6.5
Where can I stream The Breaking Ice legally?
You can watch it free with ads on Kanopy. You can also rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
The Breaking Ice
2023·Movie
The Breaking Ice fingerprint
Low-key.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension4
- Fast Pace3
- Adrenaline2
Heart
Melancholic and moving
Much of it is about growing up.
- Melancholy8
- Pathos7
- Coming of Age7
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Dark Humor3
- Cringe Humor2
World
Everyday modern life and growing up
- World Immersion7
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Ambiguity7
Craft
Solid, not remarkable
- Direction7
- Acting7
- Character Depth7
Style
Standout cinematography
- Cinematography8
- Music Composition7
- Editing6
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Breaking Ice is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension4Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle2Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumMelancholic and moving
Much of it is about growing up.
Emotionally, it's melancholic and moving. Much of it is about growing up.
All heart traits
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Coming of Age7Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Romance6Love stories and emotional connections.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Wholesome4Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness4Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia3Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Family Dynamics3Relationships and generational ties.
- Wonder3Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
MediumEveryday modern life and growing up
Its world is built around everyday modern life and growing up. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Ambiguity7Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Rewatchability4Invites repeat viewing.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Psychological6Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary5Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
MediumSolid, not remarkable
The craft is serviceable rather than remarkable.
All craft traits
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Narrative Structure6Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue5Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity5Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Style
MediumStandout cinematography
Look and sound: the cinematography stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBackground WatchDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking
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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
In cold wintry Yanji, a city on China's northern border, young urbanite Haofeng, visiting from Shanghai, feels lost and adrift. By chance, he goes on a tour led by Nana, a charming tour guide who instantly fascinates him. She introduces him to Xiao, a personable but frustrated restaurant worker. The three bond quickly over a drunken weekend. Confronting their individual traumas, their frozen desires slowly thaw as they seek to liberate themselves from an icy world.
Slow-Burn RomanceContemporary Chinese CinemaMelancholic AtmosphereCharacter-Driven NarrativeDrifting YouthExistential YearningCold Border CitySubtle Social CommentaryIntimate Cinematography
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Breaking Ice
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Breaking Ice worth watching?
74
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 74/100 (IMDb 6.5, Rotten Tomatoes 91%, and Metacritic 71). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
How long is The Breaking Ice?
1 h 40 min
The Breaking Ice runs 1 h 40 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Breaking Ice?
Critics81
Audiences69
Not quite. Critics rate The Breaking Ice higher (81) than audiences (69). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
What language is The Breaking Ice in?
ChineseKorean
It was made in Chinese, with some Korean. Produced in China, Singapore.
In how many countries can I watch The Breaking Ice?
13
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Breaking Ice in 13 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.