Frozen River (2008)

Synopsis of Frozen River

A desperate single mother living in upstate New York resorts to smuggling illegal immigrants into the United States as a means of making ends meet in first-time feature director/screenwriter Courtney Hunt's emotionally wrenching drama, winner of the Grand Jury Prize for Best Dramatic Feature at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival. Ray Eddy is in an impossible position; it's two days before Christmas and her husband has suddenly disappeared with all of the family savings. Now, as the newly single mother of two realizes the futility of attempting to cover the house payments on her meager Yankee One Dollar Store wages, her children are forced to exist on a nutritionally devoid diet of popcorn and Tang. Deciding that her only hope for survival is to find a man who will support her and her children, Ray sets out to find a husband but instead makes the acquaintance of street-smart Mohawk Lila Littlewolf. Lila, too, has been struggling to keep her head above water amidst economic despair, and has recently stumbled across a rather unconventional solution to her dire financial situation. Lately, Lila has been earning a living by smuggling illegal immigrants into the U.S., but her tribal elders vehemently disapprove of the scheme and have recently attempted to stop it by forbidding the local auto dealers from selling her a car. As fate would have it, Ray's Dodge Spirit may just be the only thing the destitute mother can count on anymore, and as this unlikely pair gas up the tank for a daring dash across the iced-over St. Lawrence River, their fates become forever intertwined in ways that neither could have ever anticipated. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

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Theatrical Feature Running Time:

93 mins

Director(s):

Courtney Hunt

Writer(s):

Courtney Hunt

Producer(s):

Chip Hourihan, Heather Rae

Theatrical MPAA Rating:

R(Profanity)

Categories:

Drama, Independent Films

• 2008 - Alliance of Women Film Journalists - Hanging in There Award for Persistence
• 2008 - Alliance of Women Film Journalists - Best Woman Director
• 2008 - Alliance of Women Film Journalists - Best Newcomer
• 2008 - American Film Institute - Best Picture
• 2008 - Florida Film Critics - Best Actress
• 2008 - Independent Spirit Awards - Best Actress
• 2008 - Independent Spirit Awards - Producers Award
• 2008 - National Board of Review - Best Directorial Debut
• 2008 - National Board of Review - Spotlight Award
• 2008 - National Board of Review - Best Independent Film
• 2008 - New York Film Critics Circle - Best First Film
• 2008 - Sundance Film Festival - Grand Jury Prize for Best Film Drama
• 2008 - Utah Film Critics - Best Actress
• 2008 - Women Film Critics Circle - Best Actress
• 2008 - Women Film Critics Circle - Best Movie By a Woman

Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

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