China Moon

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40%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 10

37%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 2,442
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China Moon Photos

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Movie Info

China Moon is a slick noir thriller, nice to look at, well-acted and directed, but ultimately predictable, even to its "surprise" ending. Kyle Bodine (Ed Harris) falls in love with Rachel Munro (Madeleine Stowe), the unhappily married wife of a drunken Southern aristocrat Rupert (Charles Dance). One night, tired of his beatings and abuse, Rachel kills Rupert, apparently in self-defense. Kyle helps her cover-up the crime and establish an alibi. However, Kyle's young partner Lamar (Benecio Del Toro) suspects Rachel of the murder and begins an investigation. In fairly predictable plot twists reminiscent of the far superior Body Heat Kyle finds his life falling apart. While the plot is contrived, the performances are convincing, particularly that of Madeline Stowe as the treacherous Rachel. Ed Harris gives the character of Kyle depth and complexity. Cinematographer-turned-director John Bailey gives the film a great, dark, rain-slicked noir look and feel and lingers on details which take an otherwise predictable mystery/thriller and make it seem like a game of wits.

Cast

Ed Harris
as Kyle Bodine
Madeleine Stowe
as Rachel Munro
Benicio Del Toro
as Lamar Dickey
Charles Dance
as Rupert Munro
Patricia Healy
as Adele
Tim A. Powell
as Fraker
Rob Edward Morris
as Pinola
Pruitt Taylor Vince
as Daryl Jeeters
Larry Shuler
as Patrolman at Turner's
Paul Darby
as CSU Photographer
Theresa Bean
as Felicity Turner
Allen Prince
as Assistant M. E.
Sam Myers
as Blues Band Member
Anson Funderburgh
as Blues Band Member
Matt McCabe
as Blues Band Member
Jim Milan
as Blues Band Member
Danny Cochran
as Blues Band Member
Gregory Avellone
as JJ's Bartender
Sandy Martin
as Gun Saleswoman
Joseph E. Louden
as Detective
Janis Benson
as Rupert's Secretary
Peggy O'Neal
as Miami Desk Clerk
Buddy Dolan
as Sergeant
Special K. McCray
as Bunny
Robert Koch
as Miami Waiter
Roger Aaron Brown
as Police Captain
Robert Burgos
as Harlan James
Steve Zurk
as Patrolman at Headquarters
Terrie Jameson
as Patrolwoman
Clifton Jones
as Dr. Ocampo
Marc Macaulay
as CSU Technician
Ralph Wilcox
as Ballistic Technician
J. Michael McDougal
as Sheriff
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Critic Reviews for China Moon

All Critics (10) | Top Critics (1) | Fresh (4) | Rotten (6)

View All Critic Reviews (10)

Audience Reviews for China Moon

  • Nov 12, 2013
    I didn't find Paper Moon that predictable. I enjoyed the twists and turns of the plot and I enjoyed the acting of Madeline Stowe and Ed Harris, the two main characters. I guess crime doesn't pay...
    Red L Super Reviewer
  • Feb 06, 2011
    Homicide Det. Kyle Bodine (Ed Harris) is a veteran of the force who knows the ins and outs of every crime scene. He meets the beautiful and mysterious Rachel (Madeline Stowe), and they begin a steamy relationship. But then he finds out she's married to a rich banker called Rupert (Charles Dance) who's a serial adulterer and wife beater. During a particularly heated confrontation with her husband, Rachel shoots and kills Rupert in self defense and then persuades Kyle to assist her in disposing of the body and covering up the evidence of what has happened. Kyle carries out these tasks with his usual efficiency but problems arise when the body is discovered and his rookie partner Lamar Dickey (Benicio del Toro) discovers some clues which lead to the finger of suspicion being pointed at Kyle. <a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=29gbxid" target="_blank"><img src="http://i52.tinypic.com/29gbxid.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a> <a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=30uw8za" target="_blank"><img src="http://i55.tinypic.com/30uw8za.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a> <a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=b7x6o5" target="_blank"><img src="http://i56.tinypic.com/b7x6o5.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a> <a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=11b0t28" target="_blank"><img src="http://i51.tinypic.com/11b0t28.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a> There are enough twists and turns to keep you off-balance in this story of passion, treachery and murder. The comparisons to "Body Heat," "No Way out" and "Double Indemnity" are understandable but the joy I get in watching films of this genre is trying to predict how things are going to go wrong and there was a twist ending I openly acknowledge I did not see coming. Early in the film the veteran Harris chastises his young partner for not being observant. I guess I too was not paying attention to the small details lol.
    Deb S Super Reviewer
  • Jan 28, 2010
    I knew this was an old movie by how young Benicio del Toro looked
    ~Lissa~ Super Reviewer
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