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The Ice Storm
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The Ice Storm

1997
Drama
1h 52m
It's November 1973 in New Canaan, Connecticut. Watergate has caught up with Richard Nixon. The Beatles are recording solo albums. Wife-swapping has come to the suburbs. And, the Hood family is skidding out of control. (Fox Searchlight)
Directed by:
Ang Lee Ang Lee
Written by:
Rick Moody James Schamus James Schamus
+1 more
Starring:
Katie Holmes Katie Holmes Sigourney Weaver Sigourney Weaver Kevin Kline Kevin Kline Christina Ricci Christina Ricci Elijah Wood Elijah Wood Joan Allen Joan Allen Tobey Maguire Tobey Maguire Henry Czerny Henry Czerny Allison Janney Allison Janney Adam Hann-Byrd Adam Hann-Byrd David Krumholtz David Krumholtz Kate Burton Kate Burton
More
Genre:
Drama
Country:
USA
Language:
English
imdb More information at IMDb
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The Ice Storm

1997
Drama
1h 52m
Your probable score
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer
Avg Percentile 62.19% from 2115 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

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djrossdjross
Rated 05 Mar 2007
30
12th
There seemed to be a smugness and a false wisdom about this film, but also somehow a kind of aggression, setting up straw (1970s) men in order to knock them down.
Rated 05 Mar 2007
pickpocketPickpocket
Rated 15 Nov 2009
8
82nd
One of the best family dramas I've seen. Anytime you can make Tobey Maguire not annoying is a pretty big accomplishment in my book. I love the intertwining stories and Kevin Kline was excellent. Nice subtle writing, I recommend it.
Rated 15 Nov 2009
deaddillydeaddilly
Rated 12 Aug 2020
80
72nd
A depressing observation of the generational ripple caused by suburban malaise. Here it may seem like all too much is happening for one film to handle, but "The Ice Storm" eventually finds its thesis in declaring that we're all overwhelmed, equally pathetic and villainous, and endlessly searching for more until the next disaster hits.
Rated 12 Aug 2020
ecitizeneCitizen
Rated 25 Sep 2012
30
18th
It seemed like several random stories were cobbled together in this portrait of a family slowly disintegrating. It tries to highlight the disconnect people feel in their lives. It also contrasts that with a tragedy that redefines them in the end. Overall, the story is not particularly inspiring, not much fun to watch, and doesn't give you much to take away. Some of the adolescent coming of age portions were interesting.
Rated 25 Sep 2012
nobambanobamba
Rated 18 Jun 2020
70
76th
(Booklet: passage of '60s USA) Reminded me a lot of Sex, Lies, and Videotape. I feel like it had one too many stories. Maybe if the creepy Tobey Maguire story was more wrapped up it would have been better. Didn't care for the added death at the end---just felt unnecessary because the family was already on their way to reassessing their relationship. The other issue was the fantasization of '70s relationships when the challenges didn't seem so bad. Fav scene: can't beat the Tricky Dick mask.
Rated 18 Jun 2020
juntakinte99juntakinte99
Rated 20 Nov 2021
70
38th
It's appropriate that this film is set during winter holidays. Because if it got any Whiter, I'd go snow-blind. This is a 50's melodrama with production values and a 70's setting. As in Hulk and Brokeback Mountain, Ang Lee is great with leads who've inherited private turmoil, but must keep a stoic public facade. It missteps by not using the kids more--especially as it has compelling young actors like Maguire, Wood, Ricci, and Holmes. Recommended for the artistry, but beware the downer ending.
Rated 20 Nov 2021
cinemaasiaCinema_Asia
Rated 11 Apr 2010
80
84th
Ice Storm is a strange mirror reflection of 70's America and its non conventional values. It's a portrait of the emotional distance of married life as much as it is about coming of age and youth. The way every event in the film coincides with a simple natural phenomenon like an "ice storm" is almost like Lee's own subtle version of magical realism without delving too far into the unexplained.
Rated 11 Apr 2010
parcalihamparcaliham
Rated 17 Jan 2009
90
88th
18 Ocak 2009, 23:06 & Ang Lee, burjuva da cinsellign konusulmsi guc bir tabu halne gelmesini, geveze bir babann, cocugu buyuynce onnla mastrbasyn hakkinda ble konusmakta zorlanmasi veya kadinin, esinin onu aldattigini bildigi halde bunu acikca dile getirememesi gbi detaylarla seyirciye sunuyor. bu sessizlign ise kisiler arasindaki cinsellgn giderk carpiklasmasi ve tabu halini almasina neden oldugunu ortaya koyuyr. muhafazkr bir film olduguna katilmiyrm. oyunculuklar ve senaryo cok basarili.
