SOMEWHERE ON THIS PLANET IT MUST EXIST.

Young American Richard (Leonardo DiCaprio), who’s backpacking in Thailand, finds a map that supposedly will take him to a paradise untouched by humans.

John Hodge’s novel is a modern classic and many of its fans hated what the filmmakers did, a decidedly less dark adventure than the novel conjured. Still, this adaptation is worth a look, its portrait of a “Shangri-La” appealing, even if the effect that place has on people turns predictable at times.

DiCaprio is OK as the not too bright Richard who loses himself in the jungle. 

2000-U.S. 120 min. Color. Widescreen. Directed by Danny Boyle. Screenplay: John Hodge. Novel: Alex Garland. Song: ”Pure Shores” (performed by All Saints). Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio (Richard), Tilda Swinton (Sal), Virginie Ledoyen (Francoise), Guillaume Canet, Paterson Joseph, Robert Carlyle. 

Trivia: The decision not to cast Ewan McGregor, Boyle’s friend and frequent collaborator, in the lead resulted in a rift between them that lasted a long time.