Ethical Issues In Frozen River

Author Jill Churchill, in her mysterious book, Grime and Punishment (2002) once said, “There's no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one” (Churchill, 2002). Even though a perfect mother does not exist, almost every mother would bend over backwards to support their child financially and emotionally. An example of this struggle is found in the film, Frozen River (2008), where director Courtney Hunt presents two mothers who must overcome their trust issues and work together to stabilize their financial situation. The film begins with Ray, a mother of two young boys, devastated by her husband’s decision of running away with the money saved for a new mobile home. In her search for her husband, she meets Lila, a Mohawk …show more content…
Seeking another job, Ray and Lila cross the border only to be informed that their regular supplier didn’t have any “heads” for them to transport. However, he tells them about a guy outside the reservation who usually has “heads” that they can transport (01:13:30). They drive to Montreal and walk into a strip club. The intensity of the room is captured through constant close-ups on Ray’s face, which expresses caution and fear through her silent facial expressions. After stating why they are there, the French Canadian owner walks to the back and aggressively pulls two immigrant women out. Once he hands Lila the money, Lila realizes that the full amount of money isn’t given. Lila glances at Ray seeking approval to demand the full amount (01:15:00). In other words, Lila in a sense asks for Ray’s trust, even if it would endanger her safety. Once they load the two women into the car, Ray takes out her gun, points it at the man, and demands the full amount. After the man gives up the money, Ray rushes into her car but is still shot in the head by the man. After the chaos, it is clear that both characters worry about one another’s safety. At this point of the film, both characters fully trust each other after that traumatizing