Bordertown (2007) User Reviews

really losing faith in IMDb

[blanche-2 · 7/10 · 16 October 2015]

It was sad to me when people on this site asked if Gandhi was a fictional character, when they thought Judi Dench in "Ladies in Lavender" came off as a "dirty old lady," when they thought Kenny O'Donnell in "Thirteen Days" was a fictional character to give Kevin Costner a part when the film used White House transcripts (I guess they just stuck Kenny's dialogue into transcripts?) - it was sad.

But to laugh and give a negative review to a movie that tells an important story, whether or not it stars Jennifer Lopez, is awful and shows that there are people who are regulars on this board who are not just stupid. They're complete morons.

This is based on a true story about murders of young women that have been taking place in Juarez, Mexico for years, with a large number of women have been raped and murdered or simply disappeared. The women work in the maquiladoras, 24/7 companies that employ cheap labor, usually women, and create disposable products. Apparently the women are disposable too. The women are normally attacked as they are going home.

Jennifer Lopez plays a reporter who is assigned this story against her will but becomes involved in it, protecting a young woman who dug herself out of her own grave, and going undercover in a maquiladora herself to uncover one of the murderers.

This horrible situation is not dealt with efficiently by the government or the police. In part, this is due to political pressure and the fact that mob and drug money is often involved in the ownership of the factories.

The North American Free Trade agreement, NAFTA, was expanded in 1994 and provided new opportunities for the maquiladoras.

This was an issue director Gregory Nava wanted to explore, and Jennifer Lopez, Martin Sheen, and Antonio Banderas signed on. Because of the R rating and the opinion of several focus groups, it was not released in theaters.

It's not a great movie. As a TV movie, it would have been much better. It also doesn't look very expensive. I don't happen to think Jennifer Lopez is a horrible actress. Unlike some here, I thought her back story, shown in flashback, was very clear.

This is an important story, made by sincere people. One can at least appreciate that they wanted to raise awareness of this issue. It's easy to sit and criticize a film; it's another to go out and make one.

And maybe a few people will think about a rich country like Mexico - rich in minerals, tourism, manufacturing -- that pays people $3 to $5 a day and has a population that lives in poverty while the people that control the money send it out of the country. Is it any wonder they try to sneak into the U.S.? Anything is better than how they are forced to live. And nothing is done to help them. Nothing.

Shocking....

[ot_lowrider · 6/10 · 30 April 2007]

Its hard to comment on some "true story" movies! This story...true story...it's so shocking and scary and really makes you ask yourself "in what kind of world we are living?".... and that's a good part! It will scares you but it will show you some real life tragedy that happened and that will happen... and it could happen to anyone! You should be aware! So this is really shocking tragedy about brutal life of females on Mexican/USA boarder! And its true!!!

So after getting me shocked its really hard to comment on acting, scenes, etc. But I must do that because this is no documentary! And from movie aspect... well... it's not that much! I must admit that Jeniffer Lopez is much better actress than on her first movies but everyone else.... Antonio Banderas has just a short role, nothing special and other actors are not some famous... at least not to me! They are good but....

This movie is not for an award but I recommend you to watch it, because it's a true story and it shows hard living, bad politics, corruption, trying to stay alive and you are on your own.......

(sorry on my bad English)

important issue, bad movie

[Schokoriese · 5/10 · 15 February 2007]

(SPOILERS in the last part of this review)

How does one slam a movie with a good conscience if he thinks the movies' topic is very important? And yet there is not other chance than to criticize the filmmakers for the poor work they've done. That is 'Bordertown'.

At the Berlin film festival - where 'Bordertown' premiered - director Greg Nava (who also wrote the script), co-producer Barbara Martinez and Jennifer Lopez (who also produced) left no doubt how important the movie is to them. A website that accompanies the movie is supposed to raise money for the people in Juarez, special screenings should do the same. Plus they hope that 'Bordertown' will bring attention to the killings of so many women at the border between Mexico and the USA. And maybe this attention will help preventing more murders and maybe even help solving some cases. After all, according to Nava 400 dead bodies were found throughout the years, 3 alone in the last 14 days. 4000 women are still missing.

