Bordertown DVD: Review By Bryan Yentz

If you're unfamiliar with Bordertown, know that the main goal of the film is to bring to light the mistreatment and abuse many women of Mexico go through. Constantly wasting away; working in factories for next to nil... Being preyed upon by malicious men... It's horrific stuff... Dark, horrific stuff... And that's what this film is trying to portray... The cruelty women many of the face everyday. Yet, as honest as the film wants to be about this plight, it feels overshadowed by an overdependence on big name actors. Now, I'm not saying having a celebrity in a film like this is wrong in any way-but the approach to it... Well... Makes the real dilemma seem like it's taking a back seat to it all when the camera's constant focus is on Jennifer Lopez or Antonio Banderas.

Much like the film "Trade", you have a big issue you're trying to get through to everyone; but somewhere down the line-that issue is somewhat forgotten in favor of something else... And in this case, it seems like the focus favors its big-name stars. The majority of the time we follow Lopez as she complains to her boss (played by Martin Sheen), ventures into the shoes of the girl she's trying to help, argue a little with Banderas, and have sex with a rich factory owner. Meanwhile-the side story is about one female worker in particular who was raped and is now finding aid through journalist Lopez.

In short-my main problem with the film is using the credibility of its actors to sell its story. I believe that this film could have been far stronger if it had relied more on the actual story and character at hand (the female factory worker), and her journey to shed light on this atrocity-rather than put its attention on a celebrity trying to be the hero. I'm not saying that's what the filmmakers or its actors were going for, but once again-that's how the delivery seems.

Overall, I didn't feel like I was watching an issue that was being properly addressed; I felt like I was watching a movie about Jennifer Lopez. Bordertown is a movie that has good intentions and in some ways is an eye-opener, but it becomes flawed through misdirection.

Trailer Gallery-

Exactly what it sounds like.

Make a Difference! Get Involved!-

This little feature allows you (the viewer) to understand how you can be involved and what you can do to help this dire predicament through Amnesty International.

"La Fontera"-

This is a very short doc*mentary about a Mexican woman trying to provide for her family. Unlike the film, this doc*mentary is more "in-the-life-of" and revolves more around the mother trying to raise her family, as well as cross the border to find more work.

"Dual Injustice"-

This is another short doc*mentary from WITNESS.org.

Exposing the Juarez Murders-

This making-of looks into the actual murders that somewhat inspired the film. Here, we are treated to interviews from the director, actors, and even people closest to the victim. Definitely one of the more interesting of the features.

It looks just fine, but some of the added effects during certain scenes as well as some editing feel a bit gratuitous. It's presented in a 16:9 full frame presentation (1.78:1).

It all sounds fine too. It's presented in English Stereo with English and Spanish subtitles.

Mrs. Lopez and Sheen grace the cover as some nearly silhouetted characters run. Nothing special at all.

While the film does point out the problems many women in Mexico face, the attention seems to wander elsewhere... Like its celebrity actors.