Jade (1995) User Reviews (85)

not completely bad

[SnoopyStyle · 5/10 · 31 March 2017]

San Francisco ADA David Corelli (David Caruso) is attending a ball with friend Matt Gavin (Chazz Palminteri) and his wife, David's former love, Trina (Linda Fiorentino). David is called away to the brutal murder of a wealthy businessman. He finds a silver case engraved with the Chinese character Jade. The police uncovers photos of Governor Edwards (Richard Crenna) with an unknown woman later identified as prostitute Patrice Jacinto (Angie Everhart). Bob Hargrove (Michael Biehn) is a disagreeable police detective. As the investigation continues, the Gavins are pulled into the sexual political intrigue.

Joe Eszterhas' psycho-sexual script may not be fitting material for director William Friedkin. The rewriting is evident of that and not necessarily fixed anything. This concentrates more on the lurid in this stylized erotic thriller. Bless his heart, Friedkin tried. There are some car action on the steep streets but he has done better work before. Driving thru the parade may be an interesting idea. The execution is more frustrating than thriller.

The movie got caught up with the Caruso factor during its initial release. He is a perfectly serviceable actor if he doesn't get romantic. His sex appeal is limited and any attempt at sexuality is awkward at best. His character is rarely a lawyer and runs around investigating like a cop. He plays a better cop than a lawyer. Corelli should have been a police detective. Fiorentino has her great smoldering dark sexuality and that helps in this role. The story is a little messy and drags sometimes. It needs a little simplification to allow better flow and heightened tension. None of it is that compelling but it's not completely bad.

Mediocre by Friedkin's standards, but you can blame Joe Eszterhaz

[brchthethird · 5/10 · 14 November 2014]

This is a decent erotic thriller/mystery brought down by predictability, cliché and some rather bad writing. The film does have an impressive pedigree, having been directed by William Friedkin, and starring Chazz Palminteri, Linda Fiorentino as well as a pre-CSI: Miami David Caruso. All of the actors do a serviceable job, but they have to deliver some of the hammiest dialogue I've ever heard. The script is devoid of any real surprises or thrills, and so it relies on an over-insistent score. It's like it's shouting "Look at me! Take me seriously!", except it's impossible to take anything in this movie seriously. The most impressive part of the movie is the intro (before the score has become overbearing), which features some creepy music and surrealistic camera-work. It's too bad that they overuse the style throughout the film, though. Another bright spot was a well-filmed (but ridiculous) car chase through San Francisco, but it wears out its welcome once they hit Chinatown and the movie almost literally comes to a halt. So, there's also some issues with pacing, particularly in that sequence. However, the biggest problem with this movie is the script, penned by Joe Eszterhaz (who also wrote BASIC INSTINCT and SHOWGIRLS). Not only is the story relatively unengaging, but it's rather misogynistic towards its female characters, and the voyeuristic camera-work doesn't help in that regard either. At best, it's a rather bland erotic thriller with some decent performances, but it could be worth a late-night watch if you're into this sort of thing.

Gemstone Gone Wong

[wes-connors · 5/10 · 4 March 2013]

A wealthy art collector (and admirer of world leaders Ronald Reagan, Margaret Thatcher and Richard M. Nixon) is murdered in his San Francisco mansion. Due to repeated chops with a hatchet, there is an abundance of blood. Along with many pricey artifacts, the dead man has an amply supply of sex paraphernalia. His most prized possession appears to be a collection of his partners' pubic hair. Four hours later, red-haired assistant district attorney David Caruso (as David Corelli) is at a dance attended by still sexy old flame Linda Fiorentino (as Anna Katrina "Trina" Maxwell). He still longs for her, but she married best friend Chazz Palminteri (as Matt Gavin), a rich defense lawyer. Employed to investigate, Mr. Caruso finds a cuff-link at the murder scene. Curiously, he decides to withhold it from other collected evidence...

The cuff-link is from "The Golden Bay Club" where Caruso and Mr. Palminteri are members. Also discovered is the murder victim's collection of pornographic pictures. Most importantly, there are photographs of California Governor Richard Crenna (as Lew Edwards) with a young prostitute. Caruso confronts Mr. Crenna with the dirty pictures and is threateningly told he has a future in State politics comparable to Jerry Brown - a line they must regret, as Mr. Brown is presently serving an historic term as Governor. Everything seems to come together in an intriguing web of sex, mystery and murder. But, by the end, "Jade" proves looks can be deceiving. This is a puzzle with pieces shoved into place, by director William Friedkin. He shows the usual skill with car chase scenes, but doesn't make this story coherent.

