The biting wind howled through Yanji, a city draped in an unforgiving winter, mirroring the chill settling deep within Haofeng. He had come seeking respite from Shanghai’s relentless pace, only to find himself adrift, lost in a landscape of frozen dreams. It was here, amidst the desolate beauty, that he met Nana, a tour guide whose captivating spirit shone like a defiant ember against the icy backdrop. Nana, with eyes that held both laughter and unspoken sorrows, introduced him to Xiao, a young man simmering with frustration, trapped in a dead-end job at a local restaurant. Over a weekend fueled by potent baijiu, a fragile bond formed, a desperate attempt to thaw the emotional ice that had encased their hearts. Haofeng, Nana, and Xiao found themselves confronting their past traumas, each seeking a path to liberation, a way to break free from the frozen landscape that threatened to consume them. Even the desperate struggle of a fugitive trying to escape in the thick snow, felt familiar to Haofeng as he seeks a similar escape from his emotional burdens.
The Breaking Ice Movie Overview
Title | The Breaking Ice |
---|---|
Release Status | Released |
Release Date | 2023-08-22 |
Runtime | 1 hours and 37 minutes |
Genre | Drama |
Original Language | Zh |
Spoken Language | Mandarin, Korean |
Country | China, Singapore |
Production Co. | Canopy Pictures, Huace Pictures, Giraffe Pictures |
The Breaking Ice Movie Cast
Name | Character |
---|---|
Zhou Dongyu | Nana |
Liu Haoran | Hao Feng |
Qu Chuxiao | Han Xiao |
Ruguang Wei | Fugitive |
Liu Baisha | Nana’s Teammate |
Zhao Wenhao | Coach Driver |
Li Yusheng | The Groom |
The Breaking Ice Movie Storyline
In the frigid city of Yanji, bordering North Korea, Haofeng, a disillusioned businessman escaping Shanghai’s pressures, seeks solace but finds only a deeper sense of displacement. He encounters Nana, a spirited tour guide whose infectious energy masks a profound internal struggle. During a drunken escapade, Nana introduces Haofeng to Xiao, a restaurant worker wrestling with personal frustrations and economic stagnation. The three form an unlikely bond, their initial camaraderie fueled by shared loneliness and an unspoken desire for connection. As the weekend unfolds, Haofeng finds himself drawn to Nana’s vibrant facade, while also recognizing the simmering anger beneath Xiao’s amicable exterior. Their shared experiences lead to uncomfortable truths and forced confrontations as they delve into their hidden anxieties and traumas. Nana reveals her desperate need to escape Yanji’s confines, while Xiao grapples with feelings of inadequacy, envious of Haofeng’s perceived success. The fragile equilibrium shatters when secrets are revealed, leading to a poignant exploration of vulnerability and the courage required to face one’s inner demons. Ultimately, the shared experience pushes them to confront their individual pain, offering a glimmer of hope that allows each of them to start melting the ice that has encased their hearts, suggesting that genuine human connection can offer warmth and healing, even in the coldest of landscapes.
The Breaking Ice Movie Details
Set against the backdrop of a frigid Yanji, a city nestled on China’s northern frontier, The Breaking Ice is a poignant drama exploring the themes of isolation, connection, and the slow thaw of frozen emotions. The film follows Haofeng (Liu Haoran), a young man from Shanghai, who finds himself adrift and disconnected during a visit to this unfamiliar landscape. His path unexpectedly crosses with Nana (Zhou Dongyu), a charismatic and captivating tour guide who draws him into her world. Nana introduces Haofeng to Xiao (Qu Chuxiao), a personable yet disillusioned restaurant worker grappling with his own set of frustrations. Over a series of alcohol-fueled encounters spanning a single weekend, the trio forms an unlikely bond, finding solace and understanding in one another’s company. As they confront their individual traumas and suppressed desires, the icy barriers surrounding their hearts begin to crack, offering a glimmer of hope for liberation from the emotional winter that has gripped them. The film intricately portrays the complexities of human relationships, highlighting the power of empathy and the potential for healing in the most unexpected of connections, as characters like Nana’s teammate (Liu Baisha) offer glimpses into the wider community, subtly revealing the shared experiences of those navigating life in the cold city.
The Breaking Ice Movie Poster Images




Movie Trailers
Official Trailer [Subtitled]
The Breaking Ice Movie FAQs
What is the movie “The Breaking Ice” about?
It tells the story of three individuals in Yanji, China: Haofeng, a visitor from Shanghai; Nana, a tour guide; and Xiao, a restaurant worker. They bond over a weekend, confronting their personal traumas and seeking liberation from their frozen lives.
When was “The Breaking Ice” released?
The movie was released on August 22, 2023.
Who directed “The Breaking Ice”?
Anthony Chen directed the movie.
Who are the main actors in “The Breaking Ice”?
The main actors are Zhou Dongyu as Nana, Liu Haoran as Hao Feng, and Qu Chuxiao as Han Xiao.
What genre is “The Breaking Ice”?
The movie is a drama.
Where was “The Breaking Ice” filmed?
The movie is set in Yanji, a city on China’s northern border.
What languages are spoken in “The Breaking Ice”?
The movie features Mandarin and Korean languages.
Which countries produced “The Breaking Ice”?
The movie was produced by China and Singapore.
What are some of the production companies involved in “The Breaking Ice”?
Some of the production companies include Canopy Pictures, Huace Pictures, and Giraffe Pictures.
What is the runtime of “The Breaking Ice”?
The movie has a runtime of 97 minutes.