Main Cast: Ed Harris, Madeleine Stowe, Benicio Del Toro, Charles Dance, Patricia Healy
Release Year: 1994
Country: US
Run Time: 99 minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Plot
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. ~ Linda Rasmussen, All Movie Guide
Tim Powell - Fraker; Janis Benson - Rupert's Secretary; Roger Aaron Brown - Police Captain; Robert Burgos - Harlan James; Clifton Jones - Dr. Ocampo; Marc Macaulay - CSU Technician; Sandy Martin - Gun Saleswoman; Special K. McCray - Bunny; Larry Shuler - Patrolman at Turner's; Pruitt Taylor Vince - Daryl Jeeters; Ralph Wilcox - Ballistic Technician; Paul Darby - CSU Photographer; Jim Milan - Blues Band; Steve Zurk - Patrolman at Hq.
Credit
Elisabeth Leustig - Casting, Elizabeth McBride - Costume Designer, John Bailey - Director, Carol Littleton - Editor, Jill Savitt - Editor, George Fenton - Composer (Music Score), Carl Fullerton - Makeup, Don Reddy - Camera Operator, Conrad E. Angone - Production Designer, Willy Kurant - Cinematographer, Paul Moen - Production Manager, Kevin Costner - Producer, Jim Wilson - Producer, Barrie M. Osborne - Producer, Don Ivey - Set Designer, Roy Carlson - Screenwriter
A small town detective has a passionate affair with a beautiful local woman. When her wealthy husband is brutally murdered, her lover is immediately suspected and he must stumble through a maze of deceit to find out the truth and clear his name.
