The Olive Films December 6, 2016 DVD release of the 2014 Iranian drama "Borderless" further pushes the envelope regarding the already amazing range of the Olive catalog. The scope already goes from '80s teencoms (such as the Unreal TV reviewed Scott Baio/Willie Aames film "Zapped") to the (Unreal TV reviewed) beautifully restored 1915 Cecille B. DeMille silent epic "Captive." Our topic du jour is a mostly silent artistically filmed commentary on war that is as indie art-house and thought-provoking as it gets.
The huge amount of love for this festival favorite includes the Best Film award at the 2015 Fajr Film Festival and a Best Premiere Award at the 2015 Heartland Film Festival.
The overall theme of a young boy finding himself alone and struggling to survive in a war zone evokes great thoughts of the Christian Bale character in the 1987 Spielberg film "The Empire of the Sun." The numerous differences include our scavenger without a name not being cared for by anyone, the war this time being equally unnamed, and the overall tone and message being much darker than the vision of Spielberg.
"Boy" is living on a rusty abandoned ship and successfully slipping back and forth across "Zero Border" of the unidentified conflict when "Refugee," who is a lad of the same age as "Boy," makes an unexpected and unwelcome appearance. "Refugee" packing serious artillery allows him to make himself at home at Casa "Boy."
The next big surprise that comes by way of "Refugee" further alters the dynamic of life on this not-so-much-love boat. This development also plays a role in the war ultimately invading that vessel.
The genuine artistry and tons of symbolism in "Borderless" speaks against saying much more regarding the plot; doing so runs a risk of spoiling it. Suffice it to say, this is one of the most honest and unadulterated commentaries ever on that sad reality of life.
Hints regarding the impact of "Borderless" are that it shows the universal nature of war and the folly of trying to bet against the house.
Anyone with questions or comments regarding "Borderless" is strongly encouraged to email me; you can also connect on Twitter via @tvdvdguy.
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