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Jack Nicholson, Harvey Keitel, Valerie Perrine, Warren Oates, Elpidia Carrillo ... see more see more... , Shannon Wilcox , Manuel Viescas , Jeff Morris , Mike Gomez , Dirk Blocker , Lonny Chapman , David Beecroft , Alan Fudge , James W. Gavin , Gary Grubbs , James Jeter , Floyd Levine , Lupe Ontiveros , Stacey Pickren , Juan Ramírez , William Russ , Billy Silva

Tom Jones director Tony Richardson might seem a curious choice to direct the contemporary western The Border, but he does his best to emulate Sam Peckinpah. Jack Nicholson stars as an El Paso border g... read more read more...uard, saddled with avaricious wife Valerie Perrine. Hoping to stifle her nagging about money matters, Nicholson begins accepting payoffs to allow Mexican aliens to cross the border without interference. This leads to a relationship with a young Mexican mother Elpidia Carillo. Harvey Keitel and Warren Oates lend strong support to this atmospheric tale. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Flixster Users

43% liked it

3,009 ratings

Critics

89% liked it

9 critics

R, 1 min.

Directed by: Tony Richardson

Release Date: January 29, 1982

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DVD Release Date: May 11, 2004

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Stats: 99 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (99)

  • binky013
    November 22, 2006
    binky013
    A truly under-appreciated Nicholson performance. One of the three or four Keitel efforts I can actually stand to watch without cursing and spitting on the ground. Note to aspiring actors: hook up with Keitel's team, especially if you can't act. If you hire on, for instance, w... read moreith Keitel's publicist and manager, you will have it made in the shade.

    And "introducing Elpidia Carillo," no less. What a great movie in which for her to debut!
  • cacutshaw
    April 9, 2008
    cacutshaw
    Great Nicholson and Keitel film that holds up to todays standards. A great morality piece and a fantastic story with great characters. I really need to see this again.
  • itwasashark
    September 25, 2006
    itwasashark
    It's dry. It's quiet. It's a 'modern-day' western, thanks to Nicholson's gritty, tough portrayal of a Border Patrolman. With his wife wildly racking up a credit card bill filling up their new home Jack feels the pressure to join his partner on an illegal smuggling scheme. A ... read moreman is murdered and a baby is kidnapped which forces him to fiercely draw the line and put himself in a dangerous situation.

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Critic Reviews

Rob Gonsalves
April 21, 2007
Rob Gonsalves, eFilmCritic.com

If you want to see Jack Nicholson give a simple, compelling performance with absolutely no hambone antics, look no further than this underrated drama. Full Review

Dennis Schwartz
April 14, 2006
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews

There's nothing very memorable except for Nicholson's subdued brooding performance. Full Review

Steve Crum
June 12, 2005
Steve Crum, Video-Reviewmaster.com

Nicholson as border cop is interesting casting.

Pablo Villaca
March 18, 2004
Pablo Villaca, Cinema em Cena

Assumindo características de western, o filme faz uma bela crítica às hipocrisias e futilidades do american way of life e traz uma das melhores atuações de Nicholson.

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
February 4, 2004
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice

Jack Nicholson's vivid and earnest performance holds The Border together. Full Review

March 26, 2009
Variety

Click to read the article Full Review

Vincent Canby
August 30, 2004
Vincent Canby, New York Times

Click to read the article Full Review

Cole Smithey
May 10, 2008
Cole Smithey, ColeSmithey.com

No review available.

Emanuel Levy
June 30, 2005
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com

No review available.

Philip Martin
April 28, 2005
Philip Martin, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

No review available.

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The Border Trivia

  • What movie included these characters? Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting   Answer »
  • "I hope I can make it across the border. I hope to see my friend, and shake his hand. I hope the Pacific is as blue as it has been in my dreams. I hope." -- Which movie does this quote belong to?  Answer »
  • Which film featuring Brad Pitt has the following plot: a man tries to transport an ancient gun, believed to carry a curse, back across the border, while his girlfriend pressures him to give up his criminal ways?  Answer »
  • In Indiana Jones the Last Crusade.. Where is the Castle located that are holding Dr. Jones Sr?  Answer »
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