And it's not just that nobody cares for those women (they have no 'economical value', Nava said in the press conference, and it's true: They make 4 bucks a day, and even enough woman would be happy to take the jobs). Apparently there are people who didn't want the the film makers to touch the subject: Nava received death threats, an assistant who worked with the second unit in Juarez got beaten up by police (according to Martinez). Somebody broke into her hotel room, and when this "somebody" realized they are not going to stop filming he stole the cameras. Main part of the film were not shot in Juarez, but in more supportive Mexican towns and in factories who also were helpful. 'Bordertown' is a movie that deserves to be supported.

And still it is heart breaking how bad the movie is. It's not just bad, it's also at times pathetic and not very logical. Lopez plays a journalist Lauren who is sent to Juarez to write an article about the murders. She used to live in the area, she has a former lover Diaz (Banderas) there who runs a newspaper in Juarez. He is reluctant to help her, until a girl shows up - Eva (Maya Zapata) who got raped but survived because the guys who did it to her believed she was dead. Eva is able to identify the killers, but this puts her and Lauren in serious danger. Still Lauren continues her research...

(possible SPOILERS ahead:)

'Bordertown' is a Hollywood movie which is supposed to make money at ticket offices. Let's forgive the film makers that a lot of the movie consists of 'run and hide' action typical to these kind of thrillers. But it is simply stupid that Lauren eventually is considering to give up her career because of the tragic events. Nava should have made Lopez a pretty standard journalist, which would have made the movie way less pathetic. He also couldn't resist his urge to give Lauren a background which is pretty laughable. And some of the research work she is doing is just unbelievable.

(end of possible SPOILERS)

Obviously the movie was so important to Nava he failed in the end. A good journalist should never be too involved with the topic he is working on. A good filmmaker neither, it seems. Still: If this movies actually helps changing things in Juarez, if it makes same movie-goers research a bit more - thumbs up to 'Bordertown'. I personally would recommend reading about the killings though.

Positive in its social denounce, but a little bit weak as a film

[Rodrigo_Amaro · 6/10 · 24 July 2012]

The final image of Gregory Nava's masterpiece "El Norte" (1983) haunts me to the date: an human head hanging on a tree, a sign that forces us and the main characters of that film to never forget that the fight against any form of oppression still goes on, and a reminder of the past when being opposed to wrongdoings was a sign of death, execution. That was a story about an Indian family from Guatemala making his excruciating hard way to the land of opportunity in U. S., running away from years and years of being exploited in their life and their hard work. Nava's most recent film has as target some of the same problems of his eternal film, the exploitation suffered by many hard working women in the world who are just finding a way to live a decent life, making their money, living under the worst possible conditions that the third world has to offer and deal with rapists, killers, exploiters of any kind.

In his latest picture, Nava presents Jennifer Lopez playing an reporter whose mission is to investigate the countless murders of many women in a Mexican town, at first those cases could be viewed as the act of an psychotic with an certain modus operandi. Not the case. We follow the journey of an survivor of the brutalities committed by (as we see at first) a small group of men later supported by government, police, influent people and even the U. S. politics. It's the media who has the part of denouncing such crimes but not even that it's possible, since the Mexican newspaper are constantly attacked, and more deaths are added to this deadly machine.

"Bordertown", on the contrary of "El Norte" manages to have some glimpses of hope when it comes to its conclusion. Just a glimpse. The violence still goes on, the attacks on women are present not only in Juarez, the city presented here, but around the world, and there's still many injustices, lack of investigation and authorities convenience in many of the cases. What counts here is that someone who lived under better circumstances is finding a way to help the victims and bring the case to justice.

A film denouncing such complex situations deserves lots of merit, and some praise. Cinema is much more than just entertaining, it's also about informing. "Bordertown" gets some credit for such but there's so many aspects of it that made of it an weaker project, things that shouldn't happen. One can forgive some strange choices, such as having an female reporter investigating women's attack when (let's not be hypocritical here) we all know that she's a young and beautiful woman and attackers tend to notice that. Trade Lopez by, let's say Lupe Ontiveros. The story would move differently, right? One can forgive some of the excessive and quite unrealistic moments of when Lopez fights with her boss because he can't publish her story to not risk American business in Mexico, I don't buy an journalist jeopardizing her career in order to help someone, stick to the cause (but I do believe in that heated argument 'Are we business men or are we news men from "The Insider"). But one can't forgive some weak acting, poor development, terrible editing and strange cinematography that didn't help us see the movie. Some messy parts ruined what could be a great movie. It's a good movie directed by an accomplished director but it's also his weakest work so far.