***** Jade (10/13/95) William Friedkin ~ David Caruso, Linda Fiorentino, Chazz Palminteri, Richard Crenna

Stylish thriller, better than expected

[wherever · 16 February 2002]

Jade got a bad rap when it showed in theaters and still appears to be getting one now from the comments here, so I didn't expect much when I caught it on cable. It never hurts to have low expectations, but I was quite pleasantly surprised and have watched it a few more times since then.

No, the plot isn't especially tight nor the story original, and it can be hard to follow at some points, but it's still an exciting, kinky, disturbing ride nonetheless.

I think the main reason I enjoyed it was the actors involved - Caruso and Palminteri were both very skilled (and surprisingly sexy - I hadn't found either to be that way in any roles I had seen them in previously, including NYPD Blue). And most of all Fiorentino smokes up the screen whenever she's on it. Sensual, damaged, brilliant. She's amazing when given a good script like the Last Seduction, but even with a flawed effort such as Jade, she still sets the house on fire.

The cinematography and art direction were the other thing that made this film. I loved the lavish sets and especially the eerie lighting during the final scene.

And as far as the comparisons to Basic Instinct, I see it as being about equal, suffering from the opposite problems as Jade; while the story was far more interesting the acting was pendantic at best. But maybe that's just my personal bias; I find Michael Douglas pompous and annoying and Sharon Stone shallow and vain.

"Jade" is a mess

[celr · 2/10 · 8 December 2006]

I liked the opening scenes, nice camera work. "Jade" opens with the camera moving through interior of a rich guy's opulent mansion. He's dead in an upstairs bedroom where his S&M equipment is located, along with his collection of exotic weapons, one of which has been used to kill him. Who could have done such a horrible deed? We know right away that the dead rich guy was a morally corrupt creep and probably got what he deserved, but the detective character, who is really an assistant district attorney (Caruso), has to investigate. Right away I didn't care much who did it. That's a bad sign in a mystery.

Now there's this woman, who's not only a psychiatrist but a prostitute, and a major psychopath: "Jade" (Fiorintino). She's married to the ADAs best friend, a rich defense attorney (Palminteri) and the ADA used to be in love with her. Neither knows that at night she goes out to a high-class whore house in Pacifica and sells her angular body to fulfill the twisted fantasies of rich, powerful, morally corrupt old men.

The plot doesn't so much thicken as curdle. The governor of the State of California (Crenna) is involved, and he's the most morally corrupt of all. Little more than a meaty Mafia boss or tinpot dictator, he orders hits and hurls threats. He should have a cigar to chew. And of course he too is a patron of the notorious "Jade." He's obviously responsible for several murders but, as others have pointed out, is never brought to justice.

This plot doesn't make any sense. "Jade," the psychopathic psychiatrist, is a cypher, we never get a sense of motive or emotion or even of emotional injury. She's as cold as dry ice. Caruso seems to want to save her, but really, didn't she bring it all on herself? And she is one of the most unlikable, and most un-sexy femme fatales ever to flounce on the silver screen. She obviously hates having sex with her husband, but he wants her even more when he finds out she's rotten.

This stylish thriller is just too stylish for its own good. It's all surface. The characters are shallow and unlikable, the plot makes no sense, the chase scenes are well done but contribute nothing to the story. If you like a glitzy surface you might like "Jade" but otherwise, forget it.

Underrated Movie

[Tulsa90 · 7/10 · 25 May 2004]

I think this movie has the lowest IMDB user vote rating of any movie that I like. It is really an entertaining movie and I am not sure why it is getting such poor ratings here. It is not perfect and may have a few plot holes, but it is definitely worth seeing. There must be an anti-Caruso IMDB splinter cell operating in cyberspace and conspiring to drop the IMDB user rating for all his movies about 2 to 3 points. Check it out and see what you think. Linda Fiorentino is truly hot and well cast as the steamy babe. Caruso's performance is very believable. Richard Crenna is underrated and good here too. Angie Everhart and Donna Murphy are pleasing to look at and also give good performances in smaller roles. Ignore the anti-Caruso crowd, who must be a band of closet NYPD Blue freaks that are still upset that he left that show to make films.

