, however in this film the other elements (plot, themes, fun) didn't counter this lack in well-developed or likeable characters. The cinematography was ok I guess and the acting was actually really good, as can be expected from Leonardo di Caprio and Tilda Swinton. But they couldn't save the film in my opinion.

I recommend you see this movie. It was one of those films that I have kept on my watchlist for a long time but never really wanted to give it a try because people said it was not really good. I think if you see this film alone and just try to enjoy it; it will take you on a suspenseful ride where you look forward with tension to what will happen next. I did not get bored. The film is so well done that I didn't get distracted at all, it just kind of flows naturally and you are really attached to the characters. You might feel excitement, anger, fear, sadness. There have been a few places where I thought the characters should have done something else - but that is me, someone would probably have acted the way they did. Overall, this movie touched me though not in a sad way; it just felt really convincing and makes you think about it. Good actors, obviously good crew, interesting setting. Well done and recommended. I didn't read the book so can't elaborate on that.

This movie was perfect from beginning to end. i literally didn't find anything wrong with it. it was dramatic, entertaining, brutal adventure. I really can't put my finger on to why this movie was panned by critics. I watched hundreds of films in the last 25 years and "the beach" is a stand out. Leonardo DiCaprio is charming as he always, the other actors and actresses are amazing as well. Actually, the whole concept of finding this community of European travelers on a deserted island in Thailand surrounded by drugs farmers was gripping and compelling. I never read the book but I'm sure it's great as well. Friends, don't listen to ignorant reviewers, some of them are just mean and the others are industry workers. Not every reviewer on the internet is legit. Enjoy the beach!

The Beach (2000): Dir: Danny Boyle / Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tilda Swinton, Robert Carlyle, Virginie Ledoyan, Guillaume Canet: Intriguing film until one sees through its phony advertizing and dreary writing. Title regards opportunity and freedom, which is something the characters believe they've found until the fine print reveals unexpected dangers. Leonardo DiCaprio plays a drifter who is given a map to a paradise island. He ventures to the island and encounters people who made it their home. Lame subplots include shark attacks, romantic elements, and a dope crop. Director Danny Boyle cannot sort out the mess and hardly capitalizes on his success with Trainspotting. Ravishing production and photography are an asset. DiCaprio goes half way with his performance. He gains possession of this map and then inhabits another culture or lifestyle as well as romance two women but he goes through unexplained personality lapses in the third act that make little sense. Tilda Swinton is intriguing as an islander until she basically becomes a romantic prop. Robert Carlyle appears briefly with the map before he kills himself in a drunken state. Virginie Ledoyan and her boyfriend, played by Guillaume Canet accompany DiCaprio before also becoming a romantic prop situation. It addresses the perfect fantasy but as a film it is no fantasy and certainly no day at the beach. Score: 5 ½ / 10