For those who prefer not watching it because think this is another Jennifer Lopez flick, I would advise you to watch it, since she and Nava make great collaborations (see "My Family" and "Selena"), he makes of her an better actress. They're not at their greatest partnership but still worths a view. And then there's Antonio Banderas, Martin Sheen, Sonia Braga and a cameo of Juanes playing himself. Good cast, they're OK, but I've seen them better. The outstanding name here is the young Maya Zapata, who plays the victim who survived the aggressions. Difficult role and a memorable performance.

"Bordertown" opens our eyes to deep and real problems, talks about valuable gestures that makes a difference in a troubled world, but treated this real story in a strange and unrealistic way. Cinematically, it's unreal, sure it can't be too much truthful, otherwise it wouldn't have appeal on the audience. But even so it haven't got so much interesting. Good and that's it. 6/10.

Drama-denounce about hundred of murders in city of Juarez

[ma-cortes · 6/10 · 18 June 2008]

The story talks about Lauren(Jennifer López), an obstinate reporter working in Chicago Sentinel. She's assigned by her chief(Marin Sheen) going to a Mexican Bordertown, where in location of Juarez occur a series of killings when the workers are forced displacement. Eva(Zapata)is cruelly raped and with the help of Lauren and a Mexican journalist(Antonio Banderas) investigate the events. Eva is being protected by Mexican owner (Sonia Braga) but she flees and is caught by the border policemen when has to testify against the rapist. Meanwhile in order to discover the deeds Lauren is working in a Juarez factory where the workers are tired of being nothing more than manual laborers . Lauren gains trust of local factory proprietary(Juan Diego Botto).

Although this movie is fictional, at times it feels like a documentary. The story blends suspense, intrigue, violence and political denounce. Also deals the hardships work told in graphic detail, recounting a relentless criticism to NAFTA(North American free trade) organization . This is a dramatic and serious movie where the starring- well performed by Jennifer Lopez and Antonio Banderas- encounter in the midst of deep struggle oppressive forces outside their control, as they confront against nasty killers and corrupt people. Evocative musical score by Graeme Revell and colorful cinematography by Reynaldo Villalobos. The film was nominated for Golden Berlin Award. The motion picture is expertly directed by Gregory Nava. He's a specialist on Mexican thematic, such as 'Selena, A time of destiny, My Family', and his best movie: 'The North. This film will make you think twice about the product buy or make you food for the reason of long hours in jobs and low wages.

A for effort even if it's only a C

[tnealon-1 · 7/10 · 28 February 2007]

Other than Antonio Banderas (who mails it in as usual, though at least he took all that crap out of his hair), the cast does a more than adequate job or portraying an important story. Eva, in particular, evokes a genuine sense of despair and hope strung together simultaneously. While the script and dialog are unquestionably formulaic, the pathos of the story and evocation of place save this story and the acting is workman like if not fantastic. Not much has been said about the effects of NAFTA and the bordertowns like Juarez that have sprung up and swallowed communities whole and this movie is at least a step in the right direction for rectifying this and telling at least a fragment of an important tale. This movie could only possibly be funny to someone who thought Schindler's List was a real hoot as well.

A Grim Movie

[Uriah43 · 6/10 · 18 February 2014]

"Lauren Adrian" (Jennifer Lopez) is a newspaper reporter who goes to Juarez, Mexico to investigate the murders of hundreds of female factory employees. Upon her arrival she discovers that a young woman by the name of "Eva Jimenez" (Maya Zapata) has survived after being raped and left for dead on the outskirts of the city. Eva wants her story told and Lauren needs more details in order to report it. But she soon finds that she is over her head. So she contacts an old friend named "Alfonzo Diaz" (Antonio Banderas) who works for one of the Juaraz newspapers to help her make sense of it all. But there are people who don't want this story to go to press and they will do anything to keep the truth hidden. Anyway, rather than disclose any more of the film and risk spoiling it for those who haven't seen it I will just say that this was a grim movie but it had a story that needs to be told. I really liked the performances of Jennifer Lopez and Maya Zapata. I also thought the director (Gregory Nava) did an excellent job depicting the scenery and flavor of Juarez as well. On the other hand, some of the action was a bit too much and seemed totally unnecessary. But that's Hollywood for you. Be that as it may I liked the movie and I rate it as slightly above average.

