

Crossing Over
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.
Insights
Plot Summary
The film weaves together the stories of several individuals whose lives intersect in Los Angeles, dealing with themes of immigration, cultural assimilation, and the American Dream. A federal agent investigates potential terrorist ties, a struggling actress seeks fame, and an Israeli magician tries to enter the country illegally, all while their fates become increasingly entangled.
Critical Reception
Crossing Over received largely negative reviews from critics, who found the film's multiple storylines to be overly ambitious and underdeveloped. While the performances were sometimes praised, the overall narrative structure and its handling of sensitive themes were widely criticized as being muddled and ineffective.
What Reviewers Say
- The film attempts to tackle complex issues of immigration and identity but fails to connect its disparate storylines.
- Despite a strong cast, the movie's narrative is disjointed and lacks emotional impact.
- Critics found the film's message heavy-handed and its execution clumsy.
Google audience: Audience reviews indicate a mixed to negative reception, with many viewers finding the film's numerous plot threads confusing and its social commentary unsubtle. Some appreciated the acting, but the overall sentiment was that the movie was overly ambitious and ultimately unsatisfying.
Fun Fact
The film's original title was 'D.O.B.' (Date of Birth), but it was changed to 'Crossing Over' during post-production.
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