Border Run (2012) User Reviews

A gritty, badly acted look at immigration

[kenyajon · 4/10 · 5 March 2013]

Border Run is a film, as you would imagine, about people crossing the border from Mexico to the USA. A US reporter (Sharon Stone) seeks to find her brother (Billy Zane), who has been working for a relief organisation in Mexico, after he disappears. She uncovers the illegal world of border crossing gangs and drug runners.

The storyline of the film is quite reasonable and the film takes a very gritty look at the border crossing, those who are trying to help and those who are trying to get rich.

Stone is the lead role and she does not deliver. With a different actress the film could have been much better. Stone is just not believable and, at times, I found her performance almost embarrassing. However, other performances are good and sympathy is generated for the harsh and horrific experience that those who seek to cross the US border face.

Worth a watch? Probably not.

Tedious

[albrechtcm · 3/10 · 1 March 2013]

Although this supposedly deals with the border problems between Mexico and the US, this particular film only exploits them in a series of clichéd plot twists and turns that we've all seen oh! so many times before. Add to that the lacunae in the plot and you have a film that is downright tedious to watch. Sharon Stone has done a lot better in the past and does well in most of this but there are some scenes where her acting is so over the top that it's almost laughable. Maybe we have to blame a lot of this on the director. Some of the more obvious plot holes involve a cigar butt that is never connected to its smoker throughout the entire film until at the very last minute when he decides to light a second cigar and then there is a shack the size of an outdoor toilet. Hunters watch three or four men run inside while their "coyote" stays outside. They look inside and no one is there. Now since there is no place to go but down, you might think someone would try checking beneath the little rug, but no, they'd rather chain up the remaining man and torture him for days to get him to tell them where the other men went. At the moment the men disappeared inside it's obvious how they escaped, but no one every thinks of that until the very end which took a long time coming. Then there's the maudlin bit about having to go to Mexico and bring back the daughter of a fallen friend. We saw that one coming too many pictures back. What could have been a statement on the problems facing not only the DEA but the poor people who try to get into the United States, turns out to be just another semi-action flick without much purpose at all.

Potential squashed by Tagliavini and Stone

[tcgraff1988 · 3/10 · 15 July 2013]

As most of the reviews on this film state, the film has great potential but falls short due to certain performances. Border Run does a great job at depicting just what crossing the border entails for many illegal immigrants.

However, Sharon Stone does not deliver at all. She is both over-dramatic and detached from her character. The acting may actually bring out a chuckle in what is certainly not a comedic movie.

All the blame cannot be put on Stone as it is the director's job to, well, direct the actors' performances. Tagliavini not only misses this mark with Stone but also with the story-line. Certain areas that warrant more time and detail are simply brushed over and some that should be short and to-the-point are dragged out for simple shock value.

It is in my opinion and those who watched it with me: This was a great story line with many twists and surprises, and even a satisfying ending, that was completely ruined by bad acting and even worse directing.

Worst film I have seen in a long time

[absunshine99 · 1/10 · 5 April 2013]

It is rare that I give up on a movie within 30 minutes but in this case, I was so unimpressed that I did just that. I have enjoyed some Sharon Stone movies in the past, especially her performance in Casino, but I found her acting to be abysmal in this case. As another reviewer pointed out, this may well be in great part due to the direction she was given. I'm not familiar with the work of the director and will likely avoid any of his films in the future. I cannot comment on the story itself as it did not really have a chance to develop in the short time I was able to stand it. I would advise against watching this film unless you are hell bent on keeping track of the lead actor's career which, going by this effort, is heading deep South.

Dull sleazy thriller masquerading as a message film

[a_chinn · 4/10 · 10 December 2017]

Sharon Stone plays an American reporter crossing the US/Mexico border in order to search for her missing brother. "Border Run" pretends to be a hard hitting expose about human trafficking, but it's really just a dumb, boring, revenge thriller. I'm fine with ripped-from-the-headlines topics being dropped into exploitations films (i.e. everything from racial topics in blaxploitation, to serial killer biopics, to biker pictures), and they can even become brilliant in some cases ("M," "Targets," or "Rope"), but this film's main offense is that it wasn't all that interesting either on a story or character level. Stone is too good of an actress to be slumming in garbage like this. Billy Zane on the other hand, with few exceptions, seems to have made a career out of slumming in garbage like this. Overall, there's really no reason to watch this film. If you want a revenge/thriller, there are much better ones out there. If you want a topical film about US/Mexico immigration or about human trafficking, there are much better ones out there as well.