...the good bits don't save the movie

[blue hermit · 4/10 · 17 February 2001]

"Jade" hasn't got enough in the way of memorable scenes or entertaining dialogue to be a thriller. My impression is of a "that'll do, let's get it in the can" attitude towards the script, the direction and the lack luster air of some of the cast. The video cassette I have says on the packaging:"An Erotic Thriller". There is quite a lot of what could be called sex in this movie, but the last thing it has is eroticism. I bought my copy from the special offers rack at a local store, reduced 70% from retail. There is a hung jury on whether or not I wasted my money!

Two of the leading players, David Caruso "David Corelli" and Linda Fiorentino "Trina Gavin" look uncomfortable in every scene they do. When David Caruso left east coast cop TV to make movies in Hollywood I imagine this by the numbers effort wasn't the sort of thing he had in mind. Linda Fiorentino has made better appearances too. I prefer to remember her in "The Last Seduction" and "Body Count". "Body Count" also provides an opportunity to see David Caruso doing much better work.

Perhaps fortunately, Chazz Palminteri and Richard Crenna seem completely at home with their roles of "Matt Gavin" and " Lew Edwards" respectively. The MG characterization is well done. Chazz Palminteri's interpretation, with its calculated cordiality and sinister edge, makes a decent job of unexceptional material. LE is Governor of California. Richard Crenna gives him just the right amount of ruthless deviousness to be entirely believable as a career politician.

Other things about "Jade" are worth a mention - at least they interest me, anyway! The set dressing of the rich man's house has been done in impressive style by people who clearly know how to create visual atmosphere. Some of the soundtrack music is also better than routine. The closing credits are accompanied by an excellent, haunting vocal, "The Mystic Dream", performed by Loreena McKennitt. At least I think that's the lady's name, the credit is fuzzy on my tape.

Being few and far between, the good bits don't save the movie.

Still looks great...

[nickochris · 7/10 · 6 December 2021]

I must say this movie still looks great in 2021.

Lots of films get swallowed up by time, not this one.

Amazing car chase (Friedkin nails it again) and cool Frisco backdrop.

I like David Carusos low keyed acting here. Linda Fiorentino is a knockout. So whats not to like.

Jade should have a higher rating, because its worth your time watching.

So check it out.

Friedkin must be wishing for this movie n The Guardian to 'fade' away from his resume.

[Fella_shibby · 4/10 · 31 March 2021]

I first saw this in the early 2k on a dvd which I used to own n i dont even remember where my dvd is. Probably with a pal. Revisited it recently. I didn't enjoy the movie then but i still revisited thinking mayb i missed something. I was wrong.

I used to think that The Guardian is Friedkin's worst movie but again i am proven wrong. This movie is worse than The Guardian.

The film doesn't have any actual nudity or sex scene apart from the nude photos n videotapes.

The twist is silly but the worst part is that they wasted one of my fav actor Michael Biehn.

Michael Biehn himself quoted that he had no idea what he was doing in the film.

The best part is a dialogue by the fat cop, "Well, i think she had an uncontrollable urge coupled with hysterical blindness."

Better than its reputation would suggest

[fredrikgunerius · 6/10 · 6 August 2023]

This unanimously panned film in the erotic thriller sub-genre marked both the beginning and the end of David Caruso's career as a leading man in feature films, and turned out to be among director William Friedkin's biggest commercial flops. There's no doubt that this is a flawed film with a cluttered Joe Eszterhas script that doesn't really hold up, but it's a lot better than its reputation would suggest. Friedkin himself was saddened by the film's lack of success, citing it as his favourite movie. And one can see why, because there are some portions of crisp filmmaking in here which are as edgy and emphatic as Friedkin was in his New Hollywood films of the 1970s, such as The French Connection. In particular, there's a car chase segment which stands out, directed with an old-fashioned craftsmanship that makes most of today's modern action sequences look inorganic. For as long as he is able to veil the script's obvious plot holes, Friedkin along with an industrious and fairly believable David Caruso make this an enjoyable thriller.

