Beyond Borders (Full Screen Edition)

Rating:
Summary: Movie is better than you think!
Review: Many reviewers bash the love story (as well as the morality of making the film), but I think the studio knew that Americans in general are into entertainment and don't want to see the real problems and death in the world. So to spark interest, a love story was created to bring people in and perhaps open their eyes to the problems out there (and to acquire some sort of funding).

The child and the mother, which look as bad as prisoners in death camps were digitally enhanced, so actually, no one was really sick in this film. (I was a bit disappointed with the digital paint on the child, though, but it made the point.)

Also, in the African (Ethiopian scene) and Thai (Cambodian scene) locations, the crews left behind running water and actual restrooms (compared to outhouses and well-water). The movie was shot on a limited budget and I think the cast and crew were as helpful to the native people of the locations as possible.

**SPOILER** As for the quality of the movie, I do think it kind of drifted towards the end, but you have to remember - this is the way life is. No local governments, terrorists or guerillas care for aid workers and they are being killed right as you're reading this. Sarah didn't expect or want to die - she didn't knowingly sacrifice herself, it was an accident, like in real life. She wanted her family together and to be with Nick. Refer to Pearl Harbor: the love story was magnificent, because life in war is volatile and unpredictable in this way, even though you end up angry at the woman.

The people that say that the UNHCR, UN and other charities don't work are the same people that hinder the help. You don't see them out there risking their lives. If no one believes in an organization, how is it going to work? It makes sense. Unfortunately, I think that the ignorance of humanity sometimes gets the best of all of us and we forget truly how lucky we are to be sitting in front of our computers typing away, thinking about what time to go to lunch...

but that's just my 2 cents.

Rating:
Summary: Better than it was given credit for.
Review: I thought this film was good. Clive and Angelina give strong performances and the ending was unpredicted. I liked the fact the Owen's character shows his constant frustration. Maybe it is because I have been to Africa and see what some of this looks like firsthand. The message about landmines was compelling as well.

Rating:
Summary: Beyond Borders
Review: "Beyond Borders" earns three stars because I feel the film's acting as well as its cause to which it's dedicated is its advantages. The movie is dedicated to relief workers and the millions of humans who are victims of war and persecution. This cause is a positive aim. However I feel it took a different direction when the movie seemed to focus more on the attraction and allurement between two of the main characters; Sarah Jordan played by Academy Award winning actress Angelina Jolie, and Nick Callahan played by actor Clive Owen. This is where "Beyond Borders" disappointed me and lost its appeal.