Terrible

[amonynos · 1/10 · 7 June 2013]

It's going to be hard to not reveal any plot, as there didn't appear to be much of one.

Sharon sure looked old, (Sorry, Shar); the nudity displayed was more of a shallow attempt to reach some aging demographic, I'm sure. I meant decrepit demographic. It's time to give up the sexual roles, dear. If they ever do a remake of the Wizard of Oz, I'm sure there will be a part for you.

As for the rest, I've not seen such over-dramatic, emotionally unbalanced acting in a long time, maybe ever. It's as if the actors all thought they were the star. I'm thinking the director has a hand in this, obviously. "Give me MORE !! I want to hear those SCREAMS ! More crying !"

With a weak plot that never was fully resolved, an inaccurate portrayal of the US Border Patrol/Customs Agents, the gratuitous violence and sexual scenes... ad nauseam (and those are the GOOD points of this dog), I recommend you spend the 2 precious hours of your life doing something else. Anything.

Good Story, Bad Main Actor.

[profesor5150 · 4/10 · 1 March 2013]

I was curious about the movie when I saw a trailer and saw that Stone and Zane were in it. As I watched the movie I was put off by Stones' acting? Talk about a buzz kill? The story was based on true events that I found very interesting even though it was way off on many areas. The characters that popped up as the story unfolded kept me from turning it off. All these unknown actors were much better actors then Stone and they were the reason that I watched the whole movie. Maybe Stone thought she didn't get paid enough to give it her best but it was annoying to watch her pretend to whine and cry at every turn when she was supposed to portray some experienced investigative reporter who acts tough and cry's at every turn. But if you have a couple of hrs to kill and want to see some interesting actors help Stone earn her money then try to enjoy...

Border Line

[kosmasp · 5/10 · 22 November 2013]

It's a shame they didn't use "Border Run" from the start. A much better title, that would also leave you with a little surprise (probably) towards the end of the movie. As it is, this is supposed to be the vehicle for Sharon Stone and a lot of actors have achieved great things with low budget movies. Something I guess she was expecting too. But the theme of the movie was the big seller.

Controversial and not easy to chew, this movie tries to show how ridiculous the border situation is. But do we need a 90 minute to show us something we already know? You decide if that is necessary. You also have to judge the late in the game "twist" and if it really was necessary too. Whatever the case, the movie tries hard but kind of fails delivering (no pun intended).

A movie that is just OK but the acting is good. Really makes you feel contradicting emotions and that makes it better. I say B

[cosmo_tiger · 7/10 · 12 February 2013]

"Thousands try to cross into the US illegally every year. Each person carries a story, this is one of them and I didn't know at the time but this story is also mine." American reporter Sofie (Stone) has just got a big break in the story she is working on. Excited she calls her brother and hears gun shots. Trying to find out what happened leads her to Mexico and a ring of human smuggling and violence. From there things get more and more dangerous, and it's all true. I will start by saying that this was better then I was expecting. While still a B type movie the acting wasn't bad and the movie really made you feel strong emotions. One of them is anger toward the smugglers, the other is anger toward the border guards. To me the movie made me feel mixed emotions. Anger toward the smugglers and anger toward the US policies as well as agreeing with the policies. I wasn't sure who is in the right in this movie and that's what makes a good movie. One that makes you feel something you didn't before. I recommend it for that reason, but the movie itself is just OK. Overall, the emotions you feel make the movie well worth seeing. I say B.

MEXICANS WITHOUT BORDERS

[nogodnomasters · 5/10 · 7 August 2018]

Sofie (Sharon Stone) is a hard nosed right wing Phoenix reporter. Her brother Aaron (Billy Zane) is on the other side of the fence (literally). He goes missing while helping illegals cross the border. Sofie goes looking for him, utilizing dubious untrustworthy help along the way. She gets caught up in the underground world (again literally) of smuggling. At some point she comes to sympathize with the illegals, but the film really didn't drive that home until she gives a speech to a policeman.

As far as a crime/drama/thriller I didn't feel too thrilled, perhaps because they wanted to take a realistic approach as the film was inspired by true events. Sharon Stone's Botox appearance was distracting throughout. The Mexican police are stereotypical. It is a movie which appears to be designed to create sympathy for the poor immigrants, but falls short. Worthy of a Redbox rental, but don't keep it home for more than a day.

