La foresta di ghiaccio (2014) User Reviews

Cold as ice, not willing to sacrifice any clues

[Coventry · 6/10 · 20 April 2015]

Up until I sat myself down in the theater and the lights went out, I knew absolutely nothing about the plot or themes featuring in "The Ice Forest". It was programmed at the Brussels International Festival of Fantastic Films and I went to see it purely based on two factual aspects, namely a) it's an Italian movie and b) it has a uniquely grim setting high up in the snowy Alps. Based on the opening sequences already, however, it imminently becomes clear that this will become much more of a harrowing and intense drama rather than a thriller, because the film starts with a flashback to the year 1994 and illustrates how refugee families are cruelly separated on the Italian/Slovenian border. 20 years later, Pietro – an electrician expert – arrives in the little geographically isolated border town to look at the power plant that constantly causes blackouts, but he also seems to be on a mysterious personal quest for something as well. Another new face in town is that of the Slovenian female officer Lana. She allegedly follows the traces of an aggressive bear, but she's obviously something else entirely as well. I read in the festival's brochure that "The Ice Forest" is similar to the Coen Brothers' "Fargo". Well yes, in terms of weather conditions and perhaps geographical setting, but that's where the comparison stops, as this film's atmosphere is far more dark and depressing and the plot is more closed and mysterious. Director and co-writer Claudio Noce delivered a rather inaccessible and mentally demanding film, with an incredibly slow pacing, very few action sequences, convoluted as well as indifferent character drawings and a screenplay that doesn't reveal any clues until the climax. You can guess along about what's happening, of course, and certain elements are fairly transparent, but the film refuses to give any answers earlier than absolutely necessary. Nearly everything about "The Ice Forest" is unpleasant to behold. None of the characters (leads or supportive ones) are likable and the conditions that they have to live in are horrendous. Heck, even the only sex sequence in the film is deeply unpleasant to watch. That said, the film does remain compelling and suspenseful, and it definitely keeps you alert throughout the entire running time. The subject matter, particularly during the denouement, is very current and typical for the present- day situation in Europe, and also immediately explains why there isn't any room for comical undertones or light-headed sub plots in this film. "The Ice Forest" stars Emir Kusturica, director of the 90s cult-hit "Arizona Dream" as well as several other unknown but extremely talented actors and actresses. It's not exactly the type of film I would recommend for a relaxing and brainless night of cinematic entertainment, but certainly recommended in case you're looking for ambitious and socially relevant dramas/thrillers.

Bear trap

[henriqueac-62783 · 4/10 · 22 July 2022]

For the masses this movie should be like stepping into a bear trap. I just lost my foot. But I saw it coming. It seemed that I just spent two hours taking a look at some photos. It really lacks some action, sometimes it was like I was watching a kind of drama or romance. Well, I guess it is high time for me to come back to those american detective series.

Gone

[kosmasp · 6/10 · 16 September 2023]

No pun intended - sometimes when you are new somewhere, you may not know how things work out. Same is true for our main character - all grown up from the first time we see him in the beginning. This mystery thriller may not be everyones cup of tea and it really is not fast paced (which already is on the losing side with some viewers because of that). So if you watch the first 10 minutes and are still interested .. watch on, otherwise do not.

The acting is good enough, but there may be some choices (more character based) that may be tough to swallow. The movie makes sense overall though, don't let (character) decisions cloud that. Decent enough movie, for those interested in the genre.

A dark film, lit only by the white snow

[RodrigAndrisan · 2/10 · 16 August 2016]

How important is the music for a film! Especially when the music is good and strong. A good example is this film. The music ennobles the picture, what we see on the screen, "the action". Because not too much is happening. We see rather commonplace scenes, one after another, somewhere in an unnamed mountain village in the Alps. There is a mystery, something is happening but we do not know what, we are not told and nothing is shown to us. Often is invoked the bear but we don't see it. I've always tried to watch movies more special, weird, strange, unique. I had the feeling that this is such a kind of movie. In the good sense. But, although evoking a sad episode from the recent history of former Yugoslavia, the film is nothing but a waste of time. Neither the cool presence, as an actor, of Emir Kusturica, does not save anything.

