Amor sin fronteras

I read John Everingham's story years ago in Reader's Digest, and I remember thinking what a great movie it would make. And it probably would have been had Michael Landon never got his hands on it. As far as I'm concerned, Landon was one of the worst actors on earth, and his artistic license went way over the top, similar to his massacre of the "Little House" book series is proof. The acting, for lack of a better word, is atrocious, the screenplay sloppy, and there are more close-ups of Landon's puss than should be allowed.

This movie reflects Everingham's story as much as "Little House On The Prairie" reflects the books is was "based" on. It's just another vehicle to show off Landons horrendous hair.

I can understand why when Michael read this script he though it would be a refreshing change. An actor always likes the opportunity to be in someone else's work, and apparently this was the first time in a long time, than he had read something that he thought might translate well to the screen. It did not. The director Hall Bartlett took a script for a dramatic love story, set against the results of the Vietnam war, and tried to turn it into some type of action film, filled with terrible cliches. The only parts of this film that work are those with Landon, particularly when he gives the speech about the dangers of war and the regime. Some of the supporting players are okay, but overall the movie is only decent and Landon's presence is the only reason that it is decent and able to be watched. In my view, if Landon had of taken over the production, re-wrote the screenplay, directed, and cut the film himself, I think it would have turned out ten times better.

This is a 1983 movie but I just saw it last night. It's a movie based in a real life event: the story of a foreign journalist in Laos who is declared "non grata person" by the Communist regime. This is a beautiful story of love and courage. The main character is Michael Landon, one of my favorite actors. The movie is kind of slow but I enjoyed it.

From back cover, "Based upon a true story, a foreign journalist returns to Laos to rescue the woman he loves, and was forced to leave behind. He had been in prison and tortured by the Communist regime one year earlier, and was convicted of being a spy. However, he was willing to risk his life to reunite with his one true love..."

I bought this DVD for a buck at the local dollar store, and it was worth it. Made by Westlake, it is very poorly produced. I had to increase my volume about 50% higher than normal. The color was not very sharp either. But if you like Michael Landon (Little Joe from Bonanza), you'll enjoy this flick. It's a real example of what folks will go through, because of love.

There's also a couple good roles by Mr. Edward Woodward (remember him in "The Equalizer") and Elvis Presley's first wife, Priscilla.

Well made drama about journalist getting his girlfriend of of Laos by scubadiving in the Mekong River, the best scenes are the one featuring the swim of the river, running the gauntlet among wooden trunks and horse carcasses and triggerhappy border guards. Well worth seeing. 6/10