A film's attempts to communicate a significant message through visuals and symbolism will likely fall short if there isn't a solid story supporting those efforts. This proves true for writer-director Anthony Chen’s newest work, which follows the experiences of three different but isolated young adults (Dongyu Zhou, Haoran Liu, Chuxiao Qu) as they try to navigate adulthood in the northern Chinese city of Yanji, close to the border with North Korea. Taking place during a harsh winter season, this unlikely group finds themselves together through unplanned and frankly unbelievable events, quickly developing an uncertain connection. Following their initial meeting, they spend a weekend filled with eating, drinking, dancing, and dealing with sexual tension, alongside periods of mostly unexplained sadness. The movie largely depends on suggestion and subtlety to progress the story, but at times this approach is so understated that it’s difficult to understand what the director is trying to achieve. Conversely, other moments feel overly obvious, like the repeated shots of the frozen winter scenery, which seem intended to represent a theme of “coldness,” for instance. Ultimately, the meaning remains unclear. The film prioritizes atmosphere over depth, and much of it feels unrealistic, unimportant, puzzling, and not particularly captivating. While "The Breaking Ice" is beautifully shot, offering viewers a glimpse of an unfamiliar place accompanied by a fitting original score and supported by three strong performances, I didn’t find myself emotionally invested in the story, feeling detached throughout. Movies that consistently attempt something but never quite succeed aren't worth watching—or receiving the praise they don't deserve—and this is certainly one of them.

Source on TMDB