Parental Guide: F-bomb (2 languages with subtitles) rape, nudity (Sharon Stone)

Deep and realistic movie!

[mabianucci · 9/10 · 29 March 2015]

This movie isn't for everyone. It isn't for people who are vehemently anti-violence. It isn't for people who need a feel-good story with a happy ending. That being said, this film had me literally on the edge of my seat for 2 1/2 hours and is a fantastic movie.

People will want to compare this movie to other immigration films. This has dramatizations and has a coherent direction, while still being an incredibly suspenseful movie. I think the director did a great job.

I wish they developed the secondary characters more, because I liked them so much. But it's not your typical Hollywood movie that introduces a protagonist and develops him/her until the conflict is resolved. This movie used the main character as a metaphor for America as a whole and that was really impressive.

Much more than your average action movie, "Border Run" has a combination of bad ass scenes, phenomenal editing, and music, and a fantastic (mostly) true story with epic scope. I can't wait to see it again!

This movie certainly deserves better than a 4.2 overall rating.

[introact · 7/10 · 19 July 2013]

Border Run is a bare-bones, gritty, raw film about a very serious topic. Sharon Stone must have chosen to endure this demanding role to support the film's effort to show the incredibly inhumane treatment of illegal aliens on both sides of the border. It forces the viewer to confront the real human suffering caused by the enforcement of the Mexican/American border and the criminals who take advantage of desperate people. With few words and an emphasis on clear-cut situations, the script is effective without putting its themes into unnecessary comments by the characters. Some of the supporting actors are so immersed in their roles that it is hard to realize they are not actually these unfortunate people. This is one of those real-life stories that plays out like a movie, with twists and turns, but is true nonetheless. It certainly deserves a better overall rating than 4.2.

Really Ugly Fetish Film

[bemyfriend-40184 · 3/10 · 5 February 2022]

Ugly movie. Extreme cruelty. If you have a fetish for this kind of thing; then here is a movie. Madame in the dungeon with S&M, B&D. The worst is when the Madame stomps on a pregnant woman's baby bump... twice. None of the characters were relatable. The premise is dubious. They were force-feeding packets of drugs to people, to smuggle them over the border. But then, they DROVE the people over the border. Drugs are small; and easier to hide than four or five people. But then, the so-called plot was just an excuse to sell this fetish film. The "message" or agenda, is corrupted by the implicit, and explicit portrayal of Mexicans as either vicious beasts, or pathetic losers. Seen on the Redbox streaming site, for free. Redbox has some of its films for free; and also live TV.

A Story No One Wants To Hear Or Tell

[LeonLouisRicci · 6/10 · 9 February 2014]

So far, it has been the "Duty" of Independent Films to Tackle the "Hot Button" Issue of Illegal Immigration, so here it is. With a Miniscule Budget and some Good Intentions this Spotty Story of the Horrors that Await these Border Crossers is Assuredly Quite Bleak and Gut-Wrenching.

The Backstory of Sharon Stone's Career as a TV News Reporter is Handled so Sloppily that it is Basically Forgotten for most of the Movie. It Invades Quickly on the most Slimy of Non-Human Entities, that are the Worst Scum and Dirt Bags Imaginable, Border Brutes from Hell.

The Point of the Suffering and Dehumanization of these Folks Trying to make it to a Better Life is Brought Home with some Ugly Violence but Nevertheless the Case is Clearly Made that Things "are not that simple" and the Whole Matter is a Mess and People, including Women and Children are Paying a Heavy Price while most Americans haven't a Clue or Even Worse are Apathetic.

Not a Bad Movie but it is a bit Amateurish and Angles all over the Place, but it does have a Message and it isn't Lost in the Desert Dust, but the Inattention that this Movie has Received is just Another Example of the Story No One Wants to Hear or Tell.

