Illegal immigration, racism, gambling, smoking, and people living in poverty… all the makings for a riveting drama that builds momentum as the movie progresses.

While this isn’t the best made movie of 2008 and it wasn’t strong enough to be nominated for Best Picture… the nominations for Best Actress (Melissa Leo) and for Best Original Screenplay… are well deserved.
 

“Frozen River” is a small, but powerful movie that takes a hard look at living in poverty, gambling, and relations between those living on the reservation and those living just outside of it.

Melissa Leo is really good as the mother of two, trying to make ends meet while her husband blows whatever money they have on gambling… and how a seemingly innocent illegal act could help build up enough money to move from her scrappy trailer to a “double wide”.   Leo plays the part so well and is so believable, that you start to feel like your watching a documentary about a mother trying to make a living for her kids.

Her new business partner Lila, played well by Misty Upham, lives in an even smaller and even more flimsy trailer with no car to get to work.  This all sets up why they decide that a plan is acceptable to smuggle illegals across the border over the frozen river crossing between Canada and the U.S.

THE BOTTOM LINE:

The movie has a few flaws, but some really great scenes and strong acting performances from the main two characters… the acting from the kids and other adults is shaky, but the good story and lead performances keep it respectable… I give it 7.9 out of 10.

 “Frozen River”

(2008)
(rated: R for some language)
(1 hr, 37 min)

Starring: Melissa Leo, Misty Upham, Michael O’Keefe, Mark Boone Junior, Charlie McDermott, James Reilly, Dylan Carusona, Jay Klaitz, Michael Sky

Director: Courtney Hunt

Genre: Drama/Crime

The Plot: Takes place in the days before Christmas near a little-known border crossing on the Mohawk reservation between New York State and Quebec.

So what did you think?  Please post a comment!

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“Frozen River” poster courtesy Sony Pictures Classics

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