Like Ang Lee's previous film, 'Sense and Sensibility', this film has a sense of completeness which makes the story seem more real and so all the more poignant. The ensemble cast is wonderful, which is especially impressive because of the number of child actors involved. There are many similarities between this one and this year's 'American Beauty', but I believe 'The Ice Storm' is a better film. There is a better sense of real people in this film, whereas in 'American Beauty' it bordered on caricature, thus distancing the audience just a little more. The last half and hour of 'The Ice Storm' is heart-wrenching, pulling off an effective ending while avoiding any false notes. It deserved Oscar nominations for directing, screenplay and cinematography.
Review of The Ice Storm
