Beyond Borders

My family and I watched this over the weekend as we heard about it from some friends at church who saw and loved it. What an outstanding movie. Heartbreaking, yet also heartwarming.

As someone who was born in America, I think we often take for granted the kind of life we live here. Not having to fear the constant threat of invasion or displacement. The idea of having to grab my family on a whim's notice, leave everything behind and travel to an unknown land, forced to start a new life over is incredibly difficult to comprehend.

I doubt we would have found this movie had it not been recommended to it since we haven't heard of most of the actors in it (although they were really great), but thankful we came across it and took the time to watch.

This movie although it probably fairly displays the struggle of Armenians both in Azerbaijan and Russia and the discrimination they have gone through and even genocide in different times and different countries, well, it's a story of a family that is trying to find a place to put down roots, even they don't speak Armenian because they grew up in Azerbaijan where they were rejected violently, even though all of these things are true and worth making a movie about, this one is a trick movie because it's really about Christianity!, they are subtly sliding in the church people help them and that's the theme of the movie, but it's disguised as something else, they are furtively propagandizing Christianity and proselytizing!, if that's what you like goody goody, not me, no thank you.

If you go see this movie in theaters wait through the credits at the end before leaving because there is a short behind the scenes add on talking with the lead actors and the director. There is no warning you ahead so everyone left early. I only found out because I went to the bathroom and passed the theater again on the way out and saw it was playing since the theater door was left open.

I liked the film. I thought the acting was good. They did a good job with set design and costumes depicting the end of the 80s. The story was gripping and they did a good job upping the suspense wondering how the story was going to end. I think it is good enough for people to give it a chance. Immigration is certainly a hot topic right now.

This was a beautiful film, based on the true story of an Armenian family living in Azerbaijan who were forced to flee their home during a political conflict in the 1980s. The family lost their home, were forced to flee to Russia, and had a bad (although not as life threatening) experience trying to survive in Russia. Eventually, they try to fight for asylum in the United States.

Overall the film was uplifting and emotional. Brought us to tears more than once. Reminded us that no matter where we come from, we all want what's best for our families.

Elizabeth Tabish was one of the big highlights of this film, with her really moving performance. We love her in The Chosen, and she is excellent in this film.

It was an excellent watch, had great acting, and moved our emotions without being too traumatizing considering the heavy and harsh subject matter. I was drawn to the beautiful colors highlighted in all of the clothing and props. It had an uplifting message of hope and acceptance by fellow compassionate people who see the humanity in refugees. It is so healing and encouraging to see how God puts people in our path to help us in the darkest of times. I loved that it was a true story and I also have Armenian friends whose family went through this same experience in Azerbaijan. Would definitely see it again, and my mom went to the theater to see it a 2nd time. Make sure to stay until the end of the credits where they feature the real-life family at the end!