Watch South of the Border

South of the Border is a 2009 documentary film directed by Oliver Stone. The film examines the political climate in several countries in South America and the impact that the socialist governments of those countries have had on the lives of their citizens. The movie provides an in-depth analysis of a range of different political issues such as poverty, political oppression, and economic growth. Throughout the film, Stone interviews leaders of various South American countries including Venezuela's Hugo Chávez, Bolivia's Evo Morales, and Brazil's Lula da Silva.

The documentary is divided into several different parts, each of which focuses on a different country and its specific political context. Stone's interviews with the leaders of these countries shed light on their perspectives on socialism, their countries' policies, and their achievements and challenges.

One of the main themes of the documentary is the idea of South American Integration, which is an initiative that aims to create economic and political integration between South American countries. This goal is explored through the lens of various regional initiatives such as the Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas (ALBA) and the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR).

Throughout the film, Stone provides a deeper understanding of the political climate in South America, while not shying away from the many challenges that these countries face. In particular, the film examines the role of the United States in the region, exploring its history of intervention and its current attempts to maintain influence in South America.

The interviews with various political leaders are the backbone of the movie. Stone focuses on their personalities and ideologies, and the film reflects on how the choices they make affect their countries. The interviews are juxtaposed with stunning scenic views of the South American countries, which intensifies the immersive experience for the audience.

Oliver Stone, whose other films include JFK and Platoon, provides sharp insights in this documentary about the history of South America's politics and its role in the global economy. The film rightly concluded that South America had changed from being politically founded by dictators and governed by wealthy elites to socialist-minded people struggling to create a better life for everyone.

Overall, South of the Border provides a refreshing alternative to the usual media coverage of South America that often focuses on drug cartels, economic instability and political corruption. Instead, Stone provides a humanistic perspective, highlighting the achievements and challenges of South American countries in their attempt to create equitable societies. The film also acts as a call to action, urging viewers to think critically about the role of the United States in the region and to support the continued efforts of South American countries to create a more prosperous and equitable future.