The Ice Runner

I made the mistake of reading the box notes on this video and got intrigued by the plot capsule: U.S. intelligence agent imprisoned in Siberia with Russian soldier as his adversary.

What the box didn't tell me was that this interesting idea would get ruined by the absolutely awful character development, a disjointed plot, and an incredibly annoying little shaman/mystic who keeps showing up throughout the movie.

This film has many excellent elements throughout the show even to the very end. Characters are developed and relationships between characters will garner attention and the interest of viewers. The locations are beyond good and viewers get a sense of the reality of other environments and life outside of downtown USA. The storyline is excellent and remains unbroken from beginning to end. I have seen this movie over 30 times and it continues to hold my interest. Much like a Hemingway story this story can be view over and over again. I have provided my copy of this film to more than 100 friends and every one have sought out their own copy. This is a good film. A great story. The characters are strongly defined. The background of the film is exciting and made for reflective thought.

I first saw this movie in 1994 and I thought it was going to be "B" rated. It turned out to be an excellent movie with a great story line. When DVD's took over, I couldn't wait for them to put this movie on DVD so I could show my family since we didn't have anymore VCR's in the house. They all enjoyed this movie too. Made us feel like we were actually on the frozen tundra. Now it's been 12 years and I've made it one of our collectibles. There's action, adventure, love, pain, and persistence in this movie. I don't think you will be disappointed if you watched it. So far everyone who's been to my house and watched or borrowed this movie walked away with a feeling of "WOW". I won't say how many times I've seen the movie but lucky for me it's on DVD now.

I really loved this movie, since it took me into a world, that is so alien to the American mainstream. Siberia, before the age of the consumoriented culture, people defying the old corrupt Communist apparatchiks. Depicting ancient lifestyles long gone in the western world, but rich in culture. Uneducated and Hollywood manipulated masses will probably not see those little nuances in this truly awesome flick. I did not find the story disjointed at all, since the American prisoner was just trying to cope with his new and very alien environment. When will viewer learn, that the human psyche is a very complex adaption device.There are simply no two dimensional solutions for the American to hang on to, like Hollywood often suggests. One viewer judged this movie with unreasonable harshness, that might find sympathy in communities that like to build walls around themselves, not allowing any different cultures to enter their little two dimensional worlds. Talking about the lack of curiosity .... And why should be everything explained in detail, I love it, when I can use my imagination. This movie opened a door to me, where my imagination got to far away places. I also learned a lot about Siberia in the 80's, and I found it was a very realistic depiction of it. The movie also has evolving element of adventure, that graps you and identify's you with the American prisoner. This man is intelligent, compassionate, with a strong will to survive, whatever challenge he has to face. I also recommend the viewer, to take a look at the map of Siberia, to fully appreciate what he is up against. I voted a 10 out of 10 for this movie, and to counter the narrow view of the other viewer, would even give this movie an eleven.

I liked this film very much. I find most films sensational or boring. I prefer small well crafted films, as in a more European style. For me, it was a believable film, with characters I could actually give a damn about. Edward Albert is an underrated actor. He has one of the most expressive faces in film. And of course, it does not hurt that he is gorgeous. I think you should watch this film. No film appeals to everyone. The hands on confrontations in this film are far more real than what I've seen in most films. I'm sorry that Edward Albert was not offered more roles in films this good or better. I bought my own copy of this film.