Beautiful People MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +1 1/2 Content: -2

In October of 1993, the war in Bosnia is in full-force, which sets the scene for five intertwining stories in this film. In London, two rival Bosnians fight over an issue that began back in their homeland. They end up together in a hospital where Dr. Mouldy (Nicholas Farrel) helps a young Bosnian couple through a difficult pregnancy. Dr. Mouldys neighbor, Griffin Midge (Danny Nussbaum), travels from London to Holland for a soccer game. But afterwards, when he gets high on heroin, ends up on the wrong plane and passes out on an aid shipment eventually dropped in the middle of Bosnia. He connects with Jerry Higgins (Gilbert Martin), a newsman reporting on the horrible medical conditions in the war-torn country. Meanwhile, back in London, politician George Thornton (Charles Kay) makes numerous speeches on Bosnias problems. While his daughter, Portia (Charlotte Coleman), begins a romantic relationship with a Bosnian immigrant. The movie succeeds in encouraging peace and unity among different people, but does so in a lackluster way, leaving the audience wishing for something more.

The films message of peace and unity among all people is admirable and not unexpected given the Bosnian background of the writer/director. And the stories clearly show the benefits of seeing life from a different perspective. Several characters make positive changes in their lives as they are exposed to other views. The film also exhibits the compassion of humans for one another in the midst of lifes horrors, and in this case, civil war. Griffin, a drugged up soccer fan thrown into the war by an unusual circumstance, summons up the courage needed to help out in an important medical situation. The film does contain some drug use, particularly heroin and marijuana. However, the drug use is clearly portrayed in a negative light. Unfortunately, the dialogue includes 23 obscenities and a few regular profanities. Reflecting the dangers of the Internet, one scene shows two mischievous children looking on the computer at a womans bare breasts. Graphic drug use and foul language detract from positive aspects in BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE.

Preview Reviewer: John Adair
Distributor: Trimark Pictures, 2644 30th St., Santa Monica, CA 90232