Susan Sarandon was excellent casting in this role. She does a good job (although I understand the real life doctor Jerri Neilsen was not impressed with the portrayal of her.) It gets a little too folksy --- hey gang lets put on a biopsy --- and it ignores Dr. Neilsen's messy personal life. I also seem to recall --- I'm willing to stand corrected here --- that the rescue flight was undertaken by a highly specialized Canadian Forces crew, not the USAF as in the picture. If so, it is appalling that a Canadian production would cater to the US market in this way! Incidentally, Lake Simcoe, about 40 miles north of Toronto, a large lake which, unlike Lake Ontario, freezes over in the winter, stood in for the South pole.
13 Reviews
Nobody ever left this place the same person they were when they got here.
mark.waltz13 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
There's nothing cold about Susan Sarandon performance in this TV movie about the real-life doctor who Took an assignment in the coldest part of Antarctica only to discover that she has breast cancer. At first, she doesn't seem to sit in first, seemingly having wanted to take the assignment so she could have some peace and quiet. She wakes up to find men in her little room, staring at her in the shower as they prepare to urinate and one man playing a cruel practical joke on her in regards to a penguin round up when there aren't any penguins in the area.
As always happens in films like this, the rather cool heroin does eventually become closer to other crew members, especially when she must reveal the truth about her health. Sarandon is a great actress for showing her emotion, and when she says that if she is indeed infected with cancer, she could only have two months. The fact that there will not be a plane coming in for 4 months to this desolate era is another important factor, and everybody surrounds her with love and support.
Of course there are the standard misunderstandings between the male and female researchers and other members of the party, but all in all, they really get along, and Sarandon in particular makes a great friend with an older man hope it comes like a father figure to her. The man whom she initially has conflict with also becomes very close to her, and it's insinuated that romantic feelings are growing in spite of how they initially hit it off.
But this is not your sobby TV soap opera where the heroine dies out in the cold at the end. This is about one woman's determination to jail with a life-threatening situation and the support of the friends around her. You get to see real life Antarctic locations, particularly the dome in which they live. The ensemble, filled with actors I've never seen before, is very good, and overall, this is quite a dramatic and well done story of hope.
As always happens in films like this, the rather cool heroin does eventually become closer to other crew members, especially when she must reveal the truth about her health. Sarandon is a great actress for showing her emotion, and when she says that if she is indeed infected with cancer, she could only have two months. The fact that there will not be a plane coming in for 4 months to this desolate era is another important factor, and everybody surrounds her with love and support.
Of course there are the standard misunderstandings between the male and female researchers and other members of the party, but all in all, they really get along, and Sarandon in particular makes a great friend with an older man hope it comes like a father figure to her. The man whom she initially has conflict with also becomes very close to her, and it's insinuated that romantic feelings are growing in spite of how they initially hit it off.
But this is not your sobby TV soap opera where the heroine dies out in the cold at the end. This is about one woman's determination to jail with a life-threatening situation and the support of the friends around her. You get to see real life Antarctic locations, particularly the dome in which they live. The ensemble, filled with actors I've never seen before, is very good, and overall, this is quite a dramatic and well done story of hope.
misinformation in previous reviews
kalipuff13 January 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Many previous reviews lambaste this film for misrepresenting who and what flew in to rescue Dr. Nielsen. Having just completed the book that this movie was based on, written by Dr. Nielsen herself, I'm armed with the book, sitting right beside me. On page 350 of her book, she states that that two LC-130's (Hercules) were flown to Antarctica to perform the rescue mission. In any rescue mission there are always 2 planes used in case something happens to one. The LC-130 that made the actual rescue was piloted by Major McAllister of the New York Air National Guard. The planes were ski- equipped.
Two recent rescues were indeed performed with twin otters owned by Kenn Borek Air out of Calgary, AB, Canada, but they were NOT used in the evacuation of Dr. Nielsen in 1999.
Two recent rescues were indeed performed with twin otters owned by Kenn Borek Air out of Calgary, AB, Canada, but they were NOT used in the evacuation of Dr. Nielsen in 1999.
Critical Errors in an otherwise factual account
farrel-114 February 2005
Warning: Spoilers
I have always admired Susan Sarandon for her integrity and honesty in her private life as well as her talents as an actor. I therefor found it strange that she would appear in a film that so distorted that facts. Her character's rescue from the South Pole was done by a Canadian charter company from Edmonton, Alberta flying a Canadian designed and built Twin Otter aircraft. The trip had been turned down by the US Airforce, Navy and Coast Guard as beyond their capabilities. The same company staged a similar rescue a few years later to bring out a man from the South Pole base. I feel that the film fairly represented a very gripping subject and documented a very courageous woman facing a frightening task. I fail to see why the producers would find it necessary ignore the bravery of the rescue pilots and show the rescue plane as a USAF Hercules.
