Paris follows rookie detective Jason Bartok on his disturbing journey through the shadowy underworld of Los Angeles and Las Vegas, illuminated only by a sweet but short-lived romance with a strikingly beautiful, enigmatic woman. As the tale unfolds, Jason accidentally shoots his corrupt partner, Leon, grabbing stolen money from the crime scene at the older policeman's urging. The guilt-ridden young man quickly takes to the road to track down Leon's lover, Linda/Shen Li, an illegal Chinese immigrant, to deliver the bag of cash to her. Jason's search takes in seedy motels and rough bars, an L.A. massage parlor and a Nevada ranch, until finally in a dingy Vegas dive, he discovers the irresistible Linda, a sparkling jewel ensnared by the sex trade. Stalked by thugs, the money's "rightful owners", Jason and Linda are thrust together to make their escape through the haunting landscape that is the California desert.
Acting
Bai Ling's luminous trapped-bird energy
Cinematography
Grimy digital video that aches with loneliness
Writing
Melodramatic dialogue that somehow works
Director
Ramin Niami
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Jason David Frank, who plays Chad, was the original Green Power Ranger—this is his dramatic 'serious actor' pivot.
Released in 2003, this captures a specific indie moment between digital video revolution and studio polish, when 'gritty LA' films proliferated post-Pulp Fiction.
US
