Ruby in Paradise

Ruby in Paradise is a celebration of courage and self-discovery. Writer and director Victor Nunez tells the story of a newly independent young woman who travels to Panama City Beach searching for something of her own. Ashley Judd brings vibrant life to her role as Ruby, conveying complex emotions through the slightest expressions. The film is incredibly true to life, the slow build-up of her conflicts, and especially the reflective, methodical thinking done by Ruby. It's an incredible story of perseverance and a strongly detailed character study.

I've watched this film a dozen times at least. Victor Nunez has created a wonderful work of art, and Ashley Judd is an amazing actor. This movie has tremendous substance in so many ways, I'm mesmerized each time I see it. I would recommend this movie to anyone interested in substantive films.

If there are words that are up to the task of describing this movie, I don't know what they are. Victor Nunez's understanding of what it's like to be a young, single woman trying to carve out a life for herself totally blows the idea that men and women are from different worlds out of the water. Watching "Ruby in Paradise" is like tailing along behind this woman as she goes through life, experiencing the mundane and profound moments mixed together and trying to figure out which is which. Ruby is wonderfully strong, brave, kind, and imperfect, and just the kind of woman that I want to be.

I cannot begin to describe how amazing this movie is. Suffice it to say, anytime I'm depressed about how unfair or futile things seem, this is the movie I go rent to put me in the right frame of mind. The background music makes you realize the easiness of existence and how simplicity provides for the greatest happiness. The Indian girl that sings is but one example of a character in this film who does not try hard, and is happy as a result. Persifina, the laundry co-worker of Ruby's (Ashley Judd) is another=-her eyes and smile could make the hardest person's day. I watch this movie and I dream of better days to come or of a good conversation with friends, and I realize that being alone--Ruby is alone quite often--isn't the same as being lonely. Recommended for anyone who enjoys a thoughtful lull of a movie.

RUBY IN PARADISE (1993) ***1/2 Ashley Judd, Todd Field, Dorothy Lyman, Bentley Mitchum. Delightful coming of age story about a young woman discovering her independence in a small Florida resort town. Outstanding breakthrough performance by newcomer Judd and heart-felt narrative that never loses interest.