"Frozen River" will be shown this Saturday, Feb. 11, at 2:00 pm, as part of the Winter Film Series at the Charles H. MacNider Art Museum in Mason City. It's not the blockbuster variety, there are no explosions or car chases or zombies. There is, however, an excruciating look at poverty in two cultures, and some really fine acting. This publication recommends it highly, but be advised: you'll not be able to forget it. It's that good. Plot synopsis is below.
Takes place in the days before Christmas near a little-known border
crossing on the Mohawk reservation between New York State and Quebec.
Here, the lure of fast money from smuggling presents a daily challenge
to single moms who would otherwise be earning minimum wage. Two women -
one white, one Mohawk, both single mothers faced with desperate
circumstances - are drawn into the world of border smuggling across the
frozen water of the St. Lawrence River. Ray and Lila - and a New York
State Trooper as opponent in an evolving cat-and-mouse game.