Basic Instinct 2, without the quality

[baumer · 2/10 · 31 August 1999]

What a farce. I think Joe Eszetheras got out his first draft of Basic Instinct and gave this to the producers and they loved it. They probably did what all execs do that think they have taken a proven formula and try to use it again. They laugh and think that they can use it again and people will eat it up. The only problem is, William Friedkin is not Paul Verhoeven, Linda Fiorentino is not Sharon Stone, David Caruso is not Michael Douglas and Jade is a very bad clone of Basic Instinct. But there are so many familiar similarities in these two films that it makes you cringe watching them. Fiorantino is a psychiatrist, so was Stone. Caruso is a cop, so was Douglas. Caruso drove a Mustang, so did Douglas. They both take place in San Francisco so that they can have a car chase over lots of hills and almost destroy both cars in the process. There are lots of underground sexual practises in both films. And they both try to be sexy. And both open with a violent murder of a very improtant figure. I honestly can't believe that the producers would buy this and then spend 50 million on it with a B cast. I'm not one of those people that thinks that Caruso is a bad actor, but I certainly don't think that he is big enough from a TV show to open a film, and if I, as a casual film fan can figure that out for myself, then why can't powerful movie executives? It just makes no sense to me. Caruso has charisma and he is quite good in this role, but he should be happy sticking to supporting roles. He just doesn't have a name to kickstart a film. As for the director, when was was the last time that he made anything that was good? I honestly believe that he got lucky when he made The Exorcist although I do think that The French Connection was pretty good. But that was 20 years ago. Maybe he has lost his touch.

Jade is boring, uninteresting, slow and laughable. You want to figure out who the killer is? You should really have two guesses. Find out who has the biggest names in the film and consider how much screen time they have. One has two scenes and the other is in it quite a bit but just hangs around in the background. Of course there is the "surprise" ending that will just "shock" you as much as Sixth Sense ( yeah right!!!!!!!!) Jade is a really bad film and it is not worth your time. It is laughable and silly and the only thing that I kinda of enjoyed was when I realized that Caruso and Crenna were once in a film together 13 years before this one. That was First Blood. It was probably funny when they first met on the set after all that time. Back then Crenna had more of a name, after all he was Trautman. Caruso was just Mitch. Now Caruso is trying to make a name for himself with this film again. I don't think it will work. Other than that small piece of trivia, there is nothing to like abou this film. It is worth avoiding.

Ultra-Stylish Murder Mystery

[Ride-3 · 8/10 · 14 August 2000]

"Jade", written by Joe Eszterhas, has enough sex, nudity, and violence to keep it from ever becoming boring. Millionaire Kyle Medford is murdered and Assistant D.A. David Corelli is assinged the case, and all clues point to his former flame Katrina Gavin as the prime suspect. Katrina is now married to David's best friend, hot shot lawyer Matt Gavin. Every time Corelli uncovers a new witness, they are wiped out leaving him with no clues to go on, and it now appears Katrina may also be a prostitute catering to rich men under the alias of Jade. The ending is quite unexpected, and you'll never guess who the killer is. Try to see the unrated version because it adds a lot of footage cut from the R version and has a better ending.

"Jade" is Unrated for strong aberrant sexual content, nudity, graphic violence, gore, and for adult language.

NOTE: "Jade" is also available in an Unrated version that includes 12 minutes cut from the R-Rated version. It has extra scenes of dialog, stronger sex and nudity, and a much better and less choppy ending.

Deserves better attention

[JuguAbraham · 6/10 · 7 April 2003]

I saw an edited version on TV and though the story line is nothing to rave about the movie presents good cinema in fits and starts. Why?

The last one minute of the film is somewhat like the final minute of "The Usual Suspects". The difference is here the punch line is a combination of visuals, spoken words, and emotions packaged with a dark tragic twist, while in "The Usual Suspects" the final punch line was a combination of visuals and black comedy that provided the viewer entertainment. It is definitely not the usual Hollywood script.

While most critics seemed to throw brickbats at Friedkin and Eszterhas, a superior supporting performance by Donna Murphy as the investigating policewoman Karen Heller seem to have escaped attention of most viewers. She stood out in a film where performances were not exactly remarkable. Ms Murphy has immense talent and I hope some good director notices her potential.

Director Friedkin delivers what he is good at--car chases (French Connection) and outdoor shots. Nothing more. Screenplay writer Eszterhas, more sinned against than sinning, actually develops an interesting script with a steady stream of visual clues and interesting statements on psychology that unfortunately does not build up sufficient tempo to take off thanks to poor editing, direction, and last but not least uninspired acting by the lead characters. The script looks untidy and disjointed because of the lackluster editing and direction. Eszterhas' script may not be topnotch but definitely was not the reason for the end product--I blame the director for not being able to lift up the film to a higher plane. Friedkin has extracted great performances from Gene Hackman in the past, but in this film save for Donna Murphy he seems to have inspired none else in the cast. The cinematography of Andrzej Bartkowiak always impresses and the murder sequence in the crowded streets with the car was worthy of note of his talent.

