Is The Line Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Line is likely a skip if you enjoy Action movies.
It features a runtime of 95 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
The Line Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2009, The Line emerges as a significant entry in the Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of The story centers around veteran assassin Mark Shields as he tracks down, Pelon, the elusive head of the Salazar Crime Cartel. Unlike standard genre fare, The Line attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Line features a noteworthy lineup led by Ray Liotta . Supported by the likes of Andy Garcia and Esai Morales , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Line (2009) is negative. With an audience rating of 4.8/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Line Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Line is a Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller film that delivers high-octane sequences and adrenaline-pumping confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
The Line Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Line attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to action resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the action themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Line reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
The Line Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
The Line incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a action, crime, drama, thriller film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: The Line adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch The Line?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Action films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
The Line Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $7.5M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The Line Budget
The estimated production budget for The Line is $7.5M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of The Line
- Ray Liotta – Mark Shields
- Andy Garcia – Javier Salazar
- Esai Morales – Pelon
- Armand Assante – Padre Antonio
- Valerie Cruz – Olivia
Top Highlights
Ray LiottaMark Shields
Andy GarciaJavier Salazar
Esai MoralesPelon
Armand AssantePadre Antonio
Valerie CruzOlivia
Kevin GageWire
Bruce DavisonAnthony
Joe MortonHodges
Danny TrejoMario
Gary DanielsMartin
Where to Watch The Line Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video with Ads🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
The Line is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences, mature themes. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4.8/10, and global collection metrics, The Line stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2009 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Line movie hit or flop?
The Line is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4.8/10 and lower collections.
Is The Line worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 4.8/10, The Line may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch The Line online?
The Line is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. You can also check for it on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads depending on your region.
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How The Line Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Line
_**Confusing but stylish crime thriller in Tijuana with Liotta, Andy Garcia and Esai Morales**_ An assassin and his partner (Ray Liotta and Kevin Gage) are commissioned to take down the new head of a drug cartel (Esai Morales) that has taken over for the dying drug lord (Andy Garcia). Jordi Vilasuso plays a cartel rival, Armand Assante a padre, Valerie Cruz a woman that befriends the assassin and Bruce Davison a US agent. "The Line" (2009), aka “La Linea,” is a gritty crime thriller taking place in Tijuana that’s more moody psychological drama than action flick. It’s similar in style, locations and content to “Borderland” (2007), albeit less of a horror flick (yet still containing loads of horror). Like that movie, there are glimmerings of greatness amidst the grey mayhem in the mold of “Apocalypse Now.” Unfortunately, the story’s sometimes confusing which would be helped if you use the subtitles since some of the dialogue is difficult to discern (I viewed it on DVD and didn’t have that option). But there’s a lot to appreciate here, including the quality cast, the style, the melancholy vibe, the music, the poignant drama, the gritty action and several beautiful Mexican women. The movie’s obscure, but it shouldn’t be. The film runs 1 hour, 32 minutes, and was shot in Tijuana, the border area, and Los Angeles. GRADE: B-
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
