Beyond Borders: Switzerland

What comes to mind when Switzerland is mentioned? Cheese? Watchmakers? Numbered bank accounts? Chocolate? Skiing? Well, all those things are certainly a part of the Swiss world, but, as we learn in this video, Switzerland is also one of the oldest and most culturally complex nations in Europe. Switzerland became the first confederation of states in Europe when the territories of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden came together in an alliance in the late Middle Ages (1291) in defiance of the Holy Roman Emperor. (At that time, the number one Swiss export was mercenary soldiers.) As the video journeys from Zurich to Bern to Lausanne to Lugano to Geneva, the filmmakers introduce us to the watchmakers and the cheesemakers, naturally; but we also see tunnels bored through Alpine mountains, brilliant architecture that runs from high Gothic to modern, and a vital society full of energy and contradictions, situated in this place known as "the roof of Europe." Part travelogue, part history lesson, Beyond Borders: Switzerland is a fine portrait of a geographically awesome locale and a steadfast people. The other titles in this exceptionally affordable set (6 tapes for $39.99; i.e., less than seven dollars per video) are: Italy, France, Spain, Germany and Greece. Enthusiastically recommended. Aud: J, H, C, P. (P. Van Vleck)