Ruby in Paradise

Starring: Ashley Judd, Todd Field, etc.
Director: Victor Nunez
Rated: R
Year of Release: 1993
Video Release Date: February 20, 2001

Real freedom comes from finding out what you love to do and then doing it. Ruby, a 20-year-old Tennessee woman, escapes what was probably an abusive life and drives to Florida, where she insists on work at a beachwear shop until the owner finally relents. And she gradually learns to love her work, not so much because retail is thrilling but because she finds she is good at dealing with people and money. When the owner’s son makes advances and is eventually spurned, he takes his revenge by getting her fired. Hitting a low point during which she considers, then refuses work at a strip joint, she eventually grows in her knowledge of what she wants from life and learns to go after it.

Viewing Suggestion:

Notice how Ruby, after many challenging ordeals, finally becomes an independent woman, in charge of her work and herself. She had escaped from what was probably an abusive relationship. If you are in an abusive relationship, take Ruby as a model and get out. You may be scared and unsure, but do it anyway. Look for a mentor to provide you with guidance, like Ruby had.

Ask Yourself:

- Do you believe that you are not capable of confronting or getting away from people who treated you badly?
- Do you remember a situation in your life when you faced a fear of conflict and confronted somebody who had treated you badly?
- If you find yourself in similar situations now, you might want to try it again, starting with someone who presents only a small challenge.
- Does Ruby’s capacity to escape from her abusers remind you of possibly neglected resources inside you that might help you to achieve the same?
- If you are in an abusive relationship, take Ruby as a model and get out. You may be scared and unsure, but do it anyway. Look for a mentor to provide you with guidance, like Ruby has.