The only way back is to cross the line.|Jan. 22, 2021|Mexico|114 Min.|PG-13
Genre: Action;Adventure;Thriller;Western
Description: “No Man’s Land,” released in 2021, offers a unique perspective on the violence along the Texas-Mexico border. Directed by Conor Allyn and co-written by his brother Jake Allyn, who also stars in the film, the story aims to present a fresh and empathetic view of this contentious region, moving away from the divisive rhetoric of recent years. However, despite its noble intentions, the film struggles with pacing, underdeveloped characters, and overly direct dialogue.
Jake Allyn portrays Jackson Greer, a young man from a cattle-ranching family living in the area known as “No Man’s Land”—north of the Rio Grande but south of the border fence. Jackson, a talented baseball pitcher being scouted by the New York Yankees, sees a bright future ahead. However, a confrontation along the border disrupts his plans. While patrolling their property with his father and older brother, Jackson encounters a group of Mexican immigrants attempting to cross into the U.S. led by Gustavo, a compassionate guide helping his fellow church members. In the ensuing chaos, Jackson accidentally kills Gustavo’s teenage son, Fernando. Panicked, Jackson flees across the river, leaving his family and future in jeopardy.
While the film explores themes of empathy and perspective, its slow pace and lack of depth in supporting characters, such as those played by Frank Grillo, Andie MacDowell, and George Lopez, detract from its potential impact. Despite these shortcomings, “No Man’s Land” strives to shed light on a complex and often misunderstood issue.
Cast director: Conor Allyn
Cast actor: Frank Grillo, George Lopez, Jake Allyn, Jorge A. Jimenez, Andie MacDowell, Alex MacNicoll, Andrés Delgado, Ofelia Medina, Esmerelda Pimentel
Original name: No Man’s Land