On October 18 (Friday), the film ‘The Breaking Ice’ will be released nationwide, along with a making-of video and endorsements from various prominent figures.
This film, which was showcased in the “Un Certain Regard” section at the 76th Cannes Film Festival, also represented Singapore in the International Feature Film category at the 96th Academy Awards. Set in Yanji, a town located at the border between China and the Korean Peninsula, it follows the story of three young people who serendipitously meet and experience emotional transformations while exploring the winter scenery of Yanji. Directed by Anthony Chen, who won the Camera d’Or at the 66th Cannes Film Festival for Ilo Ilo, the film is produced by Menh Sheh, known for works like ‘Memoria’ and ‘Tropical Rain.’
In the making-of video, director Anthony Chen discusses the film, calling it “special” and expressing that it represents a “new challenge” for him. He elaborates on why Yanji, with its blend of Chinese characters and Hangul, serves as a fitting backdrop for the narrative. The video also includes reflections from the three young actors—Liu Haoran, Zhu Chuchiao, and Zhou Dongyu—about their experiences working with the director, along with lighthearted moments captured during filming.


The recommendations came from seven individuals, including film director Hiroshi Kurosawa, novelist Mariko Yamauchi, musicians Yoshinori Sunahara and Hiroshi Takano, model Miyu Kotani, and writers Yusuke Kadoma and ISO. The two musicians mentioned the use of sound, offering praise from their respective perspectives.
Comments on ‘The Breaking Ice’ (in no particular order)
“I really love this film. It beautifully depicts three young people who, feeling lost, gradually change through a chance encounter. Their transformation leaves a lasting impression.”
— Hirokazu Koreeda (Film Director)“Loneliness pulls people together. The cold draws them closer. The emptiness felt by modern Chinese youth is palpable, both desperate and deeply sweet.”
— Mariko Yamauchi (Novelist)“Recent dramas and films tend to clarify the meaning of scenes through dialogue, sound effects, and music. However, this film avoids excessive direction. The use of music and sound effects is minimal, allowing for individual interpretation, which I find very appealing. It reaffirmed the importance of ‘pause’ in the expression of music and visuals.”
— Yoshinori Sunahara (Musician)“The vivid neon lights and the sound of crunching ice. The mountain ranges resemble ink paintings, and white breath fills the air. The crystalline sound of synthesizers like ice cubes. Tears. Everything intertwines to portray the beautiful, fleeting changes of the heart.”
— Hiroshi Takano (Musician)“Underneath the feeling of indifference, like crunching ice, lies a genuine discomfort with being alone and a desire to move forward. Sometimes, even the most mundane moments can melt that frozen feeling.”
— Miyu Otani (Model)“Chow Dong-yu’s delicate expression eloquently conveys what smolders deep within the heart. It’s a fleeting youth drama about those who have lost their dreams and ideals, yet still have something left to ignite. It struck a deep chord with me.”
— Yusuke Monma (Writer, Editor)“Young people, weary from wandering through a maze, find warmth in a frozen world through gentle touch. Chance and momentary encounters can illuminate the path, making it impossible to easily give up on life.”
— ISO (Writer)
‘The Breaking Ice’

Director and Screenwriter: Anthony Chen
Cast: Chow Dong-yu (Better Days), Liu Haoran, Choo Chia-siao
Year: 2023 / Countries: China, Singapore / Languages: Chinese, some Korean / Duration: 100 minutes / Aspect Ratio: 1:2.00 / Audio: 5.1ch
Original Title: 燃冬 (Rán Dōng) / English Title: The Breaking Ice / Japanese Subtitles: Yurie Honda / Rating: PG12 / Provided by: New Select / Distribution: Albatross Film
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The film opens nationwide, including at Shinjuku Piccadilly, on October 18 (Friday).