X
- 1993
- R
- October Films
- 1 h 54 m
- 1993
- R
- October Films
- 1 h 54 m
Summary A young woman struggles for independence and identity in a small Florida tourist town.
Directed By: Victor Nunez
Written By: Jane Austen, Victor Nunez
- 1993
- R
- October Films
- 1 h 54 m
- 1993
- R
- October Films
- 1 h 54 m
Ruby in Paradise
77
7.8
Where to Watch
Summary A young woman struggles for independence and identity in a small Florida tourist town.
Directed By: Victor Nunez
Written By: Jane Austen, Victor Nunez
Where to Watch
Top Cast
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 25 Critic Reviews
77
80% Positive
20 Reviews
20 Reviews
20% Mixed
5 Reviews
5 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 25 Critic Reviews
77
80% Positive
20 Reviews
20 Reviews
20% Mixed
5 Reviews
5 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Ruby in Paradise is a breathtaking movie about a young woman who opens the book of her life to a fresh page, and begins to write.
What makes Victor Nunez's film so special is the modesty of its story and the power that Judd brings to the role. Very quickly, we get the feeling that this story is too familiar to young women. A special film. [03 Dec 1993, p.C]
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 30 User Ratings
7.8
80% Positive
24 Ratings
24 Ratings
7% Mixed
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
13% Negative
4 Ratings
4 Ratings
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 30 User Ratings
7.8
80% Positive
24 Ratings
24 Ratings
7% Mixed
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
13% Negative
4 Ratings
4 Ratings
Film Director Victor Nunez creatively put together Ruby in Paradise in 1993, which has much relevance in todays society. This journey through life is viewed through the lends of Ruby who is played by talented actress, Ashley Jud. With high hopes of leaving her hometown in Tennessee for a better life in Florida, Ruby encounters many obstacles in this new life she sets out for herself and viewers are able to witness relatable events throughout her journey. The cinematic experience is soothing and well crafted for people to truly take in and puzzle together.
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Director Victor Nunez beautifully captures a story of a young woman that is realistic, honest, and worthy of praise. After moving away from home where everything was “do this and do that”, Ruby finds herself alone in a place that could have been paradise. Except, she is met with the reality of supporting herself, navigating relationships, and finding work during the slow season. Ruby’s struggles reflect that leaving your home can be difficult and a true test of your character, strength, and resilience— which Ruby proves each time she bounces back from a situation. Her optimism was seen through her determination, making it easy to appreciate her as a protagonist. What a fantastic way to tell a story.
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There are no grand Hollywood moments in Ruby in Paradise, a drama about one intelligent woman finding herself, just a series of quiet scenes and personal epiphanies that add up to a satisfying independent film.
Ruby in Paradise is a fine, quietly moving look at a young woman's voyage of discovery. It is most memorable for the feature-film debut of Ashley Judd in the title role, but the rest of the cast is excellent, as well, and Gregory Nunez (Gal Young 'Un) directs from his own script with heartfelt clarity. [26 Nov 1993, p.3F]
Male coming-of-age stories are a dime-a-dozen, but the same cannot be said for the female equivalent, especially when the story is told with intelligence and sensitivity. This makes Ruby in Paradise a rare and welcome change of pace.
Judd is well cast as the small town gal looking to start afresh and gain her independence in this chick flick about learning who you are. The supporting cast allow Judd to spar of them, with the result a pleasing but by no means exciting story.
You know there's truth in these drab small-town lives, but, regrettably, there's little drama or humour to sustain interest in Ruby's vague musings on her bleak search for paradise.
Ruby in Paradise is a truthful character study of a young woman who embarks on a journey of self-discovery on her own. Director and Writer Victor Nunez slowly paces the film in an almost dream-like state. The main character, Ruby, seeks empowerment in the small tourist hub in Panama City Beach, where she relocates. Audiences are taken along her journey at a slow, life-like pace. Ruby’s story is riddled with self-reflection, offering a captivating personal lens to the viewer. Ashley Judd leads with a breathtaking performance in this classic and timeless coming-of-age film.
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The film Ruby in Paradise is truly a hidden gem. Directed by the brilliant mind of Victor Nunez, he brings it into its glory and takes it all the way to be the winner of the 1993 Sundance Film Festival. This could not have been done without the stunning performance from Ashley Judd, of the protagonist of the film, Ruby Lee Gissing. Stunning cinematography, as well as phenomenal acting bring this film to light and make it the classic that it is today. Not a dull moment throughout the film, Ruby in Paradise proves to be a culmination of all aspects of film, executed perfectly.
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Ruby in Paradise is an incredible coming-of-age drama inspired by Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey. Directed by Victor Nuñez, the film follows as Ruby Lee Gissing leaves her old life in Tennessee behind to start over in Florida. Her breakthrough role, Ashley Judd’s subtle acting brings Ruby to life in a way that makes her feel real and relatable. Likewise, the rest of the cast do a wonderful job portraying the subtle everyday emotions real people feel. These elements come together to make Ruby in Paradise a very appealing film that has withstood the test of time.
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Ruby in Paradise is a beautifully captured film that portrays some of the best parts of living in Florida, while not shying away from the struggles of it too. Director Victor Nuñez introduces a young woman, named Ruby Lee Gillings, as she explores her new found independence in a beach town that is on its off season. The film really demonstrates the problems she has with finding a job when the whole place is deserted by tourists. However, Ruby is able to make something of herself through her choices and all of the characters she meets. Ruby is played by Ashley Judd, in her first breakout role, and she is able to hit all of the emotional moments as she works perfectly off of her co-stars. This film does a great job at taking on a more humanistic approach to the classic ‘coming of age’ story by taking on a more realistic approach during this journey of self-discovery.
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The film Ruby in Paradise serves as a standard for many to stick to their morals and trust themselves to put in the work. A young Ashley Judd in her breakout film leaves her mark portraying Ruby Lee Gissing going through the ringer known as life. While she has people around her to keep her leveled like her good friend Rochelle, or her boyfriend Mike, or at some point her co-workers there is still doubt that she may have to do more to get what she ultimately wants. An incredible film that reinforces many of the ideas life serves to many of us.
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Awards
Film Independent Spirit Awards
• 1 Win & 6 Nominations
Chicago Film Critics Association Awards
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
Sundance Film Festival
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
