Immigrants from around the world enter Los Angeles every day, with hopeful visions of a better life, but little notion of what that life may cost. Their desperate scenarios test the humanity of immigration enforcement officers. In Crossing Over, writer-director Wayne Kramer explores the allure of the American dream, and the reality that immigrants find – and create — in 21st century L. A.
Crossing Over is a 2009 American crime drama directed by Wayne Kramer, featuring an ensemble cast including Harrison Ford, Ray Liotta, and Ashley Judd. The film presents a mosaic of interconnected stories centered around immigrants in Los Angeles striving to achieve legal status in the United States. Through its multi-character narrative, the film delves into the complexities and challenges faced by individuals from various nationalities as they navigate the intricate and often harsh immigration system.
The narrative unfolds through several interwoven storylines:
- Max Brogan (Harrison Ford): An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent who grapples with the moral dilemmas of his profession, especially when dealing with individuals he has come to know personally.
- Mireya Sánchez (Alice Braga): A Mexican woman who faces deportation, leaving her young son behind in the U. S.
- Tasmina Taslima Jahangir (Summer Bishil): A Bangladeshi teenager whose academic assignment leads to her family’s scrutiny by immigration authorities.
- Claire Shepard (Alice Eve): An Australian aspiring actress who enters into a transactional relationship with an immigration officer to secure a green card.
- Gavin Kossef (Jim Sturgess): A British musician who pretends to be Jewish to obtain employment at a Jewish school, highlighting the lengths to which individuals will go to remain in the country.
Through these narratives, Crossing Over explores themes of identity, belonging, and the human cost of immigration policies. The film portrays the bureaucratic hurdles and personal sacrifices involved in the pursuit of legal status, shedding light on the emotional and psychological toll on immigrants and those who interact with them.
Main Themes
- Immigration and Identity:
- The film delves into the complexities of identity for immigrants, highlighting the challenges they face in maintaining their cultural heritage while assimilating into American society. It portrays the internal and external conflicts that arise from the desire to belong and the struggle to preserve one’s roots.
- Bureaucracy and Dehumanization:
- Crossing Over critiques the impersonal and often dehumanizing nature of bureaucratic systems. It illustrates how individuals become mere cases or numbers, losing their personal stories and humanity in the eyes of the system.
- Moral Ambiguity:
- The film presents characters who operate in morally gray areas, challenging viewers to question the ethics of their actions. It explores the justifications individuals make when faced with difficult choices, especially when survival and personal gain are at stake.
- Cultural Clash and Assimilation:
- The narrative examines the tensions between different cultures, focusing on the difficulties immigrants face in adapting to a new environment while dealing with prejudice and discrimination. It highlights the challenges of balancing one’s cultural identity with the pressures to conform.
- Family and Sacrifice:
- Central to the film is the theme of family, emphasizing the lengths to which individuals will go to protect and reunite with their loved ones. It portrays the sacrifices made by immigrants and their families in the pursuit of a better life.
Impact of the Movie
Upon its release, Crossing Over received generally negative reviews from critics. Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes reports that 16% of 106 critics gave the film a positive review, for an average rating of 4. 1/10. The site’s consensus reads: Crossing Over is flagrant and heavy-handed about a situation that deserves more deliberate treatment, and joins its characters with coincidences that strain believability.
Despite the critical reception, the film has been noted for its ambitious attempt to tackle the complex issue of immigration through multiple perspectives. Some reviewers have praised its humanist approach, highlighting the emotional depth and the film’s capacity to evoke empathy for its characters.
7 Reasons to Watch Crossing Over (2009)
- Compelling Ensemble Cast:
- The film features a talented ensemble cast, including Harrison Ford, Ray Liotta, and Ashley Judd, delivering nuanced performances that bring depth to their respective characters. Their portrayals add authenticity and emotional weight to the narrative.
- Thought-Provoking Narrative:
- Crossing Over offers a complex, multi-layered story that delves into the intricacies of immigration, identity, and human rights. It challenges viewers to reflect on societal issues and the personal stories behind the headlines.
- Realistic Depiction of Immigration Challenges:
- The film provides an unvarnished look at the obstacles immigrants face, including bureaucratic red tape, cultural assimilation, and personal sacrifices. This realistic portrayal fosters a deeper understanding of the immigrant experience.
- Emotional Depth:
- Through its character-driven stories, Crossing Over elicits a range of emotions, from empathy to frustration. The film’s ability to evoke such responses underscores its emotional resonance and storytelling prowess.
- Cultural Exploration:
- The film explores various cultural backgrounds, offering insights into the diverse experiences of immigrants. This cultural exploration enriches the narrative and broadens viewers’ perspectives on global issues.
- Social Commentary:
- Crossing Over serves as a poignant commentary on the flaws and challenges of the immigration system. It encourages critical thinking about policies and their human impact, sparking discussions on reform and empathy.
- Engaging Storytelling:
- Despite its mixed critical reception, Crossing Over offers engaging storytelling with its interconnected narratives. The film weaves together the personal struggles of multiple characters, creating a gripping and immersive experience that keeps viewers invested in their journeys.
How Will You Feel After Watching Crossing Over (2009)?
After watching Crossing Over, you may feel a deep sense of empathy for the characters and their struggles. The film’s portrayal of the harsh realities of immigration, combined with the personal sacrifices and moral dilemmas faced by its characters, can leave you reflecting on the complexities of human rights and the immigrant experience. You may feel a mixture of frustration and sadness, particularly as the characters navigate bureaucratic systems that seem to strip away their dignity and humanity.
At the same time, you might be moved by the resilience and hope that persists even in the face of adversity. The film highlights the strength of the human spirit and the lengths to which individuals will go to protect their families and secure a better future. Ultimately, Crossing Over will likely leave you with a heightened awareness of the personal stories behind the headlines of immigration, and a desire to think critically about how we as a society treat those seeking a better life.