Inspirational fact-based story; good performance by Susan Sarandon
vchimpanzee21 April 2003
Warning: Spoilers
Dr. Jerri Nielsen arrived at the South Pole on one of the last planes before winter. She was told repeatedly that if she wasn't ready to spent the entire winter there with no way to leave, now was the time to find out. Although she did not seem prepared for what she had gotten into, she was determined to stay, despite the unusual ways things were done. Closing a cut with superglue, for example. Having to separate trash into various categories. And having to limit her showers. After a few months as the only doctor, Nielsen discovered a breast lump, but knowing there was little she could do, she kept it secret. It wasn't as if another doctor could come replace her, and she was needed by the crew that stayed the winter. Even though she had been running away when she came here, Nielsen learned it would take courage to make it, especially now. Eventually, Nielsen realized she would have to tell the others, but it turned out they were able to arrange for her to have a biopsy, and to have supplies flown in with parachutes.
The people at the South Pole were an amazing group, able to survive in brutal conditions and to make the best of what they had. Susan Sarandon gave a wonderful performance as Nielsen, but she wasn't the only one. The actor playing the doctor she replaced also delivered, as did the bearded man whose character gave her the most help and support when Nielsen needed it (potential romance?). Despite the serious nature of the situation, this movie had plenty of funny moments, including the prank on the newcomer, Nielsen's efforts to learn how to run the generators (everyone had to take turns), and even the announcement of her illness. And the time when the temperature reached -100 and most of the women (not Nielsen) went from a 200-degree sauna out into the cold wearing little more than smiles. The process of taking a tissue sample for the biopsy, with unskilled crew members Nielsen had trained and an Internet connection to a doctor, was an incredible thing to watch. The dropping in of supplies also was a highlight. Real videotape footage was apparently used in some situations; it was obvious from the changing video quality. This was somewhat distracting but effective. The movie was well done in many ways, and certainly not depressing. These people knew how to have a good time, and they knew how to keep each others' morale high in a dark and brutal place.
The people at the South Pole were an amazing group, able to survive in brutal conditions and to make the best of what they had. Susan Sarandon gave a wonderful performance as Nielsen, but she wasn't the only one. The actor playing the doctor she replaced also delivered, as did the bearded man whose character gave her the most help and support when Nielsen needed it (potential romance?). Despite the serious nature of the situation, this movie had plenty of funny moments, including the prank on the newcomer, Nielsen's efforts to learn how to run the generators (everyone had to take turns), and even the announcement of her illness. And the time when the temperature reached -100 and most of the women (not Nielsen) went from a 200-degree sauna out into the cold wearing little more than smiles. The process of taking a tissue sample for the biopsy, with unskilled crew members Nielsen had trained and an Internet connection to a doctor, was an incredible thing to watch. The dropping in of supplies also was a highlight. Real videotape footage was apparently used in some situations; it was obvious from the changing video quality. This was somewhat distracting but effective. The movie was well done in many ways, and certainly not depressing. These people knew how to have a good time, and they knew how to keep each others' morale high in a dark and brutal place.
Good and interesting for a TV movie.
jazznkc24 April 2003
I liked this movie because it told a very interesting story about living in a totally different world at the south pole. Susan Sarandon is such a good actor, that she made an interesting, strong character out of mediocre writing. The true story displays a devastating situation for her character to overcome.
revisionist propaganda
clconweb-123 December 2004
Warning: Spoilers
Warning Spoilers following. Superb recreation of the base in Antarctica where the real events of the film took place. Other than that, libelous!, scandalous! Filmed in Canada; presumably by a largely Canadian crew and cast. I caught the last half of this film recently on Global television here in Canada. Nothing much to say other than how thoroughly appalled I was at what a blatant piece of American historical revisionist propaganda it is; and starring Susan Sarandon of all people! I can only assume that Canadian born director Roger Spottiswoode was coerced to make the USAF the heroes of the film when in fact the real rescuers where a small private airline based in Calgary; Kenn Borek Air.
Correction on previous review.
farmville-439-27110229 December 2013
An amazing story that is told about Dr. Jerri Nielsen who was had everything going against her at the ends of the earth and her courage and strength that got her thru the ordeal, including the 109 Air Lift Wing out of New York, who someone incorrectly attributes to the Canadian air force.
