Review of Frozen River (2008) by Catherine M — 28 Mar 2009
A quietly effective film, with real characters dealing with real situations. Melissa Leo's Ray is a brave, natural performance, a mother trying to hold her family together after her gambling husband runs out on them with the money for their new trailer home.
The sheer desperation of her situation is beautifully conveyed by her willingness to enter into a people smuggling operation. Misty Upham plays the Mohawk smuggler, Lila, who has her own problems, with a son "stolen" by her mother-in-law.
Her disaffected character is softened by her clear love for her son. It's often the simple stories that play out best; we know something will go wrong but the narrative is so involving and tense. The ending too is incredibly beautiful, Ray's decision proof of the enduring love of a mother.
This review of Frozen River (2008) was written by Catherine M on 28 Mar 2009.
Frozen River has generally received positive reviews.
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