This movie was written to reach a much wider crowd than anticipated

[raycloete · 10/10 · 4 July 2013]

This movie was obviously well thought over… I suppose only a few will ever realize this. The script was written in International English manner, I believe that it could be entirely understood not only by Americans but also by people all over the world as I am not only referring to the 'border run' scenario. Personally the movie took me through a roller-coaster ride full of mixed emotions and some unexpected turns. The whole time I was watching 'Border run' I had to remind myself that it is only a movie…The real reality was that in fact it was not fiction. I believe it would be hard for anyone with a soul to realize that these extreme matters of abuse, racism, corruption, government injustice and inhuman acts are the reality we live in right now. There is a certain part of the movie where Sharon quotes "We live with things we take advantage of everyday where people with nothing need to try and live" It has been heard a thousand times, "YES indeed" However after watching this it is as if the whole cliché suddenly takes on a whole new meaning, as if it is the first time you actually heard it and clearly understood the emotion behind it. I do not think it was the intention of the Producers, Directors or Actors to create a piece of art-work, but rather to reflect reality as best as they can and may I say so myself they did accomplish that 100%. A movie like this should not get a 5 star rating or have any intentions to be a hit at the box office neither does a movie like this even have to be recognized at the Academy. The point is; a few selfless people came together to send a message to the world, maybe to take of the blindfolds off some of the self-righteous egotistic people who might still have a soul to realize what is going on. The movie did inspired me and I hope that the next time you look at your children you remember a pregnant woman and her baby being raped tortured and drugged to death at that very moment. I hope that when you go to your local supermarket that you realize at that very moment a person is so desperate for just a slice of bread that they are willing to sacrifice their life for it. Next time when you think of any of your family members, I hope you realize somewhere in the world a person has permanently been removed from their loved ones…not only by death. Almost everywhere in the world people are being treated unfairly due to a corrupt justice system that only benefit the rich. Mostly I hope you realize this person crying out for salvation and help could be you! Look beyond the obvious and try and see if you can see how the movie raises the following? Everywhere in the world the rich are getting richer, the poor are getting poorer? People don't have any remorse towards one another? We care only for ourselves and our own reality, we will do anything to avoid a person in need? We treat our own beastly and kill and those who don't sit and watch without saying or doing anything? I know this sounds profound but please bear with me as I truly honestly believe it is the truth…Government Officials and Authorities are brain-washing, manipulating the minimum wage state trooper/police officials into believing that it is actually fine to murder, rape and abuse other people. All this only because these people I am referring to are in desperate need for help from another human being. Some of us can still see beyond this…But what some may find it very hard to look beyond is when your own parents are so corrupt that they teach their kids that what the so called law says is what you must do even if you have to kill, abuse or do a hate crime against someone else. Remember this guys as humans we none of us were born with the ability to hate, we were taught to hate, if were taught to hate we can be taught to love and care for each other.

Decent Thriller, Though Not Quite A-List

[gavin6942 · 6/10 · 3 March 2013]

A female American reporter (Sharon Stone) searches for her missing brother (Billy Zane) against the backdrop of violence and human smuggling across the United States / Mexico border.

The key to remember in this film is that, as is said twice, the issue of the border is "not that simple". Any political stand on the issue has to be very nuanced or probably uninformed. I am not going to even try to explain where the arguments on many sides of the issue go wrong, as that is a book in itself.

And that is how I have to frame this film. I feel like it generally has a sympathetic view towards illegal immigration. And, indeed, there is reason to feel that way -- if my life could be substantially improved by crossing an imaginary line, I would probably consider doing it, too. But that ignores the importance of a strong border: keeping threats out and formalizing the citizenship process.

Yet, if the point of the film was to spark debate, I suppose it may succeed there. Immigration and border control is not an all or nothing issue, and there is much worthy of debate in these topics. Are we morally obligated to help improve people's lives? Or perhaps we are more obligated to ensure a strong homeland defense?

Sadly, Billy Zane (6-foot-2-inches of pure bad-butt) has far too little screen time and Sharon Stone is well past her acting prime. She was not a strong lead, and whoever decided to give her that terrible hair just made her more distracting than necessary.

Regular ...

[RosanaBotafogo · 7/10 · 15 May 2020]

Some situations sounded fakes and uncomfortable, a good film about immigration and mercenaries, but with a somewhat poor production and for beginners, but worth the criticism and denunciation ... Regular ...

Check this film out...

[pbmax-1 · 9/10 · 28 March 2015]

"Border Run" is a serious character study and a taut, suspenseful action thriller at once.

The subject matter itself - immigration - yields most of the suspense but director Gabriela Tagliavini manages to squeeze out every bit of tension of the premise.

