Return to Paradise
“Give up three years of their lives or give up the life of their friend. They have eight days to decide.”
Synopsis
Lewis, Sheriff and Tony are three friends vacationing in Malaysia. Sheriff and Tony eventually leave to pursue careers in New York, but Lewis stays behind to work with orangutans. Two years later, Sheriff and Tony learn that, because of their past actions, Lewis has been arrested for drug possession. With Lewis facing a death sentence, the friends are left with a difficult decision: return to Malaysia and split Lewis' sentence, or let him die.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
TrailerOfficial
Type: Trailer • Published 2015-01-23
Top Cast
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Vince Vaughn
John 'Sheriff' Volgecherev
Anne Heche
Beth Eastern
Joaquin Phoenix
Lewis McBride
David Conrad
Tony Croft
Jada Pinkett Smith
M.J. Major
Vera Farmiga
Kerrie
Nick Sandow
Ravitch
Elizabeth Rodriguez
Gaby
Ming Lee
Mr. Chandran
Joel de la Fuente
Mr. Doramin
Richard Chang
Prosecutor
James McCauley
Famous Divorce Lawyer
Brette Taylor
Young Woman in Limo
Deanna Yusoff
Woman in Bar
David Zayas
Construction Foreman
Is Issariya
Malaysian Woman in Hammock
Ed Hodson
Features Editor
Kevin Scullin
Doorman #1
Release History & Theatrical Window
August 10, 1998
Wide Cinema Exhibition
February 23, 2010
VOD & Digital Platforms
September 2, 2003
Physical Home Media
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Joseph Ruben
- Screenplay & Story
- Bruce Robinson, Wesley Strick
- Original Score
- Mark Mancina
- Original Title
- Return to Paradise
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 49m
- Production Studios
- Tetragram, Propaganda Films, PolyGram Filmed Entertainment
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Joseph Ruben
Bruce Robinson, Wesley Strick, Pierre Jolivet
Mark Mancina
Reynaldo Villalobos
Craig McKay, Andrew Mondshein
Steve Golin, David Arnold, Ezra Swerdlow, Alain Bernheim
Department Leadership Roster
Craig McKay
Editor
Bruce Robinson
Screenplay
Joseph Ruben
Director
Wesley Strick
Screenplay
Reynaldo Villalobos
Director of Photography
Mark Mancina
Original Music Composer
Jack Gill
Stunt Coordinator
Juliet Polcsa
Costume Design
Peter Bucossi
Stunt Coordinator
Bill Groom
Production Design
Steve Golin
Producer
Alain Bernheim
Producer
Andrew Mondshein
Editor
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
R: Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
International Certification Matrix
FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.
Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Return to Paradise.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Return to Paradise.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Return to Paradise
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Return to Paradise about?
Lewis, Sheriff and Tony are three friends vacationing in Malaysia. Sheriff and Tony eventually leave to pursue careers in New York, but Lewis stays behind to work with orangutans. Two years later, Sheriff and Tony learn that, because of their past actions, Lewis has been arrested for drug possession. With Lewis facing a death sentence, the friends are left with a difficult decision: return to Malaysia and split Lewis' sentence, or let him die.
Who directed Return to Paradise?
Return to Paradise was directed by Joseph Ruben.
Who stars in Return to Paradise?
The principal cast of Return to Paradise includes Vince Vaughn, Anne Heche, Joaquin Phoenix, David Conrad, Jada Pinkett Smith.
When was Return to Paradise released and how long is it?
Return to Paradise was released in 1998 with a total runtime of 1h 49m.
Who composed the musical score for Return to Paradise?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Return to Paradise was composed by Mark Mancina.
Is Return to Paradise based on a book or true story?
Return to Paradise is adapted from the following source material: Novel: "Pierre Jolivet".
What is the age rating and content advisory for Return to Paradise?
Return to Paradise holds official age classifications: DE: 12 (FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.); US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).