Product Description

Behind the Red Door is a story of one woman’s journey through the forgotten past of her family’s violent history and her mother’s tragic murder. Natalie (Sedgwick) embarks on a path of self discovery as she is faced with a last chance for redemption from her troubling youth and the truth that she has hidden all her life. The opportunity presents itself when she is reunited with her long estranged brother, Roy (Sutherland) who finds himself infected with the AIDS virus. Though Natalie has come home to save her brother’s life, she soon realizes that he has saved hers.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #16823 in DVD
• Brand: Paramount
• Released on: 2003-12-16
• Rating: R (Restricted)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Closed-captioned, Color, DVD, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 105 minutes

Customer Reviews

Behind the Red Door is a MASTERPIECE.
Considering the typical role of Kiefer Sutherland, this film is quite out of the ordinary. The performances by two incredible actors bring alive the story of man who is fighting his own fears, while trying to help his sister fight hers as well. They help each other to accept certain tragedies in their lives, his illness, her denial of their mother's murder, and rebuild a relationship with each other that is incredibly real. This film is poignant, brilliant and touching to say the least, and has an incredible message concerning HIV/AIDS, but also a touch of humor. Kiefer's gestures, facial expressions and his portrayal of this man with the rough exterior who has such a kind heart show that he's beyond talent. The scene on the beach where Roy and Natalie have their conversation about being alone is fantastically done, and the scene near the end when he tells her he loves her is so simple, yet so touching. It faces the finality of death, and shows the importance of family and forgiveness, in a masterful production that I watch over and over again. We need to see more of this type of film from Mr. Sutherland.

Absolutely Recommended.
First, this is a superb script. It searches the deepest emotional corners of life with crystalline clarity. There is depth of emotion without sentiment, spiritual exploration without cliche and human truth devoid of lecturing. In addition, this writer and director were truly fortunate in their cast. The characters are extraordinarly realized and executed. It takes trained, talented and caring actors to so succesfully inhabit their roles. But their way was certainly smoothed by the heartbreaking intensity and utter integrity of the story.

The locations are almost painfully beautiful and the editing and direction produce an utterly seamless experience.

Finally, this not a story about death; it's about living life -- and that is it's greatest acheivement.

Behind the Red Door
This movie absolutely took me by surprise. I wasn't expecting much as I have seen some of Kiefer Sutherland's earlier movies and wasn't impressed at all by the story content or his acting. With that said.... I have to say I was absolutely stunned at the power of his portrayal of Roy Hadad. I found myself forgetting that it was Kiefer playing a role, but instead found myself empathizing with Roy and taking great joy in the relationship he was beginning to re-form with his sister Natalie on an adult level. I could truly feel Roy's vulnerabilities and fears through Kiefer's interpretation of him. I also am not ashamed to admit that I rented this movie multiple times before I bought it. The only thing that mars the beauty of this story is the use of a very strong curse word used multiple times by different actors. I wish it wasn't there and it really serves no purpose being there. It truly detracts from the pure beauty of the film. The serenity of the ocean coupled with Kiefer's very subtle facial expressions and movements when he makes his decision on the deck and when he tells Natalie of this decision (I won't ruin it for those who have not seen it) overwhelmed me. I truly felt the power of his conviction and the sense of purpose Roy must have felt at that time, and this was once again all due to Kiefer's portrayal of Roy. Kiefer also portrays Roy's lifestyle in a way that is understated so that this is not the focus of the film but keeps the focus on the relationships and Roy finding for himself peace with God and others. This movie is pure genius on the part of Kiefer Sutherland and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a movie with depth. I look forward to more truly amazing performances by Kiefer Sutherland in the future. Kiefer, if you're out there let me say that no actor has ever moved me the way you did in this movie. Thank you for the experience.