Golden Gate MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +2 Content: -2

One of FBI agent Kevin Walker's (Matt Dillon) first cases is to expose communist supporters in San Francisco's Chinatown in 1952. He and his partner Ron (Bruno Kirby) are directed to Chen Jung Song (Tzi Ma), a laundry worker who heads an organization sending money to relatives in China. Kevin's tenacity results in a 10-year prison sentence for Song. When he is released in 1962, an outcast Song commits suicide. In remorse Kevin offers to help Song's daughter, Marilyn (Joan Chen), a college student. They become lovers, but when Marilyn learns that Kevin has lied to her about who he really is, she turns against him. In 1968, Marilyn decides to sue the FBI for the false conviction of her father as a way of getting back at Kevin. But Kevin has changed his views. This is a depressing story with too few good moments. Even the decent acting can't bridge the entertainment gap.

When Kevin is asked if he had to choose between the law and justice, he says he would choose justice, although his actions follow the law. The story explores the consequences of his following the law. Unfortunately, it seems to be another chance to bash government agencies about conspiracies and coverups. The film also reflects the communist paranoia of the 50's, racial prejudice and the campus reactionaries of the 60's. Ron makes some crude remarks about women's breasts and the dialogue contains a number of crude and obscene words and a few profanities. There is very little violence, except for an over-played police raid when police hit and kick a student. There are two suicides but, in surprising restraint, no impact is shown. Intercourse is implied twice between Kevin and a girlfriend, and later between Kevin and Marilyn, but the nudity is obscured. Kevin begins to embrace more of the Chinese philosophy while dating Marilyn. In one scene he is shown praying to an oriental goddess. While the film shows the consequences of Kevin's choices, there's no reward for attempts to right the wrong.

Preview Reviewer: Paul R. Bicking
Distributor: The Samuel Goldwyn Company, 10203 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90067-6403