The film can provide you enjoyment, if you attentively view the film.

Didn't Joe Eszterhas Write A Similar Script ?

[Theo Robertson · 4/10 · 4 September 2005]

I'm the sort of guy who stays behind to read the closing credits of a movie . I'm also the sort of guy who makes a note of who the producer , director and screenwriter is . I guess that's the difference between the average IMDb user and the average movie watcher . The movie watcher is only interested in the genre of the movie and who stars in it and very little else . Being a regular contributor to this site means I notice names average movie watcher has little interest in . The downside to this is that a name appearing on the credits can prejudice my view of a film

Take JADE for instance which was written by Joe Eszterhas . Did my knowledge of Eszterhas mean that I think this movie is very similar in tone to BASIC INSTINCT whereas it's not and any comparison lies in my own biased knowledge of the screenwriter , or is JADE genuinely similar to BASIC INSTINCT ? Certainly this is a movie that seems to have been produced with the same market trend for erotic thrillers that were being made at the time , with the worst one being that one with Madonna and Willem Defoe

The plot revolves around a murder and a senior DA is brought in and the main suspect is a femme fatale with dubious sexual tastes . Cue lots of sexual intrigue , sleazy deviants and plot twists , few of which are convincing . And being the sort of guy who makes notes of who the director is I couldn't help noticing that William Friedkin is the guy who made THE FRENCH CONNECTION a film famous for a car chase . We get to see a car chase here which ends in the death of several million Chinese . If someone is thinking of doing a bio-pic on Chairman Mao they could do worse than hire Friedkin as the director !

I will say a couple of good things about JADE . The first is that Linda Fiorentino is very well cast as Trina Gavin who just oozes an understated smouldering sexuality , she's far better than than Sharon Stone in BASIC INSTINCT and a million miles better than Madonna in BODY OF EVIDENCE . Secondly I just love the very haunting quasi Celtic song The Mystic's Dream by Lorenna McKennitt . But apart from that JADE isn't really worth going out of your way to see

Underrated, but still not one of Friedkin's best...

[carnivalofsouls · 22 November 2004]

To say Friedkin's career has had its ups and downs is an understatement, his eighties filmography inarguably has enough bombs to sink a oil tanker. Yet eschewing their performances at the box office, many of his films yearn to be rediscovered, from "Cruising" to "Deal of the Century" to "Rampage". Let's not kid ourselves, "Jade" is not a great film, and this is the fault of one man and one man alone - Joe Esterhas. If trash had a messiah, it would be him. For a fleeting moment in the nineties, Esterhas was paid by the bucketload to write formulaic movies for guys, and the erotic thriller has him to thank for its continuing lugubrious existence. "Jade" is interesting however, it is an erotic thriller without the erotic part. While Paul Verhoeven filled "Basic Instinct" chock full of the sleaze he had become renowned for, Friedkin's films are notable for primarily dealing with male characters, and are subsequently about as erotic as as a bowl of cereal. "Jade" is not about sex; it is about sexual jealousy. The talent of Linda Fiorentino cannot be underestimated here, giving depth to a part that amounts to no more than a typical male fantasy - part good girl, part whore - that's right, it's "Crimes of Passion" without Anthony Perkins and his bag of dildos. The leads are well cast and all give adequate performances, and Friedkin throws in all his usual directorial touches (subliminal images and, you guessed it, yet another bloody car chase). "Jade" is an enjoyable film, with delightfully silly twists and over-the-top violence (come on, you know you want to see Angie Everhart get run over again), and is given some class from it's cast and director, but, in the end, proves itself to be a guilty pleasure that makes one feel more guilt than pleasure.

A Thriller that had potential

[stevenfreekin · 5/10 · 14 January 2014]

Jade has a pretty straight forward story with a murder and a love triangle between the three main characters. Because of the love triangle, it creates a conflict of interest between the two male characters. The plot sounds interesting enough. However, the way the final product was executed did not deliver an exhilarating or satisfactory story, conclusion, or thriller. Although, the unrated version, which is 12 mints longer, does assist in creating additional development for some of the characters.

