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List Price: $14.98 | | Label: MGM (Video & DVD)
Salesrank: 21293
Released: December 26, 2001 |
| Our Price: $2.85 |
| Used Price: $3.79 |
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MPAA Rating: R (Restricted)
Media: DVD |
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Editorial Review:
In a small Florida town, a tantalizing tale of mystery, passion and fatal obsession unfolds under the sultry spell of a full moon. OscarÂ(r) nominee* and Golden GlobeÂ(r) winner** Ed Harris (Apollo 13) and Madeleine Stowe (The Last of the Mohicans) turn up the heat in this sexy, stylish thriller. Together with co-stars OscarÂ(r) winner Benecio Del Toro*** (Traffic) and Charles Dance, Harris and Stowe deliver searing performances in this deliciously dark web of love, lust and lies that "keeps you guessing" (Los Angeles Times) until the final mesmerizing frame. Homicide detective Kyle Bodine (Harris) is the best in the business. Buteven a cop as brilliant as Kyle can become confused in the embrace of a seductive woman. What starts as a casual flirtation with local beauty Rachel Munro (Stowe) escalates into a desire that cannot be denied. And when Rachel's need to escape her unhappy marriage to an abusive banker ends in murder, Kyle becomes trapped in a bewildering nightmare of deceit and deadly betrayal. *2002: Supporting Actor, The Hours; 2000: Actor, Pollock; 1998: Supporting Actor, The Truman Show; 1995: Supporting Actor, Apollo 13 **1998: Supporting Actor, The Truman Show ***2000: Supporting Actor, Traffic
Description of China Moon:
Ed Harris, Madeline Stowe, and Benicio Del Toro star in this tricky modern noir. Harris plays Kyle Bodine, a police detective with a keen eye for detail and seemingly all the answers. His axiom is that murderers "always screw it up sooner or later," and if you think those words won't come back to haunt him, you don't know your suspense movies. He soon runs into Rachel (Stowe), who is rich, beautiful, and married to an abusive husband. The plot rolls along nicely toward the murder we all know is coming, then gives a few good twists on the way out. Del Toro, not yet famous in this 1991 release, does a terrific more-than-meets-the-eye acting job as Kyle's partner Lamar. This is a fun thriller that hits all the suspense film marks but still manages to keep a few surprises up its sleeve. --Ali Davis
China Moon Reviews:
China Moon DVD Review 
2009-08-14 - China Moon is an entertaining film with fine performances by Ed Harris and Madeleine Stowe; it also has a good score by George Fenton. My only comment is as follows: The main police investigation in the film revolves around the difference between the diameters of 38 Special and 9mm bullets. The fact of the matter is that there's no difference between the diameters of these two bullets; both 38 Special and 9mm bullets are .357 inch in diameter; in other words, 38 Special bullet diameter is also 9 millimeter. The 38 Special is not to be confused with the ordinary 38 caliber. The gun in question in the movie is a 38 Special, as in fact mentioned in one scene by the police captain when he's talking with Ed Harris.
MESMERIZING ROMANTIC THRILLER/FILM NOIR 
2009-06-22 - I was really impressed with the movie "China Moon". The DVD quality is excellent, with outstanding picture quality. In this movie, Ed Harris stars as Kyle Bodine, a Florida police detective who's been in the business a long time and has been teamed up with Lamar Dickey, played by Benicio del Torro, as his new partner. One night at a local bar, Kyle spots Rachel, played by Madeleine Stowe, and is immediately smitten. It doesn't take much imagination to figure out what will happen next. Suffice it here to say they begin an affair, but Rachel is married.
The scene that impressed me most was the one out on the lake, when they are out in the canoe under that brilliant moon, with the water shining in the moonlight. It's really stunning visual imagery and the director did an outstanding job of using this scene to help create real chemistry between Harris and Stowe. They seemed to relate well anyway, and were highly believable as being in love. Charles Dance also gives an outstanding performance as Stowe's highly abusive banker husband; he gives you the chills just by looking at him.
If you are looking for a romantic suspense thriller with real chemistry and stunning visual imagery, plus excellent acting, I highly recommend "China Moon." It is one to hang onto and watch over and over.
no title 
2006-03-27 - I don't know, I don't think it merits more than three stars, in spite of one terrific cast. The plot is not that original and the ending is terribly unsatisfying, even if it is perhaps more true to life. Ed Harris looks great here, but the one to watch is his partner, Benicio Del Toro, who was Rosie Perez' husband in "Fearless". This was filmed before "Blink" which also starred Stowe. Was set in Florida and the house they used - the outside - was georgeous, with one of those wrap-around porches. I kept wondering throughout why they made such a point of showing Stowe's wedding ring flashing. It was distracting since nothing came of it. And no mention of how Stowe connected to Del Toro at all. They don't seem to move in the same circles. Also doesn't make sense that her husband wouldn't give her anything in a divorce, because she had some very incriminating pictures taken of him in bed with the blond hired by Del Toro, who worked at Dance's bank. And how did they connect up? She stood to get more by going for being Dance's next wife. Lots of questions; no answers.
Commit a crime and the world is made of glass
2004-06-13 - This devasting Emerson's statement works out in this modern film noir with stunning accuracy.
Ed Harris falls in love with a femme fatale (the seductive Madeleine Stowe) . She is a married woman and obviosuly all the consequences derivated from this affair will be a real elevator to the gallow.
The surrounding atmosphere is dark and the dramatic nucleus of the picture with the rain as a background seems anticipate the demons that will get out from the Pandora box.
Ed Harris is superb like the policeman who slow but progressively watchs how his efforts for avoid to be discovered as the cover woman become ashes.
The somber role of this double face cop played by Benicio del Toro was a hit for him.
Madeleine Stowe is perfect. She is still one of the most beatiful actress in the cinema , but her shame gaze shines with amazing realism. She reminds me too much to a spanish actress called Ana Torrent (Thesis) .
It's hard to forget the long tradition of the film noir in the american cinema . The two most remarkable triumphs given in the
eighties were Body Heat and The Black Widow.
However, the director John Bailey assumed the challenge and won the match with this film.
Excelent atmosphere though I feel too much enlightment in certain sequences. If not for that detail, I would give this film five stars.
movie noir at its best
2003-11-17 - they dont make movies like this anymore.Lamar Dickey is just another wide eyed wet behind the ears rookie cop or so it would seem to his partner.this movie takes a very Hitchcock like turn and suddenly the detective investigating the bank owners murder is now the prime suspect!
