Sea of Love (1989)

Frank Keller is a divorced cop and is frustrated with his single life. He is assigned a case where a series of men are killed under mysterious circumstances and is partnered by Det. Sherman on this case. They find a commonality with all the killings (rhyming ads in a Singles magazine) and try to nab the culprit by placing a similar ad. This process of trying to catch the fish by placing the bait is very entertaining and interesting. The song 'Sea of Love' also plays a prominent role in giving a lead to the detectives about the killings.

One such woman named Helen, whom Frank meets through this ad becomes a real passionate rage for Frank and he starts having a wild affair with her. Sherman suspects that she is the culprit as there are some signs to that effect. Frank ignores this and is even ready to move in with her but later he is also almost sure that Helen is the doer. In the end, there is a twist about the killer and this twist is decent.

The film has a terrific BGM score, be it the jazzy and sexy score for the love making scenes or the suspense filled thumping music for the thrilling scenes.

There are some really wild and passionate sex scenes. The heroine Ellen Barkin is truly an exotic blond and incredibly seducing. Al Pacino eases his way through the romantic scenes and shows his lighter side. In the intense scenes, he is always A Rate with his aggression. This is a good mix of romance and intensity for the master actor.

John Goodman provides some funny moments as Det. Sherman.

VERDICT: Nice thriller with its share of erotica as well. Good cocktail of suspense and sex.