Rated 17 Jan 2009
feublofeublo
Rated 30 Jul 2020
90
90th
A hilarious and cold capture of the middle-class, suburban lifestyle. Perhaps an even colder look at the mendacity behind a successful, middle-aged individual, and the true failure that comes from it's pursuit. It's emptiness, that leaves children to mature with their own visceral type of freedom. As the viewer, we witness this sense of shame become a slippery burden for the parents, all while an unnoticed storm gets the final grasp at one's life.
Rated 30 Jul 2020
abunchofcatsABUNCHOFCATS
Rated 14 May 2009
86
73rd
Fairly interesting movie about the little (or big) things that go on behind the suburban lifestyle.
Rated 14 May 2009
owen1218owen1218
Rated 17 Apr 2007
25
4th
I really don't know what anyone sees in this film.
Rated 17 Apr 2007
damildamil
Rated 12 Jan 2012
75
81st
This was a good film. I think it would've been more effective if I'd seen it when it came out. It feels like I've seen lots of similar films. American Beauty (1999) comes to mind in particular. They're both about seeing the ugly underside of family life. This film had a good cast and was very well-directed by Ang Lee. I really loved his attention to detail in this one. It perhaps didn't affect me as much as I would've liked, but it's by no means a bad film. Totally worth a watch.
Rated 12 Jan 2012
panzerwolfpanzerwolf
Rated 12 Aug 2021
65
46th
I'm just going to state that this type of movie is really not for me. It portrays the kind of drama I'm not particularly into so that while I got what it was portraying with the distanced family members and double-values, it did not hold my interest. Sigourney is wonderful as always and so many of the actors are just wee babies in this one!
Rated 12 Aug 2021
peaceanarchyPeaceAnarchy
Rated 15 Dec 2015
73
36th
It starts off on the wrong foot with Maguire philosophizing about comic books. Eventually I settled into the idea that maybe we weren't supposed to like any of these characters, which made things easier to watch and provided a few chuckles, but too much of it takes itself too seriously. It's like someone took a black comedy, and stripped down any real viciousness and humour to turn it into a middling melodrama. It still has those moments that work, but not as a whole.
Rated 15 Dec 2015
cestmoicestmoi
Rated 15 May 2008
75
48th
Cheers to Rick Moody and Ang Lee. Love the scene where he carries his daughter back home through the woods.
Rated 15 May 2008
hellboy76hellboy76
Rated 22 Sep 2010
71
84th
This film inspired my weekly key party Saturdays. They are no where near as interesting or beautifully filmed. If you are expecting resolution stay away but if you want to see some wonderful performances and some creepily realistic exchanges, stick with it.
Rated 22 Sep 2010
manhattaManhatta
Rated 20 Apr 2008
96
90th
Easily the most intense Swinging party ever put to film. In all seriousness, it's an incredible scene in an incredible picture; everything is pitch-perfect and it's one of the best family dramas post-Bergman. The atmosphere is wonderful, with a cold, mysterious tone that really sets it apart. The actual ice storm reminded me how beautiful nature can be.
Rated 20 Apr 2008
closedmouthclosedmouth
Rated 14 Apr 2012
90
89th
Marvellous.
Rated 14 Apr 2012
hsncrspywlhsncrspywl
Rated 27 Dec 2014
89
87th
Darkly funny but also manages to give an earned emotional punch in the finale. Beautifully shot, with some great scenes and top-tier performance, and the score was a little unique number I enjoyed too. The pace unravels about an hour in though and throws the balance of the film out though. Gets way too funny followed by a bit of whiplash as it dives straight into fucked up.
Rated 27 Dec 2014
honeybHoneyB
Rated 25 Jun 2021
82
81st
Small lives in front, grand history in the background.
Rated 25 Jun 2021
spunkieSpunkie
Rated 30 Mar 2007
86
98th
Like selected pieces from 6-7 period movies, but each character reiterates the whole. Best of Schamus&Lee corporation. Ice Storm is a proof randomness of life delivers more than deus ex machina dramatizations.
