The Ice Runner

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 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.

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.

Let me state this right at the start, I liked Edward Albert as an actor. Hell, we were even friends (I have that in writing from him!) Not everything he was in was great, or even good, but you need to pay the bills. I get that.

However, I like The Ice Runner, a lot. It has some cringeable scenes in it, but not from Edward. It could have been edited better, and the ending was changed from the pre-screening I saw to what was finally released on video, and he did confess that he was worried about how the editing turned out.

It's quite a violent film in places and incredibly tender in others. I'm not going to give away any of the plot as I believe people should watch a film for themselves and make their own decisions.

I wasn't so keen on the spiritual side of this movie, but everything else was fine -- great. I remember I had to sit on my hands at one point to keep still, but hey, that's just me, I throw myself right in there with the actors.

If you're an Edward Albert fan you'll LOVE it!