Oct. 20, 2023

The Breaking Ice

Anthony Chen’s The Breaking Ice unfolds a poignant story of three young Chinese adults in a state of abeyance. Set in the icy landscape of Yanji, near the North Korean border, the intimate film outlines their journey as they progress from a sense of stagnation to achieving spiritual liberation. By: Wee Yan Ling

Genres: Drama

Distributor: Giraffe Pictures & Golden Village Pictures

Length: 97 minutes

Producer: Anthony Chen, Meng Xie

Production company: Huace Pictures, Canopy Pictures

Anthony Chen’s The Breaking Ice unfolds a poignant story of three young Chinese adults in a state of abeyance. Set in the icy landscape of Yanji, near the North Korean border, the intimate film outlines their journey as they progress from a sense of stagnation to achieving spiritual liberation.

The location of the movie is salient in setting the tone of the movie, as it highlights the position the three protagonists are in. Each of them seemingly in a state of inertia, their lives halted as if trapped in a standstill. The writer-director, Anthony Chen very tactfully and wisely set such a location to portray their circumstances. The location amplifies the isolation experienced by the trio, simultaneously, intensifying the immediacy of their connection, which becomes a vital lifeline amid the encompassing coldness. 

The main cast consists of a woman and two men in their 20s, these roles are played with such subtlety by the actors as they are naturally captivating and convincing. They are able to portray as genuinely and authentically as possible the sorrows, frustrations and anxieties of the characters without having to verbalise them or show them explicitly. The few moments of self-reflection offers audiences glimpses into their inner world, shedding light on what is kept hidden within them. 

This is not just another romantic triangle. Their story revolves around Nana, who works as a tour guide far away from home. Ferrying Chinese visitors day in and out to experience authentic Korean traditions. One of the places on her tour itinerary happens to be a restaurant where Xiao is employed and happens to share an ambivalent and prickly connection with this good-natured slacker. 

 

The third character, Haofeng, is a professional in the financial sector in Shanghai who had visited Yanji for a wedding of his former classmate. A reserved and reticent individual who partakes in conversations with reluctance. Haofeng’s behaviour elucidates his signs of depression and suicidal tendencies. This is furthered with his behaviour by avoiding his calls from the mental health centre. 

Haofeng is drawn to Nana during the bus tour and slowly lowered his defence around her, shedding his aloof facade away when he lost his cellphone and received help from Nana. The trio bonded during a drunken evening at Nana’s place. The film’s impeccable camera shots beautifully portray their solitude and immerses the viewers in the show.

The film’s smooth editing and ethereal music by Singaporean musician Kin Leonn lead an enjoyable flow to these loosely structured episodes. Subtly emphasising that none of them fit in with their peculiar and foreign surroundings. 

This film marks another milestone in Chen’s steadily ascending career as it offers a contemplative and moving introspection. Whether it’s defying conventions by embarking on a journey up a mountain or embracing uncertainty to venture into the unknown, this film effectively touched our hearts with its poignant narrative. 

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