Frozen River (DVD)

Of all of the films this year that recieved Oscar nominations, Frozen River is probably the least known of them all. It recieved nominations for Best Actress for Melissa Yeo's outstanding performance, as well as for Best Original Screenplay by Courtney Hunt, who also directed the film. This is a deeply cerebral, painful, and almost unrelentingly grim film that's about monetary hardship most of us (even us poor students) can't even dream of, where there's little hope of escape, and this is only exacerbated by the beautiful but bewildering and alienating landscapes of the North Country of Upstate New York. The film takes place near the St. Regis Mohawk ...  Read the complete review

The film, Frozen River is a suspense drama feature written and directed by Courtney Hunt, a graduate of the Columbia Film School who has written two other scripts, one of which, Elfie Neary is soon to go into production. Frozen River is a short film which was filmed in sub-zero temperatures on Lake Champlain which is a fresh water lake on the border of Canada and the US and tells the story of the trials and tribulations of Ray Eddy's life (Melissa Leo). Ray is a desperate woman, very near to a break down, with two sons. Her irresponsible husband has done a runner with the family's deposit on their new wide-berth trailer which is due to be delivered. The money ...  Read the complete review

WHAT IS IT ABOUT: An impoverished mother of two decides to take drastic action to put things right, and begins taking part in human trafficking to bring in some much needed cash. This original drama is set in the snowy out-back of Canada. IS IT ANY GOOD: I'd put off watching this one because I'd not heard good things about it, but after switching 'PS I Love You' off after ten minutes, there wasn't anything else on offer. I have to say that this is a unique film for me, in that it is so radically different from the first to the second half. The first half is a very interesting gritty drama. What I noticed most of all was the authenticity of ...  Read the complete review

After watching Frozen River a few nights ago, I have decided to let you all know about this little known film. Nominated for two Oscars in 2009, this relatively normal film about one woman's everyday struggles with life is a great watch. The film is set in the Mohawk reservation between New York State and Quebec and follows one woman's life in the run up to Christmas. With little to look forward to in the town with no prospects, the town is known for smuggling people across the border. The film mainly follows Ray Eddy, a mum of two who is struggling to keep her head above water after her husband has left her taking all their savings with him. Ray works part ...  Read the complete review