The film does inhabit i think some of Friedkin's finest work. An example would be the car chases sequence, which is in fact one of the most spectacular and thrilling chases ever filmed. I think it's his best to date. Cinematography for the film is beautiful and very noir like in the night scenes. Although he did a decent job with directing the leading characters, only Chazz Palminteri came across as really inhabiting his character. To me the problem with the film is that the story probably got lost in the editing or through rewrites.

The bluray for this film, by Lionsgate, is one of the worst transfers I've ever seen. I wish paramount would put out both version of the film on a bluray. The theatrical version is not impressive at all but the unrated cut does a better job.

Ony for Fiorentino fans.

[insomniac_rod · 6/10 · 28 July 2006]

I have to be honest. I bought this movie because it features Linda Fiorentino's infamous sex scenes. I watched it and to my surprise, I truly enjoyed it. Not only for the sex scenes but for the plot and great acting. Fiorentino demonstrates once again that she's a good actress that does not need to appear nude in order to get movie roles. She's a fine actress. On the other hand, the sex scenes are great just because of her. So it may be a difficult dilemma for her whether still making nude scenes or being taking seriously. Anyways, it seems that she has retired from the business.

The movie is a tale of betrayal, passion, and corruption. This may be the kind of B-movie featuring detectives, and a seductress. But "Jade" is more of a Thriller with brains and lots of action.

The car chase scene is truly great and is one of the most memorable moments of the movie. The S&M scene is great and may be one of the most memorable scenes Fiorentino has made.

If you must buy this film, buy short

[rgjm4 · 1/10 · 29 August 2010]

In the stock market most people buy long with the hope the price of their stock will go up. Others buy short, which is the opposite of long. Many of the reviews of this movie are long. I see this movie as short. A well acted poorly written/directed story. Several examples follow. One example is when Caruso's character shows the governor a group of pictures and never asks for the name of the woman in the pictures. Another is the unrealistic and unbelievably slow motion car chase scene to, through and beyond Chinatown. Another example is the idea of multiple murderers each killing for different reasons. Ultimately no one is punished for any of the deaths.

In fairness to Caruso his performance is CSI Miami 7 years early. Regardless, this is a very poorly thought out and presented movie.

Guilty-pleasure time!

[gridoon2024 · 6/10 · 30 January 2016]

A trashy, kinky, entertaining erotic thriller, in the "Basic Instinct" vein, if not in the same league. Both films are mainly set in San Francisco and are scripted by Joe Eszterhas; his story this time is partly predictable (there is one famous actor who doesn't appear to have much of a role, so you can tell they're saving him for something big at the end) but still sufficiently twisty-turny. David Caruso is a weak lead, but he is surrounded by a strong supporting cast. The technical credits (editing, music, cinematography) are top-notch, and there is a car chase sequence that is both spectacular and original; the part of it that goes through a Chinatown parade is not quite like anything I have seen before. If you liked "Color Of Night" with Bruce Willis, you'll probably like this film as well. **1/2 out of 4.

Green with envy

[sol1218 · 5/10 · 18 February 2009]

***SPOILERS*** Overly plotted and totally confusing thriller that has assistant D.A David Carelli, David Caruso, on the hunt for those who brutally sliced up and murdered a serial blackmailer who got way over his head in those he was blackmailing.

Found cut to shreds in his mansion among his very expensive antiques, mostly from the Orient, Kyle Medford, Ron Ulsatd, sleazy and secret life as a master blackmailer hit the front pages of the local as well as national newspapers. It's Corelli who takes a very personal interest in Medford's murder only because his ex-girlfriend Trina Gavin, Linda Fiorentino,was one of the last persons to see him alive. This doesn't sit well with Trina's husband high powered defense attorney Matt Gavin, Chazz Palminteri,who feels that Corelli is using Medford's murder in making a play for his wife. Soon we find out it's Trina not Corelli who's making all the plays which involves the late Kyle Medford's home away from home on the Pacific Coast. It's there where Medford ran a prostitution ring, right out of his beach front house, that he used to attract very important people in the state to engage in. Getting the goods on the unsuspecting John's Medford would film them in action and use the photos and video tapes to blackmail them.

The movies disjointed storyline has Corelli uncover a plot to blackmail the states top executive Governor Gov. Lew Edwards, Richard Crenna, by having him photographed in action with a hooker at Medford's beach house. When Corelli finally tracks down the hooker who "The Gov" was partying with-Patrice Jacinto played by Angie Evenhart-she clams up and refuses to give him anything but her name and occupation. Slowly putting the pieces together Corelli soon realizes that there was a lot more going on then just simple blackmail! It's murder for both power and profit on the highest order. And possibly Even higher then the governor of the state of California himself! And it's Corelli, by sticking his nose into the matter, who's next on the killer or killer's hit list!