Search the Internet for the Real Bordertown Story

[asana · 4/10 · 15 April 2007]

Researching the ill effects of "free trade," the gagging contracts US career lawyers and economists construe for the sole gain of US multi-national corporations in developing nations, who are promised a better material world, I had heard that Bordertown was in the making. At the Berlin film festival writer/producer/director Gregory Nava and his star Jennifer Lopez, as well as producer Barbara Martinez, were convincing in their mission to fashion a movie, loosely based on the facts of continued and brutal rapes with the killing and/or disappearance of many young woman victims that came to Juarez. (Juarez is located across the US-Mexican border bridge connecting El Paso, New Mexico.)

Most every feeling being with a conscience will support such an infocational flick, and therefore it hurts to say that the filmmakers failed in their stated, and otherwise laudable aim. The prescription for Hollywood is simply to demand thrilling action so that the adrenaline-seeking crowds will fill the box-office coffers, even though this movie has the looks, feel and production quality that indicate that not much money was spent on it. Besides an above-average amount of "goofs," the emphasis is made on imprecisely-executed chase-and-run scenes, while the development of characters is almost entirely absent due to a rather phlegmatic script.

For instance, we find out about the background of the main character, the journalist Lauren Adrian (Jennifer Lopez) during black-and-white flashbacks that can not possible make sense to the most avid moviegoer, until she actually dialogs its meaning during a scene towards the end of the movie. (IMDB lists the character name as Lauren Fredericks.) Her prior relationship with Juarez-based "El Sol" journalist Diaz (Antonio Banderas) is cleverly revealed during dialogs, and it becomes obvious that Lauren had dumped him in the past, that he now had a family he cared for, and that he still loved Lauren enough to keep her out of danger.

On the other hand, we learn nothing about the police, who want to avoid any publicity of the brutal murders, and who are shown to be only superficially interested in solving the murders that the movie claims are as many as 4.000, while even Amnesty International describes over 400. Of course, if it was one, it would be objectionable, but why the hype? Is that another sign that the movie wants to built on the sure-fire success of sensationalism, while it can not offer the real goods of a well-developed story with two- and three-dimensional characters, who want a better world, while materialistic psycho- and sociopaths seem to have the upper hand in killing teenage women, who come to work in the free-trade-created factories for about 5 bucks a day.

Or that the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is written so that US companies can exploit lacking worker safety, virtually non-existent environmental laws, cheap labor and low taxes. To this very day, these companies have not instituted safe transportation for their vulnerable and poverty-stricken women employees during the changing shifts, as these factories never close.

All this is not meant to recommend that you don't go and watch the movie, or better to rent it as a DVD. It has at least entertainment value and the acting is acceptable and probably could not be any better, because the script does not give the actors much creative width and depth to re-enact. Indeed the movie has the feel as if it was made under time stress. There are reported stories that the film crew was threatened, and that many scenes were filmed in other Mexican towns that were more hospitable. It has this lets-get-it-over feeling that is also reflected in jumpy, often confusing, editing, and a music score that seems to be a one-take offering.

This topic is just too important as to trivialize it in an ill-conceived action flick. But a few scenes are as authentic as they can get. The living conditions of the workers, as the heartless and shrewd consequences of companies like DuPont, General Electric and Alcoa, who must live in slums that are literally created out of cardboard, stolen pallets, old tires and held into place by nails driven through bottle caps. And the scene, were an illegal electric hook-up ends into a fire disaster, has in reality occurred many times. Hollywood will then stage a scene were many loose their "homes" in a fast-moving fire and the most evil killer will just show up during such a disaster as the backdrop and try to kill our beloved journalist.

For the real story, enter the string "Juarez murder* women nafta" in your search engine, without the quotes, and get a hold of the real story, which includes drug lords buying into sweat shops (called maquiladoras) and using the "free-zone" infrastructure to transport truckloads of drugs across the bridge and with the railroad into the States along with television sets and monitors, and all the other sweatshop items produced by mostly young women. Our movie will not tell you that and many other aspects, as it busybodies itself with Hollywood-type, often senseless, and carelessly executed action. The topic definitely deserved a masterpiece film to get the message of this exceptionally cruel social and economic disaster across. What a real shame that it missed so badly.

