Frozen River (US)

Tale of two women from somewhat different worlds brought together through a need for money and a love of immigrant smuggling. True, not the official festival description but fairly accurate. That would probably center more on this films win of the Grand Jury Prize for Drama at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival. The frozen river of the title is the body of water which joins a Mohawk reservation, particularly during winter when it's frozen enough to (usually) drive over. I went in with pretty high expectations which the movie largely met. It wasn't my favorite film of the past year - but it told a somewhat grim/gritty story well and without leaving me terminally depressed at the end. I liked it and recommend it if the less tongue in cheek festival description appeals to you.