The Border (1982)

89% of critics liked it
(9 reviews)
43% of users liked it
(2,969 ratings)

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 guard, saddled with avaricious wife Valerie Perrine. Hoping to stifle her nagging about money… More 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 guard, 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

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 min.
Directed By: Tony Richardson
Written By: David Freeman, Walon Green, Deric Washburn
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure, Mystery & Suspense

In Theaters: Jan 29, 1982 Wide
On DVD: May 11, 2004

Critic Reviews

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.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
There's nothing very memorable except for Nicholson's subdued brooding performance.
Steve Crum, Video-Reviewmaster.com
Nicholson as border cop is interesting casting.
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, Spirituality and Practice
Jack Nicholson's vivid and earnest performance holds The Border together.

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Featured Audience Ratings

Lanning :

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… More
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, with Keitel's publicist and manager, you will have it made in the shade. <p> And "introducing Elpidia Carillo," no less. What a great movie in which for her to debut!
Christopher B

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.