Set in the backdrop of the crumbling Soviet Union, the narrative follows the Petrosyan family, who face relentless outcast status due to their Armenian heritage. This racial discrimination forces them to navigate hostile environments both in their homeland of Azerbaijan and in Russia. The film presents a powerful account of resilience, faith, and hope amidst oppression and the struggles of exile, revealing how, for this family, hope became synonymous with home.
The plot centers around a young Azerbaijani couple, Ivan and Violetta Petrosyan, seeking asylum in a U.S. court. The story intricately weaves flashbacks of their life in Azerbaijan and Russia, painting a vivid portrait of their daily battle against racism and prejudice while raising their two young daughters. As the film transitions to the tension-filled courtroom drama, viewers witness the couple’s heartfelt plea for recognition of their hardships before an immigration judge.
Tickets for BETWEEN BORDERS can be purchased today at www.fathomevents.com/events/between-borders/ for its exclusive theatrical showing from January 26th to 28th!
BETWEEN BORDERS feels like a 1990s cable melodrama—laden with clichés. The writing, direction, and cinematography often fall short of expectations, with the film’s brief runtime of 88 minutes unexpectedly stretching out, leading to an experience that feels much longer. The score, intended to heighten the dramatic tension, disappointingly resembles tired themes from other productions, detracting from the intended emotional impact. While the acting shows occasional promise, it suffers due to a lackluster script that offers little for the cast to elevate.
One particularly jarring aspect of the film is the decision to have all dialogue in English, regardless of its primary settings in Azerbaijan and Russia. This choice raises questions about authenticity, as characters who should be communicating in their native languages instead speak English throughout most of the film. This artistic decision may alienate some viewers, as it distracts immersion into the story from the outset.
Overall, BETWEEN BORDERS is riddled with inconsistencies and struggles to carve out a clear identity—oscillating between themes of racism, a father’s spiritual journey, and courtroom drama—it does contain seeds of a compelling story. Despite its evident flaws, it might resonate with some audiences who find value in its core narrative. —★★★✰✰
This sounds like a moving film and one I so want to see.
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