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BEYOND BORDERS

Review by Chastity Campbell

Starring: Angelina Jolie, Clive Owen
Director: Martin Campbell
Video: 1.85:1 Anamorphic Widescreen
Audio: 5.1 Dolby Digital, Surround
Studio: Paramount Pictures
Features: See Review
Release Date: March 23, 2004

Film ***

This movie was so wonderful, yet so hard to watch.  I found myself walking away from it more than once, but I couldn’t stay away for long because it has that certain quality that some movies possess which leaves you needing to know more, and see more!

Sarah Jordan is mesmerized by the man in the long black coat, ranting and raving like a lunatic after he crashed her father-in-laws charity fund raiser.   Nick Callahan is a doctor who has pledged his life and skills to helping those that have been forgotten.  When he interrupts a London socialite gathering to plead for extra funding, he doesn’t find many sympathizers.  In truth he attracts the eye of only one woman, who will show him how to love, live, and let go.

Beyond Borders, is a wonderfully scripted and directed movie.  The acting by everyone involved was very realistic and enjoyable.  After watching this DVD, I am truly astounded that this movie didn’t receive more recognition and praise.  The type of message this movie conveys is something we need a lot more of in our society today.  Unconditional love and understanding, as well as helping those in need should be high on our priority list.  

Moving right along the reviewers trail, I have to say that I love Angelina Jolie!  Well, I don’t LOVE her, but I love her abilities as an actress.  Whether she’s kicking butt in Tomb Raider, or playing a completely whacked out schizoid in Girl Interrupted, she always manages to deliver an A+ performance!  When you give that girl a role, she runs away with it.  Typically she runs in her own direction, but once she gets going you won’t mind where she’s taking you, you’ll just be happy your along for the ride.

Now Clive Owen, on the other hand is easy to fall in love with, yes, I mean LOVE!!!   He’s tall, handsome, strong, and has a really sexy accent!  Add to that some decent acting ability, and you’ve got the whole bag of Doritos, baby!

This movie covers ten years in the lives of these two people.   Whether they are fighting it out in Africa, or hiding in the Cambodian jungle, you’ll quickly realize the chemistry between these two actors goes much deeper than their suntans!  

Sarah unwittingly falls in love with Nick, and in the end must make some very hard choices where he is concerned.  Nick does love Sarah, but his passion is with his humanitarian work, and there’s just no room for two loves in his life.  

These two people are never at the right place at the right time in their lives, and even when they are, things take a tragic turn.

I have to admit that this movie caused me to cry more than once.   Trust me, you won’t be able to help yourself, because this film pulls just about every emotional chord within.  Definitely grab a copy of this movie on DVD because it’s an experience you won’t want to be without.

Video ***

As awesome as the audio in this DVD was, I have to give a bigger thumbs up to the video quality.  The colors were vivid and crisp, really bursting off the screen.  There was no dirt or grain visible, and each scene radiated with clarity.   Sometimes it’s good to say less and allow the video to speak for itself, and this one will definitely do just that! 

Audio ***

Crisp and clear, this 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround mix is everything you want a DVD to sound like and more.   The dialogue was balanced and didn’t bounce around, which is always plus.  The background music beds helped the film itself tremendously.  Good audio is always a boon to a movie, but great audio helps this DVD step above some of the rest!

Features **

This DVD’s features go beyond the call of duty and then some!

There is commentary by Director Martin Campbell and Producer Lloyd Phillips. 

A two part featurette titled Behind The Lines: The Making Of Beyond Borders, Part 1 & 2 takes you on a really up close and personal ride with the cast and crew of this film. 

The Writing Of Beyond Borders: A Conversation With Screenwriter Caspian Tredwell-Owen is a truly wonderful experience.  You get to see inside the mind behind this wonderful film. 

Finally, a featurette detailing Angelina’s work as a Good Will Ambassador allows you to see the change of mindset making a movie like this can cause in an actor/actress. 

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