The film "Jade" was so badly mishandled by its director William Friedkin that its screenwriter Joe Eszterhas tried to get his name off the movie's credits. As for the film's star David Caruso it ended his promising, after the far more superior "Kiss of Death", movie career and had him slip back into where he came from doing TV police shows.

The movie did have an exciting car chase all over the streets docks and at one point smashing through a Chinese Parade in the Chinatown Section of San Francisco that reminded me of that legendary car cases that Friedkin directed in "The French Connection". There was also a number of X-rated scenes between Tria and Mr. Green, Robin Thomas, who was one of the blackmail victims at the late Kyle Medford's retreat. It was in these scenes, recovered from an almost destroyed video tape, that showed Tria's real connection to Medford and it wasn't ,like she said, a casual one. In fact Trina was hooking for Medford in getting him people high up in government, and business, to be blackmailed by him.

***SPOILERS*** In the end it was no surprise to anyone watching, except Corelli and the SFPD, who in fact did old man Medford in since the evidence was there before his body turned room temperature. But it took a full confession by Medford's unsuspecting killer, that Corelli illegally audio taped, for Corelli to finally crack the puzzling case.

Extreme sexual politics at play

[anthonyehler · 6/10 · 15 March 2014]

Jade is a self-mocking film, insofar as it references its sister film, Basic Instinct: the dangerous female protagonist, the setting of San Francisco, the glib pseudo psychology, even the dialogue. Yet even if you never saw Basic Instinct, it still stands as a tense, radical and erotic thriller.

It builds the world of the characters with such power and confidence that you believe everything, despite the implausible, overblown and familiar plot. There is also a lot of self-deprecating humour in the use of stereotypes – the corrupt governor, the voyeur-next-door, the cheating husband – that you start enjoying the game rather than judging it.

The film has one of the best car chase sequences ever, through the vertiginous streets of San Francisco, via a fiercely colourful Chinese parade – complete with rippling dragons and laughing buddhas – to the seedy docks. The black Ford Thunderbird takes on a malevolent persona of its own – with a blood-soaked eye, opaque windows and a shark-black body, it becomes a chilling assassin.

Controversial writer Joe Estherhaz created a new cinematic anti-heroine in the 90s, with Catherine Tramell (Sharon Stone) in Basic Instinct and Trina Gavin (Linda Fiorentino) in Jade: powerful and beautiful women exploring the extremes of their sexuality, to the sharpest point of violence, brutality and even death.

It says more about the power dynamics between men and women than the sex itself, which is what many critics missed. They are played against craven, weak and ineffectual male characters. While the sex scenes titillate with S&M themes and lesbian fantasies, there are also squirmy and subconscious castration fears behind every frame.

Worth watching

[MyDarkStar · 5/10 · 23 March 2002]

I have seen people make comparisons between this film and "Basic Instinct". And why not ? They both focus on multiple murders involving a femme-fatale central character, as well as the involvement of the detective in charge of the case.

There are other small similarities between the two films (Both take place in the bay area). However, when you watch both and ponder upon the true messages behind each film, then you start to realize they really aren't too similar outside the obvious similarities.

The performances in "Jade" do indeed make it worth watching. I think people were expecting a little more from the movie, because David Caruso was one of the hottest stars on TV at the time of the movie. When he said he was leaving "NYPD Blue" to pursue a film career, I believe some were disappointed that this wasn't a movie that would just blow you away.

Not that "Jade" doesn't have its moments. One of the more surprising aspects of the movie, were the car scenes. Being set in San Francisco, it is of course obligatory for a film to have at least one scene which involves a car chase in some context. This film has two car scenes. One scene involves the brakes going out in Caruso's car. The one that is an actual car chase, is a very exciting scene - with some very good filmmaking showing quick decision making by the character.

If there is one place that Jade doesn't deliver the goods it is in the ending (and that's not a good place to not deliver the goods). If there were a better ending, then this film would get a better rating from me. Either way, it is worth watching.

