Review of The Ice Storm (1997) by Adam F — 19 Mar 2008

The Ice Storm is, in my opinion, Ang lee's best film. The film is set in the 1970s during a famous ice storm that hit the north east. I myself actually remember that storm from when I was a kid. The storm itself, as well as other aspects of the film like the Fantastic Four comic issue 141 are metaphors for the often secret gulfs of space that separate family members, as well as neighbors, and members of the extended community.

The film also explores the perceived differences and actual similarities that younger and older generations have with one another. The youth and adult groups parallel each other in eerily similar ways.

Infidelity, lust, theft, jealousy, insecurity, intimidation, introversion, peer pressure, death, and sociology are all explored. The games we play in our own heads as well as the games we play with each other are an important aspect of this film.

The photography and the soundtrack, as well as the art direction are all top notch. This film was just re-released by The Criterion Collection in an amazing 2 DVd set. Commentary, and extras are all included.

I highly recommend this film. It is one of the best films ever made on subjects that are rarely ever talked about in such frank detail.