Rated 30 Mar 2007
lady_moeLady Moe
Rated 26 Nov 2015
89
82nd
"The Ice Storm" is a beautiful representation of suburban disillusionment. The lush camerwork and sets which offsets the emptiness of the character's lives. In a short amount of time "The Ice Storm" tells the story of an adult's fleeting grasps at romance, a child's first awkward stirrings of sexuality, a teen's conflict with family and his own lovelife, and the end of another person's life altogether in one of the loveliest setpieces in film to feature tragic death. Beautiful but sad.
Rated 26 Nov 2015
thedicemanTheDiceman
Rated 28 Jul 2013
65
73rd
Pretty good.
Rated 28 Jul 2013
myfavchordsmyfavchords
Rated 02 Dec 2015
88
94th
This a great drama with a fantastic script. The film also has a nice ensemble cast. The story is an interesting look at both adults and teenagers in the 1970's. I highly recommend this outstanding film.
Rated 02 Dec 2015
boobjuiceBoobjuice
Rated 24 Jul 2007
72
69th
Great performances, great actors... shit, even the kids are brilliant.
Rated 24 Jul 2007
kleaklea
Rated 13 Apr 2013
44
43rd
Probably better than the rating I gave it, but I kept confusing Elijah Wood's & Tobey Maguire's characters the entire movie
Rated 13 Apr 2013
febrarofebraro
Rated 24 Jul 2008
75
45th
Good film with great acting... The scenes with the kids are specially remarkable.
Rated 24 Jul 2008
icebloxiceblox
Rated 11 Jul 2008
75
77th
Yet another dysfunctional family movie where everyone cheats on everyone else.
Rated 11 Jul 2008
matthagenmatthagen
Rated 10 Aug 2020
61
74th
A troubled ensemble family drama, where no one gets resolution. It hits a humanistic nihilism. I wish a couple of characters were more likable, but everyone is seemingly dangling on the precipice. I'm conflicted, but there is plenty to think about and recommend here if you like straight drama.
Rated 10 Aug 2020
tsvetetsvete
Rated 25 Dec 2019
81
18th
1
Rated 25 Dec 2019
getmoneygetmoney
Rated 04 Jan 2014
83
68th
Underappreciated - a companion piece to American Beauty, perhaps.
Rated 04 Jan 2014
peyrinpeyrin
Rated 07 May 2019
35
12th
I wonder if everyone in the 1970s talks in shoddily written novel adapted dialogue.
Rated 07 May 2019
mkellinsmkellins
Rated 29 Aug 2016
70
76th
There is something about the film's atmosphere that really stuck with me years after seeing it for the first time. On second viewing it wasn't quite as impressive as I remembered. Visually it is still a beautiful movie with interesting characters and good acting.
Rated 29 Aug 2016
taleaTalea
Rated 14 Aug 2007
90
89th
Ang Lee is a genius at evoking stifled emotion. Stays with you for days afterward.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
cowfrappecowfrappe
Rated 02 Dec 2016
78
83rd
A fascinating deep dive into suburbia and its inhabitants.
Rated 02 Dec 2016
wetwillieswetwillies
Rated 10 Aug 2011
100
98th
Exactly the kind of drama I love to get wrapped up in. EDIT: Over a month later and I haven't stopped thinking about this film. Kind of scared to see it again because it might not live up to the film in my mind. EDIT2: Best American film of the 90's? (three times)
Rated 10 Aug 2011
bookhouseboybookhouseboy
Rated 23 Aug 2010
64
84th
#00s(e)#, reviews, (dir Lee), Katie H
Rated 23 Aug 2010
00120012
Rated 23 Jun 2007
92
89th
Brilliant character study.
Rated 23 Jun 2007
ocelotOcelot
Rated 13 Oct 2014
65
64th
For a film that spends a fair deal of its first act establishing its place in time, it's odd that the drama that unfolds seems to be perfectly capable of existing in any era. My best guess is that it's about the ripples of 70's disillusionment in suburban families, but it never seems to be more than an acting showcase, though it's admittedly a good one. All I could take away from this is that Sigourney Weaver is a MILF, other people's dead kids save marriages and Christina Ricci looks like E.T.
