RockDew
I was excited to see Beyond Borders. Even if it had taken me seven years to even hear of its existence, the film promised so much: an epic, political and romantic adventure appeared to be in a similar vein to 'Blood Diamond' or 'The Constant Gardener'. And looking at it from a humanitarian point of view, the film does well to highlight the suffering that goes unnoticed around the world. Unfortunately, it offers little more than this.The characters are one- dimensional and it is a struggle to care about anyone other than the starving third-world children. Noah Emmerich (probably best known for his supporting role in 'The Truman Show') is arguably the lone exception. Clive Owen gives a typical Clive Owen performance: expressionless and emotionless even when discussing death, torture and starvation. However Clive Owen is widely known for this form of acting, so maybe the casting director should be called to account here. Jolie's performance is a notch above wooden, at best, while the events that occur throughout the film are all too conventional (Jolie's husband cheats on her - essentially a letter of permission from the screenwriter that allows Jolie to go and kop off with Owen). The less said about the ending the better, it utterly reeks of cliché.With two A-list leads, this film should have acted as a shining beacon for relief workers across the globe. Instead, the opportunity was well and truly missed. For a similar yet superior political/romantic adventure, 'The Constant Gardener' would be my recommendation.
paulinacastejon-1
I thought the story and acting was believable and very moving. Those that thought the romantic chemistry was tepid don't understand love within the context of life's responsibilities and goals that aren't all about you. Some people sacrifice their own passion for the greater good. There is more passion when you have to hold it in your heart and not have everything you want immediately, and you still love each other for many years out of pure respect and admiration. The political side is heartbreaking and very accurate. I teach using this material in my high school history and adult international English classes. My students are always deeply moved by this story and my international students often didn't know about the severity of the political situations before they saw the movie. They loved it as much as I did.
Laleh Soltan
I had hoped when I first saw the Film in theatres that it would shake Americans out of their provincial apathy. However, it has taken 5 years for Hollywood to sit up and take notice. It is gratifying to see some movie stars using their position and wealth to adopt children from war torn or starving nations. Naturally, Ms. Jolie leads the way with her efforts. She is a role model for people everywhere and her actions should be applauded. As an American who has traveled to some of the poorest nations including Afghanistan, South Africa, the villages of Iran, the former Soviet Union; I have seen first hand the courage and the appreciation for life that citizens of these countries display.
mmcewen-1
I loved this film. It reminded me of emotionally-stirring epics from past eras -- Dr. Zhivago, Gone With the Wind, Lawrence of Arabia. Perhaps that's why the cynical and heartless critics trashed it ... the romance is old fashioned, idealistic and pure; the characters are not addicted to alcohol, drugs or senseless shopping; there are no grunting sex scenes. The violence has a point. And yes, Angelina's character always looks too fashionably good and clean and gorgeous to be true to the horrific circumstances she finds herself in.It's a weeper, for sure. An eye-opener for the ignorant, uninformed and uncaring consumers of modern capitalism. A call to arms. Definitely not a typically pointless 21st Century American movie. Thankfully, Oliver Stone didn't get to direct.See it. Take out your handkerchiefs and your cheque books. This film might actually change your life.
AD