Scary story with a relevant message

[inkblot11 · 7/10 · 31 May 2023]

Lauren Adrian - Jennifer Lopez - wants v much to be a foreign correspondent for her employer, the newspaper Chicago Sentinel. Her boss George - Martin Sheen- dangles a carrot in her face. If she will go to Ciudad Juarez, Mexico and discover why women are being murdered, Lauren will get her prized job. Reluctantly, she agrees. Although her parents were migrant workers, Lauren was orphaned early and raised in an Anglo family. Her Spanish is poor. Nevertheless, she goes to the Border town right across from El Paso. Once there, she reconnects with Alfonso - Antonio Banderas - a former writing partner. He runs a paper in CJ. As he explains, there are many theories about who is raping and murdering the young factory women. The death count is also speculative; there may be hundreds of murders, mor than the official total. Then, Lauren meets Eva, a beautiful lady who says she was left for dead by the murderer and clawed her way out of a shallow grave. Is she the key to Laurens ambitions ? This film may not be award winning but it has an important story to tell. NAFTA has a dark side for low wage earners and Mexico has a checkered history in law enforcement and justice. Lopez is good as the ambitious reporter who is aghast by those who care nothing for the victims. It also has some scary moments which thriller fans will embrace. Sometimes movies have an agenda that matters. This is one such film.

compelling premise reduced to B-thriller

[SnoopyStyle · 5/10 · 18 August 2014]

Lauren Adrian (Jennifer Lopez) is a reporter for the Chicago Sentinel. She is forced by her boss (Martin Sheen) to go to Juarez to do a story about a series of mysterious murders of young factory women who are attracted to the new jobs at the maquiladoras. She doesn't speak much Spanish and reconnects with independent reporter Alfonso Diaz (Antonio Banderas). The police is corrupt and trying to cover up the murders. Eva Jimenez (Maya Zapata) is a young woman who was taken by a bus driver to the dump where him and another man raped her and left her for dead. The only person she trust is Diaz. She goes to his newspaper but the police is close behind. Diaz is taken in by the police leaving Eva and Lauren alone together.

Writer/director Gregory Nava got a couple of A-list stars to do small roles in this but it's Lopez that's asked to carry this thing on her shoulders. She needs help as an actress to keep this movie moving. Banderas is good but he's not in this enough. The movie keeps separating them which is a mistake in my opinion. The story is ripped from the headlines with some action added in. Nava isn't good at the action scenes. This is generally a weak construction. There isn't much of a mystery since everything is laid out right in front of us. It struggles to be a thriller or a mystery. Nava doesn't have the skills and the tension is very low. Then Lopez goes undercover and all the logic goes out the window. I don't know why she has to work in the factory since they know it's the bus driver. Also I don't know why she doesn't have somebody follow the bus. It's a bus and isn't that hard to follow. But the movie isn't done and it keeps going down the rabbit hole.

Excellent movie about corruption and injustice

[akunau · 8/10 · 10 March 2008]

Reading the negative reviews of this movie was kind of shocking, really. This heartbreaking story was one that needed to be told, and with all the meaningless crap that is peddled out of Hollywood, this was like a breath of fresh air. Perhaps "Bordertown" won't get 10 Oscar nominations or whatever, but I enjoyed watching Jennifer Lopez unravel the mystery of what happened to Eva, the young girl attacked, left for dead, and miraculously survived. I thought the performances were courageous and not overdone, and the direction and cinematography was great. The price we pay in our humanity to get lower prices on electronics and other goods, and to line the pockets of corruption wherever it is found, is much too high. I wish more movies like "Bordertown" were being made...it is quite sad to me that movies like this (also Erin Brokovich, North Country, Silkwood, as well as others) go straight to DVD and so many other movies with no message, just a grandiose budget and special effects, are more important than those with something to say.

6/10 cool idea and prob real but just not well done

[Juleskid27 · 6/10 · 12 July 2007]

Straight up review: 6/10 (just finished watching... initial impressions)

A deep fascinating film that I assumes is based on real life. Unfortunately it cannot hold a candle to similar films like "City of God", "Hotel Rwanada" or "Blood Diamond". Honestly makes me question whether i want to visit Mexico or not (is it safe?).

Why 6/10?

• believable and seems to follow possible real life.

• poor acting

-strange flow

• I had difficulty relating to the story and the characters, but i was curious and did continue to watch. Most successful stories draw you in to the drama and life of the main characters. Unfortunately the all-star cast Antonia Bandaras and JLO just couldn't do it.

• most people outside of that area probably won't relate

• The theme of Corporate Industrialist pseudo 1800s robber barons seemed contrive and poorly tacked on or just didn't fly as well. (albeit it might be true)

=> Cool idea but not compellingly done nor could I relate or be drawn into the story. Good try. Better luck tomorrow! => Movie or Video: if your from the community in question I guess theater but for everyone else save your money and rent.

