Review of The Border (1982) by Kevin R — 28 Jan 2012

Every street is paved with gold and it's just across the borderline.

Charlie Smith is a fairly corrupt border patrol officer that decides to move out of a trailer and into a nicer part of town. The new lifestyle causes Charlie to partake in some illegal behaviors with his fellow border patrol officers to obtain additional funds to keep up financially with his neighbors and wife's spending. When Charlie comes across a beautiful Mexican girl who is struggling to take care of her daughter, he rethinks his behaviors and lifestyle.

"We're driving you back so often we aught to start charging you bus fair.".

Tony Richardson, director of Blue Sky, The Phantom of the Opera (1990), Ned Kelly, Hamlet (1969), Tom Jones, Sanctuary, and The Charge of the Light Brigade, delivers The Border. The storyline for this picture is quite compelling and delivers the premise in a way that almost depicts the Americans as the bad guys. The settings, script, and characters are well delivered. The cast delivers solid performances and includes Jack Nicholson, Harvey Keitel, Valerie Perrine, Warren Oates, and Alan Fudge.

"When you come back you'll have good jobs, $6 per day.".

We have been DVR'ing random Jack Nicholson pictures over the last few years and I wanted to see this picture because it starred both Keitel and Nicholson. I loved the story of the mother and the depiction of the struggles of the young Mexican couple. I thought this picture delivered solid depth and worthwhile characters and I recommend seeing this underrated gem.

"You gotta think about going forwards not backwards.".

Grade: B (7.5).