Review of Frozen River (2008) by Jesse O — 28 Jul 2009

A triumph of independent cinema, this is proof (again) that you don't need a big budget or a nice camera to tell a great story on film. In this case, video. The story was original (a woman struggling to keep her family afloat finds herself smuggling people across the Canada/US border) and the performances were honest (if a little amateur). But the lead actress, Melissa Leo, was great and definitely earned her Oscar nomination, even if we all knew they probably never intended on giving her the prize.

The writer/director of the film, Courtney Hunt, got her law degree and then went straight to film school. She raised half a million independently to tell this story. It isn't one of those movies made only for elite film lovers, it's just a well told story that everyone can enjoy if they give it a chance. It now sits atop my 'favorite snow dramas' list, right up there with Fargo and Sam Raimi's excellent and underrated 'A Simple Plan.'.

COne thing Courtney Hunt could develop is more of a distinct visual style to give an extra cinematic punch to her storytelling. But all the other elements are there and she will only grow as a filmmaker, hopefully given the chance to make another film soon.