Crossing Over

Crossing Over is a film from director Wayne Kramer in 2009 that explores the depths of the complex and emotive issue of immigration from various perspectives. The film showcases some of the top-flight talents of Hollywood including Harrison Ford, Ashley Judd, and Ray Liotta. It takes viewers on a journey that uncovers the numerous faces and stories involved in America's continuing struggle and history with immigration.

Harrison Ford stars as Max Brogan, an ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agent based in Los Angeles. Ford seamlessly portrays a man both battling the systems of bureaucracy and carrying the emotional burden of the lives impacted by immigration law. Brogan is caught in a world where his mission to enforce the law battles with his capacity for empathy as he witnesses firsthand the human dramas that play out.

Max Brogan's investigations delve into a multitude of immigrant stories, from those of undocumented workers to complex asylum cases and the manufacturing of illegal counterfeit green cards. The character of Max Brogan, a character who stands at the crossroads of this institution, evolves throughout the progression of the film, as he experiences an array of emotions, torn between his personal sentiments and his professional obligation.

Ashley Judd plays an immigration defense attorney named Denise Frankel, demonstrating the legal side of immigration. Judd inherently captures the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by those working in this line of law. Her character is pivotal in breathing humanity into a system that can appear cold and impersonal. Denise is married to Cole Frankel (Ray Liotta), a green card adjudicator. Liotta's role speaks to another dimension of the immigration system, presenting a man who, in gray areas of the law, manipulates it for personal gratification.

The film does not rest solely on the broad shoulders of its leading actors. Crossing Over also ventures into the lives of those directly grasped by the torment of immigration complexities. Their stories are the fine threads that weave together the fabric of the narrative.

The characters include a young Bangladeshi girl, Taslima Jahangir (Summer Bishil), who is facing deportation due to her contentious essay about the 9/11 attacks. Through this storyline, the film explores the collision between freedom of speech and national security concerns in the post-9/11 era. Taslima's plight highlights the fear and insecurity experienced by many immigrant families when faced with the legal machinations of deportation.

Another storyline involves a young Korean teenager, Yong Kim (Justin Chon), who struggles to gain gangland acceptance while countering his traditional family's expectations. The film uses this narrative to explore the constant struggle for identity and acceptance experienced by young immigrants caught between two cultures.

The film further explores the hard-hitting experience of an African child, living in fear due to her illegal status, and a British musician who is desperate to secure a green card. These narratives highlight the universal immigrant experience, showcasing the lengths individuals will go to secure their futures. The stories illustrate their struggles, dreams, and the price they are willing to pay for a shot at the elusive, so-called "American Dream".

Crossing Over's comprehensive exploration of immigration veers away from any particular political stance, focusing instead on the human experience intrinsic to the process. Director Kramer presents a multilayered, complex landscape that includes a multitude of stories from varying walks of life. The film subtly delves into the timeline of human struggle, courage, and resilience that underlies the social tapestry of immigration in the United States.

Despite the grim realities showcased, Crossing Over also manages to subtly offer glimpses of hope and determination. It becomes a tribute to individuals striving against all odds to build a different trajectory for their lives and families.

With stellar performances and a complex, intertwined narrative, Crossing Over presents an emotional and thought-provoking exploration of a socially significant issue. It resonates largely because it skillfully portrays the rawness of human experience, allowing the audience to empathize with the characters' struggles and triumphs.

In summary, 2009's Crossing Over is a powerful, stirring, and compelling drama that embodies the difficult conversations and stories of immigration, bringing to the fore the human aspect often eclipsed in the broader societal debate.