Border

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  • 2006

Border is a 2018 Swedish fantasy film directed by Ali Abbasi, and starring Eva Melander and Eero Milonoff. The film is based on a short story by John Ajvide Lindqvist, the author of Let the Right One In. The story follows a border guard named Tina who has the special ability to smell emotions. Tina is initially portrayed as an eccentric and unpopular figure in her small community, but her quiet life takes a sharp turn when she meets a mysterious man named Vore.

Tina's daily interactions with people at the border crossing are significant in the context of the film as it demonstrates the isolation she faces. Tina's character is unconventional, and she is not afraid to be different. She is unbeautiful, frequently ogled by her colleagues, and has a distant relationship with her dementia-suffering father. However, her life is turned upside down when she encounters Vore, who she realizes has similar physical features to her.

From this moment on, the movie quickly turns into a dark and twisted romance. Vore becomes interested in Tina, and they form a connection. But what initially appears to be a love story starts to unravel revealing a dark and unexpected truth about the life Tina has been living. It is clear that Vore is dangerous and carries a secret that threatens to harm her, her job, and her community.

The movie is graphic in its depiction of a number of taboo issues – including child abuse and sexual assault. These are not portrayed in a gratuitous way, but they are integral to the story. The director makes no apologies for the uncomfortable truths that are revealed.

The film is visually stunning and the use of prosthetics to create the physical transformation of the two lead characters is impressive. In addition to this, the cinematography is a highlight of the film. Ali Abbasi utilizes magnificent natural landscapes as well as the austere, industrial environment of the border check to create breathtaking visual effects.

The film's themes of otherness, identity, and individuality come to the forefront. At its core, Border is a story about the search for identity and belonging. It is about exploring the possibilities of self-acceptance and realizing that sometimes, those we see as our opposites are our true family.

Despite its fantasy elements, Border is a film that raises important modern day issues including how society treats those who do not fit into the traditional molds. It tackles identity issues head-on and promotes self-acceptance regardless of how an individual looks, feels or tastes.

The movie won the Un Certain Regard Award at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival, and there are certainly many reasons for this. It is a rare gem, filled with depth and nuance that makes the audience truly engage with the movie on a deeper level. Border is much more than your typical fantasy story, and its triumph lies in its ability to explore complex societal themes in a way that is both accessible and thought-provoking.

In conclusion, Border is an excellent film that manages to completely subvert expectations while providing a genuinely affecting tale about love, identity, and society's treatment of those who are different. The movie is visually striking, its pace is perfect and the two lead performances are exceptional. Border is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys thought-provoking and original interpretation of movie elements.

Border
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  • Release Date
    2006
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