Watch The Border

The Border, released in 1982, is an action-packed crime drama directed by Tony Richardson and written by Deric Washburn. The film follows the life of a border patrol officer named Charlie Smith (Jack Nicholson) who is stationed in El Paso, Texas. Charlie finds himself in a difficult situation when he is asked to oversee the transportation of illegal immigrants across the border in exchange for a handsome sum of money.

Charlie's life takes a turn for the worse when he becomes too involved with the trafficking racket. He becomes implicated in drug smuggling and is blackmailed into continuing with his work. As he becomes more embroiled in the criminal underworld, he faces conflicts with his wife, Marge (Valerie Perrine), and gets into altercations with his fellow officers. His only friend, a cowboy named Cat (Harvey Keitel), is also involved in the trafficking business, which adds to Charlie's woes.

The Border deftly handles the issue of illegal immigration and border control in the United States. The film does not take a political stance but rather presents the harsh realities of the situation. Charlie, who always thought he was on the right side of the law, is forced to rethink his decision when he is offered money that could drastically improve his life. The moral dilemma faced by Charlie is a reflection of the moral dilemma faced by millions of people worldwide.

The acting in The Border is outstanding, with Nicholson delivering a memorable performance as the conflicted Charlie. The film also features the acting chops of Harvey Keitel as the enigmatic cowboy Cat. Valerie Perrine shines as Marge, Charlie's wife, in a complex and nuanced performance. The supporting cast, including Warren Oates, Elpidia Carrillo, and Jeff Morris, also delivers a commendable performance.

The Border's cinematography and direction are worthy of praise. The film depicts the beauty of the Texan desert while also showcasing the gritty realities of the border. The border town is depicted as a place of corruption and decay, with the line between good and evil blurred. The film's pacing is perfect, with the tension building up as Charlie becomes more involved in the trafficking racket.

The film's themes are relevant even today, with immigration still being a hot-button issue in many countries. The Border does not shy away from presenting the harsh realities of illegal immigration and human trafficking. The film showcases the desperation of people who try to cross the border in search of a better life and how their fate is often in the hands of unscrupulous individuals.

Overall, The Border is a gritty, realistic portrayal of the complex issue of border control and illegal immigration. The film provides an insightful look into the people who are affected by these issues and how their lives are impacted. The film's outstanding performances, excellent direction, and relevant themes make it a must-watch for those interested in crime dramas and social issues.

The Border is a 1982 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 49 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 66.