End of Violence MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +2 Content: -2

Paranoid Michael Max (Bill Pullman) lives imprisoned by his fear of attack from unknown sources. He is a famous Hollywood producer of violent action movies who lives with his beautiful, bored wife, Paige (Andie McDowell), in a lush villa outside of LA. Ironically, he is freed from his torment when he is kidnapped in a carjacking and almost killed. The badly wounded Michael is discovered the next day by a crew of Mexican gardeners. They take him home, and while he is recovering, the sophisticated movie mogul learns the meaning of peace and harmony. Meanwhile, Ray (Gabriel Byrne), a lonely government computer wizard, is stationed in a huge observatory on a hill overlooking LA. His job is to monitor the city with hundreds of computer screens and cameras, a top-secret government experiment intended to deter crime. His connection to Michael is vague and never fully explained. Neither are several subplots. A talented cast is not enough to save this well-intended but loosely connected film.

A Salvadoran servant who has survived endless massacres in her native land tells Ray that a change in individuals, not sophisticated surveillance technology, will conquer violence . But when a leak is discovered in its top-secret mission, the government assassinates the alleged spy. Michael learns just how empty his life has been and how rich the poor gardeners are as they love, laugh and pray together. Limited, non-graphic violence includes the carjackers' attack on Michael, the assassination and a brief confrontation in a bar. Sex is implied a few times between Ray and his Salvadoran maid, once with an obscured side view of their nude bodies embracing, and although Paige takes a lover after Michael disappears, there are no sex scenes between them. Completely uncalled for is a scene of Paige in very revealing underwear, and 32 obscenities plus two profanities add to the offensive content. The movie's central theme and its absence of gratuitous violence are commendable; however, foul language and occasional sexually suggestive content justify an R rating.

Preview Reviewer: Mary Draughon
Distributor: MGM, 11111 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles CA 90025