Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Moderate
- sultry
- tense
- fatalistic
- late night noir viewing
- crime thriller marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly regarded the film as a competent, familiar neo-noir with appealing stars but less distinction than earlier entries in the tradition.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The investigation and affair unfold in the Tampa Bay area and Florida atmosphere, explicitly framed as neo-noir.
Kyle Bodine’s attraction to Rachel leads him from detective work into concealing her husband’s shooting.
Kyle becomes entangled in a setup involving a hidden body, murder clues, and suspicion from his partner.
Kyle’s role as a detective is placed against his decision to help Rachel hide the body while Lamar notices clues.
Films like China Moon, and why
Body Heat
Florida-set neo-noir about an illicit affair, abusive marriage, murder, and greed
The Last Seduction
Stylish neo-noir crime drama centered on betrayal, manipulation, and a dangerous romantic entanglement
Basic Instinct
Murder investigation shaped by deception, romantic obsession, and morally compromised protagonists
Sea of Love
Crime thriller with a detective drawn into a lethal scheme involving an alluring woman and hidden motives
Movie Details
- Director
- John Bailey
- Release Date
- 1994-03-04
- Runtime
- 99 min
- Rating
- 6.1 / 10 (153)
Cast
- Ed Harris
- Madeleine Stowe
- Charles Dance
- Patricia Healy
- Benicio del Toro
- Tim Powell
- Pruitt Taylor Vince
- Robb Edward Morris
- Peggy O'Neal
- Sandy Martin
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Amazon Prime Video, fuboTV, MGM+ Amazon Channel, Philo, MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel, MGM Plus, Amazon Prime Video with Ads
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is China Moon about?
- A Florida detective’s affair with a woman trapped in an abusive marriage pulls him into a murderous cover-up and a tightening web of suspicion.
- What is China Moon like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of China Moon as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is China Moon violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in China Moon as moderate.
- What did critics think of China Moon?
- Critics broadly regarded the film as a competent, familiar neo-noir with appealing stars but less distinction than earlier entries in the tradition.
- Which films are like China Moon?
- Films with a similar feel include Body Heat, The Last Seduction, Basic Instinct, and Sea of Love.
- How long is China Moon?
- China Moon runs 99 minutes.
- Where can I watch China Moon?
- In United States, China Moon streams on Amazon Prime Video, fuboTV, MGM+ Amazon Channel, Philo, MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel, MGM Plus, Amazon Prime Video with Ads.