A failed movie, though its worthy intention

[yris2002 · 5/10 · 20 August 2009]

This is not the kind of movie I usually see, and I must admit that while watching it on TV, I gradually realized that it was not the documentary film I expected. The story is based on a horrifying and tragic reality of raping and killing of women on the Mexican border, of which I did not know anything, as underreported throughout the world. The movie has so the laudable merit of bringing to light and denouncing the terrifying drama of thousands of women being raped and disappeared in those waste lands, working in those appalling "maquilladoras", where even the most basic human rights are completely disregarded, and where deep economic interests prevail over respect for human dignity. However, as the story progressed, I realized it was more an action-thriller than a documentary picture, standing out for gripping though improbable, twists, a tense and quick pace, intertwined with some more relaxed and relaxing moments, which appear as really improbable and above all of bad taste and out of place if we consider the grave topic of the movie. It is as if that worthy aim gives way to more entertaining and market needs. So my doubt was: how can such a highly committed movie be bent to the logic of the box-office? How can you shift your attention from scenes of rape of terrifying violence to the underlining of J. Lo's perfect silhouette? It is evident that the production aimed at attracting audience through an attractive cast and some shrewd devices, such as pacing action, a thriller-plot, sentimental flash-backs, some entertaining music, thus losing its seriousness and credibility. I watched it till the end, because it was gripping and, like all thriller movies, you want to know how it ends up, but I realize this is not the reason why I should have wanted to see it till the end, and in this sense I think it is, in the end, a failed movie.

Barely above average

[mw77009 · 6/10 · 1 June 2008]

Presenting like a made for TV movie, this film had some memorable moments as a suspense thriller. However, it does a lousy job of telling the stories of the murdered women in Juarez. As pure entertainment, the story was good. Its always fun to see and hear Juanes and at least the performances were convincing enough to allow me to care about the characters and the plot. However, the oftentimes formulaic and stereotyped presentation of the characters pulled this film down and insulted my intelligence. The tryst between Jennifer Lopez' character and the factory owner was completely gratuitous. It is a shame that the made for TV production quality cheapened the story. There were times when I expected the most interesting man in the world to pop out from the shadows saying "I don't often drink beer but when I do, I prefer Dos Equis." Its worth a dollar as a grocery store DVD but not much more.

Based on unsolved murders

[jel-12 · 7/10 · 26 August 2007]

I love Jennifer Lopez and Antonio Banderas, having the two together in the same movie looked like it had to be good. As I watched, I didn't really get into the film like some of the other movies with Jennifer Lopez or Antonio Banderas but the story was interesting. As it went on it seemed more plausible and disgusting to think politicians or big corporations sacrifice safety for profit. After watching the movie I found myself reading about the murdered women of Juarez.

I will probably watch it again on DVD and recommend others as well, not because it is the most entertaining film, but because the story of the murdered women of Juarez.

not particularly attractive

[antoniotierno · 6/10 · 27 March 2007]

Jennifer Lopez performance is commendable as well as other supportive roles (Antonio Banderas, Martin Sheen); it's about a story that needs to be told, a disturbing tale - due to the subject handled - that could have been more compelling if it were less clichéd. Nevertheless it's not that easy to judge negatively a film not badly acted and trying to bring attention to such a problem, something different from usual human rights matter - this one is of public ignorance. To sum up I wouldn't define it a mediocre motion picture but "Borders" is not even that far from being a b-movie. Reviewers slammed it and they probably exaggerated but I expected something better.

Best Intentions Give Way To Commercial Demands

[museumofdave · 7 March 2013]

First of all, the intentions of the filmmakers were seem to be worthwhile and good--to expose the sordid work conditions under which American corporations operate at the Mexican Border and which often spawn the mistreatment of the women workers following a day's or night's work. I suspect that both Jennifer Lopez and Antonio signed onto the project because of the credentials of established Latin filmmaker Gregory Nava, who has a keen eye for capturing the look and feel of a place, in this case, Ciudad Juarez. The problems, however, arise in the mixing of a documentary-style expose with the casting of a glamorous star who, not unlike Joan Crawford in her heyday, looks a little too smart and elegant for her scripted surroundings, local folks unlikely to look upon this icon (which is exactly what she appears to be) as just another local. And about half the way into this detailed examination of a mistreated worker, the film shifts into Hollywood melodrama, some unlikely over-the-top drama. I did not find it dull, but was disappointed it didn't fulfill it's best promise

Maya Zapata

[freakfire-1 · 7/10 · 9 April 2008]

The film, while not the best cinema I have seen based on real events, lays a solid effort all the way across. I thought it would be just a step above "China Cry", but it turns out that it is watchable. That is a good start.