The story is deeply emotional, depicting a thoroughly disturbed individual's life in hell. Sharon Stone gives an incredibly powerful performance

All aspects of film-making are top-notch, from the brilliantly subversive screenplay through vivid cinematography, masterful directing and perfectly paced editing.

I spent the entire film grabbing the arms of my seat. The tension, the suspense is at times breathtaking, literally. This movie is amazing and the definitive consecration of a great filmmaker.

Kudos for everyone involved for making this film without compromising.

I Enjoyed This Movie

[leybund · 9/10 · 25 March 2015]

I truly enjoyed This Movie. Paying to see it was a good inversion of my money and time. It's thrilling and exciting!

The film has a good script, with a powerful current message. Illegal immigration in US is a subject that few films have developed with such realism. With a moderate budget the Stone / Tagliavini as duo did a great job. The director knows how to get great performances from every single one of the secondary actors.

For people like me who like independent cinema this is a very good option to see. It's an interesting and well-filmed movie. Do not miss it!

I liked a lot this movie and highly recommended!

[susananofal-61980 · 10/10 · 29 March 2015]

I really liked this movie. Sharon looks different, but I like that. Good actors change to fit the role.

The director had a clear vision and look for it. The smooth camera moves are so cool and the music is chilling and melancholic.

I also like all the actors. I look them up and some are famous in their own countries.

Many American probably don't want to see this sad reality, because they are very comfortable with their American Way of Life, and they don't want to be bothered. But I think cinema was created to show reality in a different light. This movie is a piece of art. I highly recommended!

Excellent film. Shouldn't be missed

[crisbluthgen · 9/10 · 4 April 2015]

The Mule is definitely a very good movie which shouldn't be missed. I am certainly glad it came my way. The director's sensitive and thought provoking handling of a difficult subject elicits strong and mixed emotions. It is impossible, after seeing it, to "look the other way", or remain unaffected. Though set in the Us-Mexican border, it goes way beyond that: it represents a worldwide reality. It certainly describes the reality of illegal immigration and abuse of power in my country (argentina), and many others. Tagliavini is to be congratulated on the choice of story, and the courage to uncompromisingly tackle such an uncomfortable topic, as well as for the movie in itself. I loved the acting, loved Stone in such a different from other roles, liked the secondary actors, the music, the relentless tension. I recommend it to everyone who see movies as more than mere entertainment.

Tells an important story...

[staceyparks-64425 · 9/10 · 7 April 2015]

I came into this film not expecting much, and i honestly was blown away by the movie. I'm not claiming that this movie is 100% factual or even close to it but I think the filmmaker did a brilliant job of chronicling the immigration reality.

If this movie had been entirely fictional, I would have given it 2 stars. The importance of the story and the care taken in some parts gave it 5.

Before I excoriate, here are the good points. It tells a very important story for everyone to know. The reality of the border was depicted realistically, though I am no expert.

The end has a fantastic, unexpected twist. It's a clear criticism of the system. I won't spoil it. But it's a must see.

This movie earned my attention and i was on the edge of my seat until the end credits. I've watched all the major movies this year and this is, in my opinion, one of the best film of the year.

A Wild Ride

[taphappyldm · 9/10 · 6 September 2023]

While this story has some truth to it, the story line itself is fictional. It's about the horrors of immigration and people trying to cross to the US. The everyday life and death desperation going on in our world. It's a statement piece. This is what the truth of the movie is, it is a movie that everyone should see. It's gritty, shocking, and altogether sadly exhausting. At one point I felt as if it was me being kicked. The plot is great, with unexpected twists and turns. Superb acting. You hate and care about the characters. What more can you expect from a movie. I would have expected a better altogether rating for this movie, so I gave it 9 stars. The truth deserves that.

Sharon Stone....you got to be kidding.

[justinebrowne · 24 April 2024]

Watching Jennifer Lopez in Bordertown was more believable at least she can speak Spanish and looks the part and Jennifer Lopez is from the brown race and Sharon Stone no way.....!! Sharon Stone looked ridiculous in that black wig and tried to look like the brown race, that's an insult to the brown race. Hollywood get actors that fit the scene and the parts. And Billy Zane needs to stick in movies like the Mummy. I guess these actors you used were getting desperate to be in a movie that they just do not fir into. Hollywood get with it and quit using these washed up actors especially that Sharon Stone....