Frozen River

In Frozen River two mothers in desperate cirumstances submerge themselves in the world of illegal alien smuggling in upstate New York. Ray, played by the wonderful Melissa Leo, works part-time at a dollar store while her husband gambles away what little money the family has. Just days before Christmas she needs to gather enough money to make a balloon payment on the family's trailer, or lose it. On the hunt for her husband at the local gambling parlor Ray enounter Lila Littlewolf (Misty Upham), a local Mohawk, attempting to steal her husband's car. Lila's reputation as a smuggler precedes her and Ray presses her way into an uneasy alliance with Lila to make some quick cash in hopes of saving her family's home. The pair must drive across the frozen St. Lawrenece River into Canada to pick up illegal Chinese and Pakistani immigrants. Along the way they must deal with a variety of dangerous people involved in the smuggling business. Adding to their problems Ray leaves a Pakistani couple's duffel bag behind, fearing it contains explosives. Arriving at their destination she discovers it contained something else, which the women frantially try to recover.

Released in 2008 this film is realistic and gritty. It explores issues such as illegal immigration, racial tension and the working class poor without being preachy or offering answers. Melissa Leo delivers a compelling performance as a desperate, care-worn mother struggling to provide for her two sons. She was nominated for a best actress Academy Award for this role. Writer Courtney Hunt was also nominated for best original screenplay. And Misty Upham won best suppporting actress at the American Indian Film Festival. The film garnered numerous other nominations and awards.