Of all the acting in the movie, Maya Zapata, who played Eva, had the best acting of the whole crew. And that is including Sheen and Banderas. She played the girl factory worker suffering from her encounter very well. So lets just say I was impressed.

The film does show what is wrong with some of the agreements in NAFTA. The film goes to far in saying NAFTA is about slavery and money, which isn't exactly true. It gets a little too politically sided in one area. An agreement between nations on protecting workers rights would be the best conclusion to draw from this. That and the companies helping in protecting its workers more.

Overall, its a good effort. Give it a try. "B"

Profit is put above humanity.

[michaelRokeefe · 5/10 · 4 February 2008]

Produced and starring Jennifer Lopez, BORDERTOWN is a compelling story that happens in Juarez, Mexico amid the NAFTRA controversy. Mexican border towns are gripped in fear as women factory workers are attacked, raped and killed or left for dead every day. The editor of the Chicago Sentinel George Morgan(Martin Sheen)sends an ambitious reporter, Lauren Adrian(Lopez)to investigate the murders and she ends up with the story of her lifetime. A young woman(Maya Zapata)actually survives an attack and Adrian decides to go undercover with the help of a journalist friend(Antonio Banderas)to expose the truth about the out of controlled murders in Juarez. Her findings are immersed with corruption that extends to both sides of the border. The story is engrossing, but the ending is so ridiculous. Albeit, kudos to writer and director Gregory Nava.

Bordertown review

[lovelylopez · 7/10 · 11 March 2007]

There is some really good and some bad in this movie. The Bad: Nava included flashback of Lauren (Jennifer Lopez character) when she was young all along the movie and they are useless, the fact that she talk about it with George (Martin sheen) at the end would have been enough, it kind of distract the intention from the real story of the movie. A scene that i would have removed is the fire scene, not really realistic, the script could have been better. The Good: The cinematography kind of remind me the movie traffic with the yellow and blue and it works well for this movie it give different atmosphere to each places. Great acting : particularly Maya Zapata and Jennifer Lopez, we really believe in this story because of this two, i was really impressed by Maya Zapata she can express many things just with her eyes and she didn't overplayed Eva desperation. Jennifer Lopez believe it or not is amazing here, probably one of her best work in many years, she particularly impressed me in her last scene with Martin Sheen, her all speech was touching and well acted. I hope for her that she will have the opportunity to have challenging role like this one. Even if some scenes aren't well written there is enough good and strong one to make this movie works. I'm glad this movie was made it's an important story to tell.

Mixed review - great cast, shame about the editing and directing

[c_galsworthy · 5/10 · 24 April 2015]

I was conflicted about this film. The motivations behind it are clearly important and some of the acting is really good. That's sort of all the positive things I can say.

I'm not sure which is responsible, the directing or the editing but its definitely not a polished or accomplished effort. There's no character build up, they make very little use of Michael Sheen, the filming is a little odd and even her hair is weird. She does some sort of visual transformation which just ends up being clunky and distracting. The romantic connection is awkward and unbelievable.

Shame really considering the cast and initial idea.

Shades Of Silkwood

[Lechuguilla · 8/10 · 16 October 2011]

"It isn't free trade; it's slave trade; it's a ... scam", yells investigative reporter Lauren Adrian (Jennifer Lopez), to her newspaper boss George Morgan (Martin Sheen). They're arguing about the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), the villain in this film about the injustices of NAFTA border factories toward their women workers, and in particular about the border town of Juarez, on the Rio Grande, across from El Paso, Texas.

The script's characters and plot are fictional. But they are set against a backdrop of a real-life situation that has been going on for years. Poorly paid young Mexican women are raped and killed in these NAFTA border towns. Nobody really cares, least of all the cold corporations that employ the women.

In "Bordertown", George Morgan sends Lauren to Juarez to get a story. She does. But what she finds is that the real killers are more powerful and shadowy than she imagined. It's a situation not unlike what Karen Silkwood faced when she tried to investigate a nuclear plant.

