Border Line

Sang-il Lee's first full-length feature film shows he is capable of more than topical dramas. Border Line is a typical early 21st Century Japanese drama, quite grim and monochrome, pretty gritty around the edges, but with a strong and impressive heart. People who like Lee's later films would do well to seek it out.

The film follows three unrelated people: a father, a mother, and a son. They are all struggling and trying to deal with their problems their way, but things don't quite go as they expected. The three narratives cross each other's path and their encounters will change their lives forever.

Intriguing characters, moody cinematography, a solid score, and some memorable moments. If I'd seen this film 20 years earlier, it might've become a favorite of mine. I've seen so many similar films now that it wasn't quite as impressive as it would've been back then, but if you're looking for an undiscovered gem, be sure to give this one a shot.