Bound MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +2 1/2 Content: -4

Fed up with the violent lifestyle of her gangster boyfriend, Violet (Jennifer Tilly) decides she wants out - but she also wants to take some of his money when she goes. She falls in love with a tough ex-con who lives next door, and together they devise a plan to make off with $2 million. Its a familiar set-up, but this stylish but violent thriller has a twist - Violets partner in crime and lover is another woman. Corky (Gina Gershon), who served time for re-distribution of wealth, is refurbishing the apartment next door to Violet and her boyfriend Ceasar (Joe Pantoliano), a money launderer for the mob. A few smoldering glances on the elevator let Violet know her new neighbors sexual preferences. Asking Corky to retrieve an earring dropped in the kitchen sink, Violet stages her seduction, and soon the women are making arrangements to run away with Ceasars money. Their scheme runs into a few detours, however, when Ceasar doesnt react as planned. The story has plenty of tension, sharp dialogue and a creative visual appeal.

Unfortunately, its also overloaded with offensive elements that will destroy any entertainment value for discerning viewers. Particularly disgusting is its homosexual love affair. Violets seduction includes sexually suggestive dialogue before she invites Corky to touch her in an intimate way. Later the women consumate their relationship in a scene with passionate kissing, graphic homosexual sex and breast nudity. Violet doesnt limit her activities to just women, however, as she invites men to her apartment and the sound of love-making can be heard through the flimsy walls. Foul language is overwhelming, with 120 obscenities, over two dozen regular profanities and many crude words. Gory violence includes a savage and bloody beating of a man. His head is bashed continually against a toilet bowl, and later we see his finger drop to the floor when it is cut off. Several characters are also killed by very bloody gunshot wounds. BOUND features foul characters doing disgusting things and should be avoided.

Preview Reviewer: Mark Perry
Distributor: Gramercy Pictures, 9247 Alden Dr., Beverly Hills, CA 90048