The film is thus highly political. Its message overpowers the story. Most viewers will sympathize with the message. But what about the story? The characters are not entirely believable. For example, the young Mexican woman whom Lauren befriends can't seem to speak English when they first meet. And Lauren says she can't speak Spanish. Yet later, the young woman and Lauren chat up a storm both in English and Spanish, a dialogue necessity, no doubt, to placate viewers. The plot's climax is Hollywood sensationalized, which detracts from the authenticity of the message.

Color cinematography is very high contrast, which works well, given the good vs. evil theme. Prod design and costumes are quite realistic. The filming in Mexico gives credibility to the story, though filming entirely in Juarez was not possible owing to the physical danger. Acting is acceptable. Lopez does a fine job.

My impression is that "Bordertown" was not given a proper theatrical release here in the U.S. because of its tough political message, which speaks volumes, if true. But despite some imperfections in its script, the film deserves to be seen by viewers, and specifically because of that potent underlying message.

Powerful! Thought-provoking!

[moviedude1 · 7/10 · 6 January 2009]

Jennifer Lopez stars as a fictional Chicago newspaper reporter turned on to story regarding the women of Juarez, Mexico, and the deplorable conditions they're forced to live under in order to care for their families. But a story based on adverse conditions quickly turns to a story of murder and big business cover-ups when a girl left for dead out in the desert after being attacked turns up with a story too juicy for Lopez to pass up.

This is a film that stirs any human being. I'm sorry, but if this movie does not touch your heart, than you are either one of those big businesses taking advantage of NAFTA or you're inhuman. I turned this movie on because Lopez was in it, but I stuck around for the story line, one that could make your heart sink, just thinking that someone who lives right around the corner in middle America could have a hand in covering something like this up. Normally, I comment on the movie and whether it was done right, good, and believable, but I can't get past the message in this film! Watch it!

7 out of 10 stars!

J.Lo. is terrible

[dixxjamm · 4/10 · 26 November 2007]

I can't believe the mild reviews that I read here.Am I the only one that's appalled by J'Lo's lack of artistic skills? Of course,there are some other things that are wrong with the movie,but honestly,if a REAL actress would have played the lead,and did it reasonably well,this movie would have deserved a 6 or 7. What kills the movie is J.Lo,some foolish parts of the script and mostly where that script was heading towards the end of the movie. The points I give are for some realistic scenes,the guts to tackle such a subject and some very good cinematography. The way J.Lo.Plays the character is completely obnoxious and WRONG.The scenes where she's supposed to be energetic are more like a spoiled brat wanting to be spanked,the emotional or romantic scenes have the depth of a hand job and the tense action "live or die" parts had the texture of a domestic dispute.As for the moral thing...give me a break,you got the rocks bimbo and you dwell in your vanity,you're as believable as a hooker in a convent. Kudos for the cinematography,Banderas and the topic,very gruesome and complex indeed, but casting J.Lo was a bad idea.

Definitely worth a watch!

[sb-901-395404 · 12 September 2011]

This is a terrific movie. However, I can see why some people might not like it due to the somewhat average production in places.

Form: I thought the colour filters were a bit overdone but still quite nice, acting was acceptable but not the best given the cast, dialogue was clunky at times and sometimes quite unrealistic. I found much of the violence/exhumation extremely unsettling and the shanty towns and factory scenes leaving me a terrible sense of oppression and hopelessness, as they should.

Content: While the plot was a little crazy and predictable at times (e.g. the baiting scenario) the underlying message is what really makes this movie worth watching. It's pretty well on the money for describing the institutional injustice of the corrupt US and Mexican government-corporate capitalists . As Chomsky succinctly puts it, the Free Trade Agreement is neither free nor trade nor an agreement.

The movie also shows how most people in a position to do something about injustice choose the easier and often selfish option to ignore it, in favour of personal reward, or due to fear of financial loss and receiving a similar fate to the oppressed. While the resolution of the main plot was a bit awkward, it was wonderful not to see everything neatly resolved with everyone coming out a winner (obviously this is not a Hollywood film) – two of the three main characters did not triumph individually but received the true reward so often received for standing against injustice – personal sacrifice.

Personally, I found the movie very challenging, leaving me with both a sense of guilt and desire to do something really worthwhile to affect change. I'm mystified as to why this movie has only now just reached my local video store (Australia)...

Final score: Form (5) + Content (10) / 2 = 7.5