Rated 13 Oct 2014
metalhankmetalhank
Rated 10 Nov 2017
64
61st
Quite enjoyable period flick which is situated in the 70s. Well filmed by Lee using some interesting techniques which were shown on the criterion collection disc I seen. The acting is all very good especially from the young actors who have now all starred in big movies.
Rated 10 Nov 2017
billkerwinbillkerwin
Rated 21 Dec 2009
86
71st
Very fine moving about that confused searching decade, the '70's.
Rated 21 Dec 2009
kellyharperKellyHarper
Rated 12 Nov 2008
93
33rd
Follows two equally failed marriages and how the families' children become victims of their parents' drained depressing lives. Christina Ricci and Elijah Wood form the most talented movie partnership in film history, the characters are perfectly defined by the beautiful script, the visuals are amazing and the themes are meticulously and poetically explored, to extents which other dramas can only envy. Absolutely phenomenal, and in no way a reflection of Ang Lee's other work...
Rated 12 Nov 2008
derekstarDerekstar
Rated 08 Jan 2012
80
68th
So I guess 1973 was when the saddest party of all time happened.
Rated 08 Jan 2012
opaque_squidopaque squid
Rated 02 Aug 2009
90
64th
I like this movie.
Rated 02 Aug 2009
filliganFilligan
Rated 04 Aug 2011
86
63rd
The Ice Storm is a mixed bag. Afterwards I wasn't sure whether the film had attempted messy, pretentious thoughts while presenting a story that couldn't hope to reflect these messy thoughts, or if the film had something poignant to say by managing to engage me with dysfunction for two hours, even making me wish the film didn't stop. In the end, I don't think the film has anything to really say, but I do think it's powerful, realistic drama that's very entertaining.
Rated 04 Aug 2011
aarona1caarona1c
Rated 31 Dec 2008
25
26th
This one...I've actually sat down and watched it. Once. When I was too sick with fever to switch the channel. It's just slow, meandering, and makes you feel guilty.
Rated 31 Dec 2008
antaresAntares
Rated 27 Mar 2011
70
54th
Ang Lee creates a beautifully moody set piece about two dysfunctional families in upper middle class New Canaan Connecticut. Unfortunately, there is no soul in the screenplay. I couldn't find one character who I either liked or cared for. Also, Lee spins the screenplay into divergent streams that are never resolved in the end. It just felt to me that the story just meandered aimlessly for its two hour duration, and in the end, came across as an unnecessary waste of my time.
Rated 27 Mar 2011
war_machineWar Machine
Rated 29 Nov 2019
72
59th
Catcherintheryestyletoby+thiscastiscrazy+wasreallyfeelinitbutquicklygotslowandmeh+railingzapkillselijah-bodyslidesdownstreet
Rated 29 Nov 2019
martrynmartryn
Rated 15 Aug 2007
84
84th
A brilliant movie, with an incredible cast. Featuring a slew of talented young actors before they became household names, as well as the already established Christina Ricci, this movie is worth watching for that reason alone. The infidelity and emptiness that follows is just icing.
Rated 15 Aug 2007
silentjakesilentjake
Rated 19 Feb 2008
80
82nd
it was so moving. espeacially joan allen was great but also it was so depressing. couldn't believe how someone can be so unhappy.
Rated 19 Feb 2008
glm01glm01
Rated 02 Oct 2013
79
61st
79.000
Rated 02 Oct 2013
detoxDetox
Rated 13 Feb 2020
61
30th
This one left me completely cold (no pun intended). Right off from the start, when Maguire summarised the Fantastic Four comics, I knew that this would go after my deepest feelings and everything would be alligned to tackle them. The characters are boring as hell. They don't exist beyond some sad looks and forgettable lines. People are comparing this to Bergman? Please...
Rated 13 Feb 2020
oolookittyoolookitty
Rated 24 Oct 2007
10
7th
Oh, my, how I hated this movie. How I hated every self-absorbed, whiny character, and wanted them to die. At least I got my way with one of them.
Rated 24 Oct 2007
ddrudgesd_drudges
Rated 30 Aug 2016
70
81st
There's an intriguing atmosphere of anxiety and the ultimate futility of modern life here, somewhat reminiscent of Andrea Arnold's Fish Tank. It does also treat its characters with a hypocritical contempt without which the movie would surely have been more effective.
