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Poster for The Ice Storm

The Ice Storm

Seen it?

1997 | 113 min | Drama

Saturday Special

Why it’s a Saturday Special

It earned strong reviews (85% on Rotten Tomatoes), it drew serious awards attention and it's still drawing plenty of interest, despite a box office loss. A strong pick for the weekend.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 53 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated R: expect sex.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

In the weekend after thanksgiving 1973 the Hood family is skidding out of control. Then an ice storm hits, the worst in a century.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    85% on Rotten Tomatoes, 72 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesSolid

    6.9 out of 10

  • AwardsStrong

    Won 1 BAFTA: BAFTA Awards: Best Actress in a Supporting Role. Won 1 Cannes award: Cannes Film Festival: Best Screenplay. Also nominated for 1 Golden Globe and 4 more BAFTAs. Plus 4 other awards.

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $16 million worldwide on a $18 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactStrong

    About 207K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Ang Lee

  • Kevin KlineBen Hood
  • Joan AllenElena Hood
  • Sigourney WeaverJaney Carver
  • Jamey SheridanJim Carver
  • Christina RicciWendy Hood
  • Tobey MaguirePaul Hood
  • Elijah WoodMikey Carver
  • Adam Hann-ByrdSandy Carver
  • Michael CumpstyPhilip Edwards
  • Katie HolmesLibbets Casey