Feb 22 2009
Crossing Over Review
Okay, so I have found my top film of 2009 so far, and I must admit that it came in quite an unexpected place. It didn’t come with a loud bang, but instead, it came with a soft, haunting breeze that I couldn’t not get caught up in.
The film I am speaking of, is this years’ “Crash”, “Crossing Over.” It’s a brilliantly powerful tale of love, suffering, and just plain life, mostly set against the immigration issues in Los Angeles. I cannot even begin to explain the sheer power this film had over me. Right from the beginning, with it’s very reminiscent sounds of the Babel soundtrack, this film had me.
Crossing Over is a few small vignettes all leading to a bigger picture. We have the Immigration Officer (played with an amazing grace by Harrison Ford), partner (played by the ever amazing Cliff Curtis). Harrison Ford is desperately trying to find this one immigrant as he tries to put back right what he sort of did wrong. His compassion towards these people is uplifting. Especially amongst what else we are about to see.
The story of the young Islam girl is probably the hardest to watch, just emotionally wise. It’s amazing to me, that people can actually do this to someone. The cruelty amongst people is something I just hate to understand. And, of course it all stems from fear, but then, this is a movie review, and not a look at our politics ;).
The story of the young Australia actress, I also found to be quite hard to watch, but for different reasons. It really is quite disturbing what some people would go through.
Ashley Judd plays a strong advocate for wanting to do the right thing. She helps immigrants find homes, and other areas pertaining to immigration law. Like Harrison Ford’s role, she too is the uplifting light set against this dark sky. Her husband, played by Ray Liotta, is very much the opposite of herself.
Jim Sturgess was brilliant as the young Jewish guy trying desperately to stay in this country by claiming his knowledge for all things Jewish.
I could go on, but instead of telling you all every detail, I think it is better if you just go in, with little to no knowledge of the film, and just let yourself be taken away by this truly moving feature.
I loved this film from start to finish, and would definitely call it my favorite film, thus far, in 2009. Let’s hope we keep this trend up this year. I give it a 9/10.
The film will be in limited release 27th of February 2009. This film is rated R.
Happy viewing everyone! =)
