The tension surrounding the immigration debate has been the launching point for many filmmakers in recent years. Film such as In America, In Between Days, Fast Food Nation and the recently released Sin Nombre all tackle the numerous obstacles of immigrant travel and (non) assimilation. First time director/writer Courtney Hunt peers into the practice of border smuggling in her 2008 award winning (Sundance Grand Jury Prize) film Frozen River.
Set along the border of Quebec and the Mohawk reservation in New York, Hunt unveils the familial and financial hardships of two single mothers - one American (Melissa Leo) and one Mohawk (Misty Upham). After encountering each other in seemingly desperate situations, the tension brought forth by racial differences begins to subside within the discovery of shared realities. In attempts to rid themselves from the bonds of poverty, the two begrudgingly decide to partner in a number of border smuggling runs. And it is in these high-risk efforts that we discover this is not simply a narrative about the realities of poverty and/or immigration smuggling, but a story that centers itself on sacrifice, grace and the hope of humanity.
Frozen River is grounded in simplicity with a story that transcends. This coupled by the brilliant performance by Melissa Leo (that welcomed an Oscar nomination) offers a film worthy of reflection and experience.
----
For more on Frozen River, Check out the exclusive interview by rednoW-co-hort Craig Detweiler at The Kindlings Muse. Frozen River was also featured in our rednoW Favorites of 2008 film list.
Frozen River (Trailer):
