The Fence

The Fence, also known as "La Barda," is a 2010 documentary film directed by the talented Rory Kennedy, sister to Caroline Kennedy and daughter of the late Robert F. Kennedy. Diving into the sphere of active social awareness, this film investigates the context, implications, and tangible results surrounding the highly controversial U.S.- Mexico border fence, a 700-mile long barrier erected during the George W. Bush administration in an attempt to curb the influx of illegal immigration.

Kennedy applies her prowess in the documentary genre, drawing on her previous works that scrutinize social issues and political events. Her insightful directorial approach enhances the context with beautifully shot landscape visuals, personal narratives, interviews, archival footage, as well as data analysis. The Fence embarks upon a journey, striving to present a balanced view on the topic.

The documentary opens on a comprehensive outlook of the border's history to lay a clear foundation for the Fence's political, economic, and social significance today. It then steers its focus towards the Secure Fence Act of 2006, which led to the construction of the fence along the southern U.S. border. The Act was primarily devised to respond to pressing concerns over illegal immigration, potential terrorism, and drug trafficking.

The film encapsulates its immersive account through a variety of first-person perspectives. It allows the voice of a wide range of people to be heard, including politicians championing the fence, policymakers, Border Patrol agents, local ranchers, environmentalists, and immigrants who've experienced or tried to cross the fence first-hand. By offering an array of perspectives, the documentary supports a holistic understanding of the topic at hand.

Kennedy's direction of The Fence employs impressive investigative journalism skills, unveiling both the overt and underlying complexities of the border fence. The film highlights the economic implications of the fence, from the colossal budget required for its construction, maintenance, and manning, to the questionable profits earned by defense contractors.

Juxtaposing this, the documentary emphasizes the human implications, effectively shedding light on the dangerous journey of many immigrants, the personal encounters of the Border Patrol, and the ranchers residing in proximate areas. A particularly striking focus is placed on the environmental impact, demonstrating how the fence disruptively bisects animal migration routes and fragile ecosystems, provoking concern from the ecological community.

At its core, The Fence is an exploration of a contentious political move, intended to provide solutions but receiving a potpourri of mixed feelings, as seen through the eyes of those whom it has directly and indirectly affected. It critically evaluates the fence's effectiveness, summarizing the outcomes and real-life impact of this strategic move.

Rory Kennedy’s masterful storytelling does not opt for taking sides but presents audiences with documented evidence, varied viewpoints, and profound insights. Instead of offering a clear-cut conclusion or pushing propaganda, the film prompts the audience to critically reflect upon the subject matter, urging a thoughtful and informed dialogue regarding the ongoing immigration debate.

The Fence, through its raw narratives, honest testimonials, clear footage, and witty yet somber storytelling, successfully fuels a conversation surrounding a pressing issue that may have come across as a mere news topic for many. It starts a dialogue about the societal costs of the southern border wall, the countless lives affected by it, and the varied sociopolitical dynamics intricately woven with its existence.

This 39-minute long documentary looks at a symbolic and physical barrier from multiple perspectives, leaving viewers with more questions than answers – and encouraging them to question, analyze, and form their own opinions.

In conclusion, The Fence is an insightful, thought-provoking, and must-watch documentary that admirably undertakes a complex issue. Its rich narrative, aided by powerful visuals and gripping testimonies, ensures that the audience gets a vivid picture of America's southern border fence and the many issues surrounding it. Assuredly, viewers will come away with a broader understanding of the context and ongoing debate, regardless of their original stance. The Fence swiftly conveys the gravity of the subject matter, igniting the audience's curiosity and fostering an environment for discourse, contemplation, and reflection. It does what any powerful documentary sets out to do – educate, provoke thought, and stimulate conversation.