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 a Latina refugee (Erez) who witnessed a murder on the Mexican border. Across the Line portrays refugees in a generally positive light and dramatizes their motivations and problems from a sympathetic point of view. In La Opinion Juan 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." Some critics praised the film for its emotional intensity, authenticity, and integrity, but others questioned it for turning the plight of illegal immigrants into mainstream entertainment. Independently financed and produced, Across the Line was distributed by Lionsgate Entertainment and remains widely available on streaming outlets including Tubi TV and Amazon Prime.
Contents
Plot
A small-town sheriff falls in love with a Latina refugee who witnessed a murder on the Texas border.
Cast
Brad Johnson as Sheriff Grant Johnson
Sigal Erez as Miranda
Brian Bloom as Walt
Adrienne Barbeau as Mrs. Randall
J. C. Quinn as Harmon
Marshall Teague as Ty Parker Johnson
Justin Urich as Billy
Julio Dolce Vita as Jesus
Soundtrack
Charlie Daniels composed and performed the original score, including the title track, Across the Line, which he subsequently released on his 2000 album Road Dogs.
Development
Martin Sheen was originally cast to play the role of Harmon, the compassionate diner owner.