RATING★ 5.4/10
VERDICT AVERAGE
Breaking the Ice (1938) movie backdrop
Breaking the Ice (1938) movie poster

Breaking the Ice Hit or Flop?

Rating
5.4/10
🎯Verdict
AVERAGE
👍 GOOD
  • Engaging Storyline
  • Strong Performances
👎 BAD
  • Pacing issues in mid
  • Predictable ending
193881 minDrama
Audience VerdictAVERAGE

Breaking the Ice

Breaking the Ice Movie Hit or Flop?

AVERAGE

Verdict:Breaking the Ice is a confirmed FLOP based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.

With a rating of 5.4/10, it has delivered a mixed experience for fans of the Drama genre.

Is Breaking the Ice Worth Watching?

Answer: Maybe not, Breaking the Ice is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.

It features a runtime of 81 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.

5.4/10 4 votes
81Minutes
1938Release Year
Visual Story
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Breaking the Ice Review

Last updated: January 18, 2026

🎬 Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations

Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1938, Breaking the Ice emerges as a significant entry in the Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of The story begins while Tommy Martin and his mother, Martha Martin say goodbye to Henry and Reuben Johnson. Unlike standard genre fare, Breaking the Ice attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Breaking the Ice features a noteworthy lineup led by Bobby Breen . Supported by the likes of Dolores Costello and Charles Ruggles , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.

Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.

💡 Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?

In summary, our editorial assessment of Breaking the Ice (1938) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.4/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.

Breaking the Ice Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline

Quick Plot Summary: Breaking the Ice is a Drama film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.

Breaking the Ice Ending Explained & Final Analysis

Ending Breakdown: Breaking the Ice attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.

The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.

Ending Analysis:

  • Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
  • Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
  • Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of Breaking the Ice reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Who Should Watch Breaking the Ice?

Consider Watching If:

  • You're a completist for Drama films
  • You're curious despite mixed reviews
  • You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of Breaking the Ice

  • Bobby Breen – Tommy Martin
  • Dolores Costello – Martha Martin
  • Charles Ruggles – Sam Terwilliger
  • Irene Dare – Irene Dare
  • Dorothy Peterson – Annie Decker

Top Highlights

Bobby Breen
Bobby BreenTommy Martin
Dolores Costello
Dolores CostelloMartha Martin
Charles Ruggles
Charles RugglesSam Terwilliger
Irene Dare
Irene DareIrene Dare
Dorothy Peterson
Dorothy PetersonAnnie Decker
Robert Barrat
Robert BarratWilliam Decker
John 'Dusty' King
John 'Dusty' KingHenry Johnson
Margaret Hamilton
Margaret HamiltonMrs. Small
Billy Gilbert
Billy GilbertMr. Small
Jonathan Hale
Jonathan HaleMr. Kane

Where to Watch Breaking the Ice Online?

Streaming Hub

Parents Guide & Age Rating

NR
Breaking the Ice is rated NR.

Final Verdict

Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.4/10, and global collection metrics, Breaking the Ice stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1938 cinematic year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Breaking the Ice movie hit or flop?

Breaking the Ice has received mixed reviews with a 5.4/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.

Is Breaking the Ice worth watching?

Breaking the Ice is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama movies, but read reviews first.

Where can I watch Breaking the Ice online?

Breaking the Ice may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.

Best Movies to Watch if you liked Breaking the Ice

How Breaking the Ice Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for Breaking the Ice

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movieMx Verified

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 5.4
Breaking the Ice
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