Crossing Over Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Harrison Ford tries to help some immigrants while Ray Liotta is a creep, and everyone learns a lesson about freedom, or something.

🍿 Crossing Over: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Multiple Stories Intertwined

The film weaves together several storylines involving immigrants from various backgrounds, each facing unique challenges within the U.S. immigration system. These stories are loosely connected, portraying the complexities and diverse experiences of individuals seeking legal status in America.

Max Brogan’s Dilemma

Harrison Ford portrays Max Brogan, an ICE agent struggling with the moral implications of his job. He encounters Mireya Sanchez, an undocumented mother, and becomes involved in her case, highlighting the human cost of deportation. Brogan’s compassion clashes with the harsh realities of immigration enforcement.

Corruption and Exploitation

Ray Liotta plays Cole Frankel, a corrupt immigration officer who exploits his position for personal gain. His storyline involves Claire Sheperd, an Australian actress willing to make unethical choices to obtain a green card. This thread explores the abuse of power and desperation within the system.

Freedom of Speech and Its Consequences

Summer Bishil plays Taslima Jahangir, a Bangladeshi student who faces severe repercussions for expressing controversial views in a school essay. Her story raises questions about freedom of speech, the impact of cultural differences, and the potential for overreach by authorities in a post-9/11 world.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Max Brogan (Harrison Ford): A compassionate Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent who grapples with the moral complexities of his job and tries to help those caught in the system.
• Cole Frankel (Ray Liotta): A corrupt immigration official who abuses his power by demanding sexual favors in exchange for green cards.
• Denise Frankel (Ashley Judd): Cole’s wife, an immigration lawyer who strives to help those seeking asylum and navigates the complexities of the legal system.
• Hamid Baraheri (Cliff Curtis): An Iranian-American ICE agent torn between his duty and his family’s cultural values, especially concerning his sister’s relationship.
• Claire Sheperd (Alice Eve): An aspiring Australian actress who makes a desperate deal with a corrupt officer to obtain a green card.
• Taslima Jahangir (Summer Bishil): A Bangladeshi high school student whose controversial essay on 9/11 jeopardizes her family’s immigration status.
• Mireya Sanchez (Alice Braga): An illegal immigrant and mother whom Max Brogan tries to assist after she is deported.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Special Agent Howell: “You see what’s interesting, Miss Shepard, is we ran a check on your name. A Claire Shepard arrived on a B-2 visitors visa seven months ago, and then, just two days ago, she has her status adjusted to an EB-1 green card for persons of extraordinary ability.” – This quote highlights the scrutiny and investigation involved in immigration processes, as well as the potential for fraud or misrepresentation.
• Max Brogan: “Every day thousands of people illegally cross our borders… only one thing stands in their way. America.” – Brogan says this line to a colleague as a reflection of the challenges faced by people trying to immigrate to America.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $19,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $455,654
• Worldwide Gross: $3,676,533

💥 Crossing Over Reviews

Personal Review

I went into this movie expecting a typical Harrison Ford action flick, but it was so much more than that. The stories were a bit overwhelming at times, but I appreciated how it showed the different sides of immigration. The ending felt a little rushed, but overall, it was a thought-provoking film that made me think about the challenges people face and left me with a lingering feeling of unease. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a film that’s not afraid to tackle tough topics. The convenience store scene in Korea town with Cliff Curtis was unforgettable.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Viewers interested in social dramas”
  • “Fans of Harrison Ford and ensemble casts”
  • “Individuals interested in immigration issues”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mature themes related to immigration”
  • “Sexual content and nudity”
  • “Some violence”
  • “Strong language”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “”Crossing Over” tries to tackle too many immigration issues, resulting in a somewhat scattered narrative. While the performances are solid, the film lacks a central focus to make a lasting impact.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “This film boasts a strong cast and explores topical themes, but the fragmented storytelling and heavy-handed approach detract from its overall effectiveness. Despite good intentions, it struggles to resonate emotionally.
• RogerEbert.com: “While featuring moments of genuine insight, “Crossing Over” feels like a checklist of immigration issues rather than a cohesive story. The ensemble cast delivers commendable performances, but the film ultimately lacks depth.

Audience Reactions

The film realistically portrays the struggles and complexities of the immigration system.: Viewers appreciated the film’s attempt to address various immigration issues, highlighting the performances of the cast, particularly Harrison Ford and Cliff Curtis.

Summer Bishil’s performance as the young Iranian student ignited thought-provoking discussions.: Many praised the film for not shying away from controversial topics, such as freedom of speech and cultural clashes.

Overall Consensus: “Crossing Over” is a well-intentioned but ultimately flawed film that attempts to tackle complex immigration issues with a fragmented narrative.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Director Wayne Kramer’s original cut was 140 minutes long. Harvey Weinstein allegedly threatened to release the film straight to DVD, resulting in edits down to 113 minutes.”
• “Sean Penn was originally cast in a small role, but he requested it be cut due to objections from Iranian-American groups over a subplot involving an ‘honor killing’.”

🖥️ How to Watch Crossing Over?

Crossing Over is currently available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for streaming availability and rental options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Crossing Over, you might like these similar films:

• Crash (2004): Both films explore racial and social tensions in Los Angeles through interconnected stories and a large ensemble cast.
• El Norte (1983): Depicts the arduous journey of Guatemalan siblings seeking a better life in the United States, highlighting the struggles and exploitation faced by immigrants.
• The Visitor (2007): Focuses on the story of a man who befriends a Syrian immigrant couple in New York City, offering a personal look at the challenges faced by immigrants.

🛒 Crossing Over Related Products

• Crossing Over [DVD]: Own the movie that sparked conversation and challenged perspectives on immigration. A must-have for your movie collection.
• Harrison Ford: Hollywood’s Quintessential Leading Man: Explore the career of Harrison Ford, including his role in Crossing Over.
• Crossing Over Movie Poster: High-quality print featuring the movie’s iconic imagery.
• Homeland – The Complete Series: Dive into the world of espionage and counter-terrorism.

🎧 Soundtrack

Crossing Over features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Mistake the Enemy” – performed by Jim Sturgess

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Alice Eve (Crossing Over) Interview 2009

Ever wonder what it’s like to work with Harrison Ford? Alice Eve spills the beans in this interview, and she even talks about some of the more challenging scenes she had to film. It’s a pretty candid chat, and her insights are super interesting!

About 9/11 – Summer Bishil asTaslima Jahangir in Crossing Over

Want a quick look at how 9/11 plays a role in ‘Crossing Over’? This short clip featuring Summer Bishil is impactful, showcasing a pivotal character’s experience and adding a layer of depth to the movie’s story. It really makes you think!

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