Sarah (Angelina Jolie) is a wealthy wife and mother. She attends a fund raising dinner and is stunned, like the rest of the audience, to hear of the dire conditions in Africa. The facts are related by a handsome doctor, Nick (Clive Owen) who brings a malnourished child to the function. Sarah follows Nick back to Africa, leaving her own husband and children, to help him in a makeshift camp. Nick initially dismisses her as a do-gooder who is in way over her head. Nevertheless, he grows to admire her over time. Although they are attracted to each other, Sarah goes back to her privileged world when her work is done. But, alas, Sarah can not forget Nick. They meet up later in Cambodia, where they finally consummate their relationship while helping the wounded in the Cambodian struggle. Again, Sarah leaves, as Nick convinces her there is no future for the two of them. Will they never see each other again? And, is there a bigger secret Sarah is withholding? This movie succeeds only on the strengths of its stars. Jolie has never, ever been lovelier than she is in this film and Owen has more charms than can be counted. The script, however, is a manipulative one, meant to elicit big tears and emotion, but coming up short. It also places human beings in situations where no one would ever dream of romance over survival. That said, the movie is still watchable and the scenery a knockout. If you adore Jolie or Owens, you can not miss this one. They transcend the material and make the movie work when in reality, it shouldn't.
Review of Beyond Borders
