Not a bad film.  Nominated for an Academy Award, this intricate film weaves four countries and their peoples together over a Winchester rifle in the hands of two mischievous, adolescent boys.

The three storylines modulate with intensity and intrigue on their own merits until the denouement, where the ending strikes as somewhat ambiguous and quizzical.  Nevertheless, the three stories are complete in their own right although their connection to one another enhances the picture immensely.  The cinematography, especially the segments shot in Morocco where the inciting incident occurs, strikes me as the piece de resistance which earned its nomination ten years ago.

Possible themes: Americans are leaders/adventurers; Asians still in need of love and understanding; Moroccans are still mistreated, underprivileged, undereducated; Mexicans still suffer from separation anxiety and national origin identity dysfunction exacerbated by a border of right and wrong that doesn’t seem right.

2 1/2 stars

copyright John Rubens July 12, 2015