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In the winter of 1942, Sweden is living under the threat of a German invasion from Norway. Sweden’s small army guards the border, but desperately needs to know the Germans plans. Lieutenant Stenstrom often works under cover of the German troops although his primary role is to oversee the border. When a new recruit arrives in his company, it turns out to be his headstrong younger brother. Having placed him in a road block crew, Stenstrom is horrified to discover that he and a comrade have ventured off into the forest, trying to spot Germans. Afraid for his brother’s safety and against order Stenstrom follows him… Beyond the Border (2011 - 1 hr, 56 min, 51 sec) is a Swedish war film directed by Richard Holm from a script by André Sjöberg and Johnny Steen. I wasn’t really sure what to make of this film, prior to watching. An independent, filmed in digital, with one of the writers starring as well... It looked like it could have been a ‘mates’ film, if this is indeed the case it is certainly the most impressive independent film I've seen. Our main protagonist, Aron Stenström (André Sjöberg) is not what you could call a normal action hero. I’m sure that at some time in Sweden’s history his moustache would have been considered fashionable, but the effect it has is to make him look like a shop keeper. It feels odd until it occurs that many of the people who fought in the war were indeed shop keepers and ordinary tradesmen, so his level of reluctant heroism and general demeanour work much better when presenting him as the everyman. The same cannot be said for his brother Sven Stenström (Martin Wallström), who comes across as an opinionated, headstrong fool, certainly the type only a brother would want to rescue. I’m sure most of the audience would have cheerfully let him go to his idiotic fate. Stenström takes three companions across the border with him, including a hard-as-nails, one eyed Norwegian, who is one of the few characters to look like he should be in a war film. The first half of the film has a lot of exposition to get through and some of it seems a little one sided. We get very little interaction between the brothers as Aron picks Sven up at the station and takes him to his post, a post he leaves that night. Much more time is spent on Aron’s fiancé, true it gives him a reason to fight but it doesn’t really tell you much about the brother relationship. When the film kicks in, it’s a pretty violent and bloody affair, with a good sense of realism. Although there are a few hero shots, Aron and his small group spend much of their time looking suitably terrified, as well they might, having taken on the might of the German army, ill prepared and ill equipped. Even though the film was shot on a digital camera the picture is bright with good blacks and skin tones. The barren beauty of the snow covered countryside is suitable impressive and the costumes and sets equal that of a big budget film. The film has audio options for either Swedish 5.1 or 2.0 with English subtitles. Sadly the only extra on the disc is the trailer (2 min, 19 sec). The film presents an exciting and attention grabbing ride, certainly fans of war films will not be disappointed. It’s just a shame the extras are so sparse. 7 Charles Packer Buy this item online
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