Watch The Border

The Border is a dramatic and thought-provoking film that explores the complexities of immigration and border control in the United States. Directed by Tony Richardson and released in 1982, the movie stars Jack Nicholson as Charlie Smith, a dedicated border patrol officer who begins to question his role in enforcing America's strict anti-immigration policies.

The movie takes place in El Paso, Texas, where Charlie works alongside his colleagues to keep illegal immigrants out of the country. Despite the dangers and challenges of his job, Charlie is proud of what he does and believes he is making a difference. However, as he gets to know some of the immigrants he encounters and learns more about the harsh realities they face in their home countries, he begins to feel conflicted about his role in denying them entry to the United States.

One of the films strongest themes is the contrast between the privileged position of the Americans and the difficult and often dangerous lives of the people trying desperately to come into the United States. The picture of the American Dream that is depicted in the movie stands in stark contrast to the poverty, violence, and desperation that drives people to take enormous risks to try and make it into the US.

The film takes a nuanced approach to the topic of immigration, portraying people on both sides of the border and their complex motivations. Charlie finds himself drawn to two of the immigrants he meets, Maria (played by Elpidia Carrillo) and her young son. He is moved by their determination to start a new life in the US, even as he struggles to reconcile his feelings with the mandate of his job.

As the movie progresses, Charlie becomes increasingly disillusioned with his work and the harsh policies implemented by the border patrol. His growing empathy for the immigrants he encounters leads him to consider new ways of helping them. However, he soon discovers that the systems he has always trusted and believed in are deeply flawed and corrupt. When he attempts to blow the whistle on the corruption he sees among his colleagues, he becomes a target himself, and is forced to choose between his loyalty to his job and his ideals.

The Border raises many questions about the morality of immigration policies and the security of borders, and gives viewers a glimpse into the risks that those seeking a better life in the United States are willing to take. Through Charlie's perspective, the movie invites the audience to consider what it means to be a good person in a complicated, often cruel world.

The film is elevated above others in its genre by its expert direction, powerful performances by the cast, and a deeply compelling story. Nicholson is particularly impressive in the role, bringing his trademark intensity and charisma to the part of Charlie. The supporting cast, including Carrillo and Harvey Keitel as Charlies corrupt boss, adds depth and dimension to the story, helping to create a fully realized world where the stakes are high and the moral quandaries are complex.

Overall, The Border is a must-see film for anyone interested in the complexities of immigration policy and the human stories behind those who risk everything to come to the United States. Its themes continue to resonate today, more than thirty years after its initial release, and its message is as important now as it was when it first came out.