The Ice Storm (1997)
Ang Lee's devastating portrait of two suburban families fracturing beneath the frozen surface of 1970s America.
The Ice Storm - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Ice Storm
- Release Year: 1997
- Directed by: Ang Lee
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 53m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 26, 1997 (United States - R), February 6, 1998 (United Kingdom - 15), December 17, 1997 (Germany - 12), March 11, 1998 (France), November 28, 1998 (South Korea - 18)
- Alternative Titles: 아이스 스톰 (KR), Η παγοθύελλα (GR), La tormenta de hielo (ES)
- Production Companies: Canal+ Droits Audiovisuels, Fox Searchlight Pictures, Good Machine
- Production Countries: France, United States of America
The Ice Storm - Plot
In the weekend after thanksgiving 1973 the Hood family is skidding out of control. Then an ice storm hits, the worst in a century.
The Ice Storm - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the world of 1973 Connecticut come to life:
It was 1973, and the climate was changing.
Where to Watch The Ice Storm
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The Ice Storm - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Ang Lee
Main Cast
- Kevin Kline
- Joan Allen
- Sigourney Weaver
- Jamey Sheridan
- Christina Ricci
- Tobey Maguire
- Elijah Wood
- Adam Hann-Byrd
- Michael Cumpsty
- Katie Holmes
Writers
- James Schamus
Producers
- Ted Hope
- James Schamus
- Ang Lee
The Ice Storm - FAQs
What is The Ice Storm about?
The Ice Storm is a drama set over Thanksgiving weekend 1973 in suburban Connecticut, following two neighboring families — the Hoods and the Carvers — as they navigate marital infidelity, adolescent sexual awakening, and emotional disconnection, all while a catastrophic ice storm descends on their community.
What happens at the key party in The Ice Storm?
The key party is a 1970s swinger ritual where husbands drop their car keys into a bowl and wives randomly select a set to determine who they'll sleep with that night. In the film, it serves as a devastating symbol of the era's moral vacancy, culminating in tragedy rather than liberation.
Who are the main actors in The Ice Storm?
The Ice Storm features Kevin Kline as Ben Hood, Joan Allen as Elena Hood, Sigourney Weaver as Janey Carver, Jamey Sheridan as Jim Carver, Christina Ricci as Wendy Hood, Tobey Maguire as Paul Hood, and a young Elijah Wood as Mikey Carver, alongside Katie Holmes in an early role.
Is The Ice Storm based on a true story?
No, The Ice Storm is not based on a true story. It is adapted from Rick Moody's acclaimed 1994 novel of the same name. While the events are fictional, the film authentically captures the social and cultural atmosphere of early 1970s suburban America, including the post-Watergate disillusionment of the era.
What does the ending of The Ice Storm mean?
The ending, in which Mikey Carver is electrocuted during the ice storm, functions as a devastating reckoning for both families. Ben Hood's breakdown upon learning of Mikey's death signals a moment of forced awakening — the emotional numbness that has defined these adults finally cracks under the weight of irreversible consequence.
Where can you stream The Ice Storm?
The Ice Storm is available to stream on the Criterion Channel. It can also be rented or purchased digitally on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home.
Did The Ice Storm win any awards?
Yes. The Ice Storm earned James Schamus the Best Screenplay award at the 1997 Cannes Film Festival. The film also received widespread critical acclaim and earned Joan Allen a BAFTA nomination for Best Supporting Actress, cementing its reputation as one of the finest American films of the 1990s.
What is the age rating for The Ice Storm?
The Ice Storm is rated R in the United States, reflecting its mature themes of adult sexuality, infidelity, adolescent experimentation, substance use, and a tragic death. It is rated 15 in the United Kingdom and 12 in Germany.
More About The Ice Storm
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