Good mystery yarn

[searchanddestroy-1 · 7/10 · 22 October 2021]

But not for all audiences. It takes place in the wolderness where demons from the past emerge among the mountains. Events related to the war in Bosnia. Emir Kusturica is awesome in thuis underrated Italian flick, very beautifully photographed and acted too. It should have been more or best released. I recommend it.

Searing drama in a bleak winter wonderland

[kkpai-74571 · 7/10 · 22 December 2021]

I found this movie to be quite gripping and entertaining, it is based on the aftermath of the breakup of the country of Yugoslavia and the grim human cost.

It is a tale of revenge set in the harsh winter of the Italian alps decades later. Slow at times, nevertheless the beautiful scenery contrasts with ugliness of human nature.

Terrific,Suspenseful Movie

[pinkiepink-251501 · 10/10 · 20 November 2021]

I am amazed at People giving this Movie Terrible ratings! Are you kidding me? I was hooked from the first 5 minutes into this thought provoking story line. This Movie had it all. A beginning leading up to the beginning. The Middle, 3/4 til the end and then the ending.

Each individual Actor in this Movie were mesmerizing. These Actors were ALL important in this Movie then add in their excellent acting skills.

I gravitate towards any Movies that are NOT American Movies. Yes I am an American but because I have been groomed from a very young age to appreciate Perfection in the Movie of my likings. It is the Actors that make the Movie. Not the Movie that makes the Actors. I firmly believe this. Now for myself I am 63 years old young. 98% of American Movies and Actors bore me to tears!!! I can predict, figure out the Movies entireity from the beginning. So for me I welcome foreign Movies. Korean Movies are usually my go to Movies, I always always enjoy them. They put their Hearts and Souls into ALL of thier productions. Plus Korean Actors are the best of the best. I gravitate towards European Movies as well. Then Irish/Brit, etc.

I rate this Movie in every aspect of a Winner of a Movie a "Perfect 10". I simply cannot understand the persons that said more or less this was la bomba!!!! No way, No how. Solid Acting, terrific meaning,Breath taking scenery......Please do not think twice,,,If you are picky as I am you will be glued to your TV screen as I was....

Leave the Subs alone!

[brengunwattz · 7/10 · 18 July 2022]

Good film absolutely DESTROYED by appalling American dubbing. Trying to watch in Italian with English subs is just as bad. Half of the lines are completely ignored and your left having to fill in the blanks.

Seriously underrated, but could have been better

[guisreis · 7/10 · 26 May 2022]

One the one hand. Bad rating is quite unfair as this is a film with great acting, cinematography and, yes, thrilling atmosphere. On the other hand, pace should be at least slightly faster, and the movie is unnecessarily confusing sometimes. I liked the different elements of the story, but I did not feel that all of them have been properly connected with each other or enough grounded. I read a review which said that a more tight script or another edition could improve the film and lead to a better outcome, and I agree with that.

Snowy deception

[jordondave-28085 · 6/10 · 1 March 2023]

(2014)The Ice forest/ La foresta di ghiaccio MYSTERY DRAMA

Co-written and directed by Claudio Noce which opens with a young child asked to run away from what I assumed was his father in the dark snow before the movie jumps 20 years later. And that young child grows up to be Pietro (Domenico Diele) or as the boss, Lorenzo (Adriano Giannini) who employs him calls him "Grease monkey" since he has a knack for repairing things that involve motors and so forth. Meanwhile, what it looked like was a female reporter, Lana (Kseniya Rappoport) is attempting to gather some evidence for from a guy name Secondo (Emir Kusturica) the owner of the power plant located high at the snowy alps and was given three more days to track down some evidence regarding criminal wrong doing involving migrants.