Search - James Horner :: Beyond Borders [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack]

3 and a half... Very surprising.

Jason Farcone | Mukilteo, Wa United States | 12/29/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Very poetic, moving, and surprisingly distinct score from Mr. James Horner, one of the most emotionally-captivating film composers of the past few decades, as well as the most leeched for his unoriginality and plagiarism. The reviews of the film were hysterically bad -- I never saw it -- and that, I believe, caused this score to come and go (even within the film music community) with the wind... It's a shame, because this is a worthy score that should be heard by Horner nay-sayers.The score isn't structurally as engaging as it is on a purely thematic level. There's a boatload of themes, many of the utmost quality, performed by strings, piano, and choir. Very good stuff. Likewise, there's also some very interesting, and different, synthesizer work from Horner ("Cambodia II") that is a nice change of pace.I guess ultimately, however, the reason I find this score less than, oh, "excellent" is because it doesn't seem to function as much as one score, with one narrative, as it does a compilation of sorts. That makes sense, too, after looking at the track titles. There's not a whole lot of coherence, in my opinion, and despite containing some gorgeous melodies, it's in fact not a very memorable score. Still, oh-so-pleasant on the ears..."

Beautiful score!

T. Shioji | Long Beach, CA United States | 11/20/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The first track takes my breath away ("Ethiopia, 'i'" section - opening scene when she (Angelina Jolie's character) first goes to Africa).The CD Booklet - contains black and white images from the film mostly of actors, Jolie and (Clive) Owen, the last page has a full credit list of the Hollywood Studio Symphony. There are no comments or notes from James Horner.The CD is divided into three sections (with 12 tracks) - Ethiopia, Cambodia and Chechnya (4 tracks in each section).Aside from the lovely orchestra sounds there were some very synthesized sounds (which I, personally, did not care too much for). There are two tracks on the CD that are not Horners work - "Tirut Tebatin Lig" (track 2) and Schuman's "Traumerai" (track 11), but these tracks fit perfectly with the film score."

A THRILL to listen to!

Christine | Canada | 05/20/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This soundtrack is a very moving, blood curdling thing to steep yourself in. It brings to life the drama, aching sadness, anger, and deep love that are all present in the film.



I HIGHLY recommend the film.

The love story is a love story.

The REAL story is the one of the people of Africa, Cambodia, and all the other third worlds. They are the ones we should really be watching the movie for."