Tonight, Tuesday may be last chance to see 'Frozen River' filmed in North Country

Unless the Massena Movieplex or Ogdensburg Cinemas book Frozen River starting Wednesday, tonight and Tuesday night will be the last time area movie-goers can see Frozen River, which features many scenes from the North Country.

It plays at the Canton American at 6:50 and 9 p.m. both nights.

It’s an unflattering look at the North Country and the desperation that comes with poverty, but still worth watching. The film’s plot focuses on the Akwesasne Mohawk Indian Reservation, that, as most North Country residents know, straddles the U. S. and Canada. And since neither country has jurisdiction on the reservation, it provides the opportunity for smuggling of cigarettes, drugs, and in Frozen River, illegal aliens.

For St. Lawrence County residents, however, the film is an opportunity to see familiar local sights and names in the film, which won the Sundance Jury award.

We see Channel 5 Meteorologist Tom Messner warning of a cold incoming winter storm, the “Thank You For Visiting the Land of the Mohawk” sign, convenience stores at the reservation, and the ice-covered St. Lawrence River. There are several references to Route 37.

North Country residents will also identify with the challenges of dealing with frigid winter as portrayed in the film:

-- using a blow torch to thaw frozen pipes only to start the trailer on fire

-- making sure there is adequate insulation when purchasing a double-wide

-- driving cars across the frozen St. Lawrence River, while fearful of coming upon “black ice” sinking the vehicle.

The movie was shot in 24 days, mostly in the Plattsburgh area, but the filmmakers braved chilly winter nights on and near the reservation as well.

Frozen River keeps your attention, and the movie demonstrates good films can still be made with unknown actors and little in the way of special effects. It’s rated R, but we’re not sure why. There is little in the way of foul language, violence or sexual content.

As of this writing, the Massena and Ogdensburg theaters have not yet announced their bookings for the next week. They will be posted on NorthCountryNow.com’s Movie Page as soon as they are available.

The official website for Frozen River includes a trailer, a story about production of the film, reviews and a plot summary.