classicsoncall Review of No Man's Land

No Man's Land (IV) (2020)

"Sometimes you have to close your eyes and start over to see things clearly."

[7/10 · 29 April 2022]

I agree with another reviewer who states the film deserves a better IMDb rating, though I would acknowledge that the writers might have had an agenda in mind. The story is poignant and heart wrenching for the individuals involved, but I feel it shouldn't be taken as an apology or endorsement of illegal immigration. Jackson Greer's (Jake Allyn) eye opening and harried experience in tracking down the father of the boy he killed is meant to convey his remorse and search for redemption, and Gustavo's (Jorge A. Jimenez) acceptance of his tearful apology demonstrated a shared understanding of the tragic consequences of young Fernando's (Alessio Valentini) death. Jackson showed courage in accepting blame for his own actions in spite of his father's (Frank Grillo) attempt to provide him cover, and proved he was a person of character. The only truly despicable character here was the coyote Luis (Andrés Delgado), who as time went by, was recognized as such even by Gustavo. This may be considered a Western by some by virtue of the story's locale, but it really transcends the genre with it's message of forgiveness and redemption.