Rated 30 Aug 2016
marnauMarnau
Rated 07 Feb 2012
85
84th
15? Desembre 2011 - Històries interessants, ben narrades, ben interpretades, properes. Bon emplaçament. Poc menys es pot dir en una crítica.
Rated 07 Feb 2012
nathanbatesNathanBates
Rated 17 Nov 2019
60
35th
Suburban drama that could have as its subtitle: "The Fulfillment of Poor Decisions." It is haunting -- the music is the high point here - and filled with moral dilemmas that don't really ever feel resolved. There isn't a punch-in-the-gut moment like others in this genre; this one is a slow-twisting rusty knife.
Rated 17 Nov 2019
dewalldewall
Rated 22 Feb 2009
80
93rd
Been awhile
Rated 22 Feb 2009
slantmagSlantMag
Rated 13 Dec 2010
30
78th
"As in any joke, destiny is a major character." - Arthur Ryel-Lindsey
Rated 13 Dec 2010
janusjanus
Rated 22 Jul 2009
85
88th
At times I felt I was missing the whole spirit of the thing having not grown up in the 1970s. Still, great acting and I liked Tobey Maguire's voiceover.
Rated 22 Jul 2009
mandymandy
Rated 09 Nov 2013
7
73rd
An interesting look at middle class dysfunctional American families Most of the characters don't elicit much empathy and I wasn't sure what, if any, message the film was trying to get across - but there was plenty to think about.
Rated 09 Nov 2013
ericamblerericambler
Rated 18 Dec 2023
74
57th
Mature and tasteful, if a bit predictable—save for a couple shocking/controversial moments. I was more invested in the setting and the cultural signifiers than the characters, though all are well-acted. Production design, costumes, and makeup prevent it from becoming That 70s Movie, and help keep its focus on shifting social trends and mores.
Rated 18 Dec 2023
glmglm
Rated 12 Jan 2011
79
63rd
78.500
Rated 12 Jan 2011
caimancaiman
Rated 15 Jul 2013
91
94th
Subtle, delicate writing combines with engaging characters and technical mastery to form a pretty great movie. The shots of the cracking ice are crafted with excellent tactility, providing a sense of encroaching chaos and despair. But the film is able to maintain a lighthearted tone, constantly keeping me smiling and guessing. All of the actors do fine jobs. For my money this is Ang Lee's best movie.
Rated 15 Jul 2013
spoonerspotspoonerspot
Rated 14 Aug 2007
83
82nd
Top notch cast make one under appreciated movie
Rated 14 Aug 2007
snallygastersnallygaster
Rated 01 Jul 2012
27
16th
I liked the way this film demonstrated that every character in it is likely irreparably screwed, with no hope of resolution. Unfortunately none of these people could exist in nature - excepting Katie Holmes, and I can only assume that's because she's such a minor character they neglected to write for her. You know those competitions where engineers build robots and teach them to play a robot version of soccer or ping pong or something? This is kind of like a dramatic version of one of those.
Rated 01 Jul 2012
mrgreedyMrGreedy
Rated 08 Aug 2010
60
10th
Didn't really engage me on any level. Kept looking at my watch which is not a good sign. Probably okay if you like family dramas.
Rated 08 Aug 2010
td888td888
Rated 07 Jan 2013
30
18th
Well, if you like drama's this is for you. It is exactly that, and don't expect any resolvement at the end.
Rated 07 Jan 2013
shockularSHOCKULAR
Rated 05 Jan 2024
77
64th
A very good but at times a bit meandering character/drama . At times it feels like it's kind of drifting but it always brings itself back and most of it is quite good. As with many movies like this, some characters and stories are more interesting than others. Tons of recognizable people in it, from Kevin Kline to Sigourney Weaver to Tobey Magquire to Christina Ricci to Elijah Wood to Katie Holmes and others. Good stuff.
Rated 05 Jan 2024
goctopusgoctopus
Rated 16 Jun 2020
80
65th
Sad movie, with some irredeemable characters. Excellent performances from the children. Boy sliding down road was unintentionally hilarious. Also Elijah Wood's first dialogue with his fated was fantastic.
Rated 16 Jun 2020
paulofilmopaulofilmo
Rated 29 Sep 2008
58
12th
I really don't think it succeeded at what it was trying to achieve. Clearly I'm in the minority of opinion. The hallmark indie look/script had me retching, too.
Rated 29 Sep 2008

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