Across the Line (2000 film)

Across the Line is a 2000 American Neo-Western film directed by Martin Spottl and starring Brad Johnson and Sigal Erez. Johnson plays a small-town Texas sheriff who falls for an illegal immigrant (Erez) who witnessed a murder on the Mexican border. While not an overtly political film, Across the Line portrays illegal immigrants in a generally positive light and dramatizes their motivations and problems from a sympathetic point of view. In La Opinion Jean Rodriguez Flores wrote, "The film Across the Line isn't just about the difficulties of crossing illegally into the United States, but it also reflects the tragedy of hundreds of people who are forced to leave their families for the "promised land."[1] Some critics praised the film for its emotional intensity, authenticity, and integrity,[2] but others questioned it for turning the plight of illegal immigrants into mainstream entertainment.[3] Independently financed and produced, Across the Line was distributed by Lionsgate Entertainment.

Across the Line
Directed byMartin Spottl
Written byMartin Spottl
Sigal Erez
Produced byBrian Duncan
Martin Spottl
Sigal Erez
StarringBrad Johnson
Sigal Erez
Brian Bloom
with Adrienne Barbeau
and J. C. Quinn
CinematographyMaximo Munzi
Edited byIvan Ladizinsky
Music byCharlie Daniels
Production
company
High Water Films
Distributed byLionsgate (North America)
Release date
  • February 1, 2000 (2000-02-01) (U.S.)
Running time
100 min.
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Plot

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A small-town sheriff falls in love with a Latina illegal immigrant who witnessed a murder on the Texas border.

Cast

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Soundtrack

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Charlie Daniels composed and performed the score, including the title track, Across the Line, which he released on his 2000 album Road Dogs.

Development

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Martin Sheen was originally cast to play the role of Harmon, the compassionate diner owner.[4]

References

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  1. ^ Flores, Jean Rodriguez (March 5, 2000). "Encrucijada entre la familia o el 'paraiso'". La Opinion.
  2. ^ Across the Line Review at AllMovie
  3. ^ Martin, M., & Porter, M. (2003). DVD & Video Guide 2004. New York: Ballantine Books.
  4. ^ Graser, Marc (July 21, 1998). "Sheen Signs on the Line". Variety.
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