While some of the parts seem campy, or silly or do not make any sense. It rings true to the hundreds of men and women who winter'd over on 'the ice' especially at the pole. The duress the body is put thru is amazing, both physically and psychologically. This story looks to me as true as you might be able to get away from the pole itself.
While some of the parts seem campy, or silly or do not make any sense. It rings true to the hundreds of men and women who winter'd over on 'the ice' especially at the pole. The duress the body is put thru is amazing, both physically and psychologically. This story looks to me as true as you might be able to get away from the pole itself.
More than I expected.
slarson245821 April 2003
Totally incredible work on the set to make it as accurate as possible! Truly impressive. I felt as if I were there. Question for the OAE's that wintered that year: Was the Doc REALLY as much of a whiney-butt as Susan Sarandon portrayed her...or was that just Sarandon's typical portrayal of any role she's done since Rocky Horror Picture Show. At any rate, had someone come to the Pole with that attitude, they would have been ostracized by the entire winterover crew. I wish they had spent more time exploring other members of the crew. That winter wasn't just about the Doc and her personal bout with cancer...it was about the crew pulling together and people back in the States overcoming immense odds to put the rescue together. Jeri was the VICTIM, the rest of the crew were the HEROES. My suggestion to the producers...save that incredible set you built, find yourselves some new writers, and put together a movie about what Pole is really like. Oh yeah, next time go with an "R" rating and show the 300 Club like it really is, lol.
Problem, with real life events
mmunier4 October 2009
I have been a Susan Sarandon fan for ever. and much appreciated her skill in this MOVIE. I watched it a the untimely moment when a friend of mine is also starting her battle with cancer, which add some depth in receiving this film. Here we have to accept that people do watch movies mostly for their entertaining benefit. On the other end, with today's awareness of of facts and knowledges'availability about almost everything. One has to ask serious questions as why the true facts of the event seems to have been distorted in favour of the wrong deserving people. Quite amazing that only 7 commentaries (8 if mine is accepted), are available here. I think if I was more involved with such a case I'd ask all my friends and acquaintances to have a look at the movie and the facts and put their comments on all available relevant fora.
Don't mix up two different events
hidone10 November 2009
The movie is about Jerri Nielsen who was lifted out of the Antarctic base in October 1999 by LC130 of the NY ANG which was done earlier than normal because of her condition. They couldn't attempt it any earlier because it was too cold.
The comments about Kenn Borek Air being the actual rescuers mistakes the pickup of Ron Shemenski in April 2001 from that same Antarctic base as Dr. Nielsen's pickup. NSF apparently decided that the Otters would probably have less trouble (they can land in somewhat lower temperatures than LC130s) and be easier to support for the mission and had the LC130s recalled.
The comments about Kenn Borek Air being the actual rescuers mistakes the pickup of Ron Shemenski in April 2001 from that same Antarctic base as Dr. Nielsen's pickup. NSF apparently decided that the Otters would probably have less trouble (they can land in somewhat lower temperatures than LC130s) and be easier to support for the mission and had the LC130s recalled.
A Woman's Survival At The South Pole
movieratings0313 June 2006
ICE BOUND (2003) ***1/2 Dr. Jerry Neilson is a physician who heads to the South Pole (Antarctica) to medicate any of the workers there who get injured. Upon arriving, she has to adjust to the interpersonal work setting before her and living in close proximity to the researchers (limiting personal time for herself). As she adjusts to the new surreal environment in which she has entered, she discovers and informs her fellow group that she has breast cancer, and that she may die if she doesn't get appropriate treatment from the United States. Another problem is, a plane only travels to Antarctica once every year to take people home. As she waits to depart, she finds comfort in her newfound friends, and hope through their willingness to help her.
A tale of survival
Gordon-114 September 2011
This film is about how a doctor working in a research station in the South Pole survive her health problems.
"Ice Bound" tells a fascinating life in the South Pole that little people know about. In such extreme conditions, solidarity and harmony are very important in the group for survival. "Ice Bound" portrays this life in much detail. It also shows how Dr Nielsen is transformed by such atmosphere, and how her health problems affect others to push their boundaries too.
"Ice Bound" is a tale of survival, both against external environment and internal (health) conditions. If there was a little more drama, or the pace made faster, "Ice Bound" would have been an even better drama.
"Ice Bound" tells a fascinating life in the South Pole that little people know about. In such extreme conditions, solidarity and harmony are very important in the group for survival. "Ice Bound" portrays this life in much detail. It also shows how Dr Nielsen is transformed by such atmosphere, and how her health problems affect others to push their boundaries too.
"Ice Bound" is a tale of survival, both against external environment and internal (health) conditions. If there was a little more drama, or the pace made faster, "Ice Bound" would have been an even better drama.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