Much Better Than The Critics Would Have You Believe

[ccthemovieman-1 · 9/10 · 11 November 2006]

Make no mistake: (1) this IS a sordid crime story and (2) is is FAR better than the national critics - and the ones here - would have you believe. I have found it fascinating the three times I've watched it and look forward to seeing it again. It surprises me each time, being better than I remembered. It's nicely photographed, too. Why I can't get a widescreen DVD of this, I don't know, but all that seems to be available is full screen.

William Friedkin directed this which usually means (1) a riveting story; (2) stylish cinematography. That's the case here. I rate this movie so high mainly because it's so entertaining. And it doesn't overstay it's welcome at a short hour-and-a- half.

There are some stunning action scenes with cars hitting people, cars hitting cars and a long, wild car chase through a parade in San Francisco's Chinatown.

My only complaint is the normal Liberal in-your-face bias that Hollywood always seems to show. They just can't help giving you their pro-Democrat, anti- Catholic, anti-authority bias. Early scenes provide some cheap shots on Nixon and Reagan and later we see the film's two male starts talking irreverently in church. The governor is a sleaze in the story and the cops are corrupt. I've just come to except these modern-day film clichés and not let it interfere with my enjoyment of the film.

Speaking of actors and characters, David Caruso and Chazz Palminteri are the two male leads I referred to in the previous paragraph. They are both good. Why Caruso didn't make it in the movies must have been due to the roles he took, not his acting. Linda Fiorentino does what she does best - plays a whore. There isn't a moral person in here, at least with the lead actors. That's no surprise since "sleaze king" Joe Eszterhas wrote the script. Nonetheless, those three actors are very good with Caruso, as the cop, the best.

It's a crude story at times (there was a NC-version available of this, as well), but it's very interesting start-to-finish, has some memorable scenes, nice San Francisco scenery and a nice soundtrack from Celtic singer Loreena McKennitt.

CHEER! - (7 stars out of 10)

[BJG-Reviews · 7/10 · 6 April 2021]

The stage curtains open ...

I'm a fan of Friedkin's work with films like, "The Exorcist", "The Guardian", and "Bug" ... but with "Jade", he takes his turn at the erotic thriller - and it works. Erotic thrillers had found a new life in the early 90's, and taking advantage of that cinema interest, Friedkin delivers this worthy entry into the genre with a strong plot, stimulating visuals, and good performances.

When a prominent businessman is found bludgeoned to death in his home, Detective David Corelli (David Caruso) is called into to head up the investigation. They find revealing photos of the Governor and a prostitute in the deceased's safe. Thinking the two must be related, Corelli follows the lead and discovers that there is much more going on that even he could have anticipated, taking him down a dangerous path to a discovery that hits close to home. And even when he thinks he's solved the mystery, there is still one final twist.

I saw this one back when it came out in 1995. It was one of those movies that I saw sitting on the shelf at the rental store, and nothing new was out, so I snagged it and watched it. I remember liking it, but as the years went by, I had forgotten most of it, so I watched it again a few nights ago. I still liked it. One thing that Friedkin has always been good at is setting the mood ... sometimes disturbing and uneasy. He accomplishes this with good use of visuals, shadows and colors, along with a haunting film score - which "Jade" has.

I recommend this movie. Even though it is 25 years since its release, it still holds up pretty well. You move along at a good pace, with little or no lulls in the story. I found the plot to be intriguing, but not over-the-top. I was engaged from start to finish and satisfied with the outcome. This is a solid 7 stars out of 10 - and I'd watch it again, no problem.

Incoherent mess.

[Boba_Fett1138 · 5/10 · 6 February 2005]

This movie really feels like a incoherent mess.

Couldn't they at least have tried to be original? It's like Joe Eszterhas picked up his old "Basic Instinct" script and simply started changing some of the characters names and added or changed just some few situations. They pathetically tried to surprise the audience with some plot twist that you could see from miles away. Halfway trough the movie I already knew who the person was they were chasing. That means either two things; I'm smart or the writer is just stupid, I think that the second one sounds more probable. And what was with the final plot twist at the end? That really didn't made sense as did the entire movie that was just filled with some major plot holes.

Also the style was very incoherent. Only the second half of the movie the movie gets a nice visual style with some good camera-work.

Still the movie is perfectly watchable for one simple reason; The car chases. The car chases and crashes are really spectacular like you could expect from director William Friedkin, the guy who brought us "The French Connection". Although it is a bit strange that no matter how hard the cars crash into thing, in the next shot the car always looks tip-top again.

Watchable but most certainly not recommendable soft-erotic/thriller.

5/10

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