Alaska Trooper Jack Holcombe believes Robert Hansen is a serial killer who abducts young girls, tortures and sexually assaults them, then kills them. But Holcombe doesn't have enough evidence to get a search warrant for Hansen's premises. Holcombe knows that one victim, Cyndy Paulsen, somehow survived, so he decides to seek her help, but he finds that she's now a junkie with trust issues. Holcombe has to earn her trust; meanwhile, Hansen is still hunting and killing girls. Written by

Plot Synopsis:
-------------------

DUHDHDHDH

----------------------------------------
denis888 from Russian Federation
----------------------------------------

Not an easy movie to watch. Scott Walker has made a very gruesome, realistic, deeply disturbing (at times) work that shows the rotten depths of a psychopath's mind (John Cusack, a real gem of the film), and his main antagonist, a National Guard officer (Nicolas Cage, by the way, a very decent play here). Then, there is a young lady involved in wild world of pimps, drugs and alcohol, and she plays a key role here, too. The plot is very straight and often blood-chilling, and the twists of plot can really mesmerize. In fact, the movie was a bit slow sometimes, but nobody in the audience left the theater, 'cause it was real thrilling. The spellbinding Alaskan nature is a real must see here, it simply leaves speechless with its sheer vastness and beauty. Great job of cameramen, though. The story is clear from the trailers and here the whole plot untwists slowly for almost 2 hours, but this is quite good, as the movie never drags. Constant Alaskan snow adds up to the growing suspense. The film is not the masterpiece but worth watching and very strong as a message. Great ending, by all means

----------------------------------------
LordJiggy (thegriffstr@gmail.com) from California
----------------------------------------

This film hasn't received a lot of press or a wide distribution. Sadly, that's probably due to Nic Cage, which is a shame. First, he's very subdued and focused (there's no wild-man Nicholas Cage in this movie). In fact, he plays a deeply decent, dedicated Alaska State Trooper who becomes convinced that a serial killer (also very well played by a creepy John Cusack) is stalking women in Anchorage. The film downplays the gore, while showing the seedy and soul-crushing underworld where Cusack finds his victims. A very nice bonus is that almost all of the police officers shown in the film are hard-working people who want to catch this killer, but know they have to work within the law to ensure he doesn't escape them in the courts. Vanessa Hudgins turns in a very nice performance as one victim who escaped and was instrumental in identifying the killer. The director does a fine job of capturing the ghostly silences of the frozen north, where so many of the man's victims were buried. All in all, a fine, atmospheric film that is both thrilling and sad. Well worth your time.

----------------------------------------
peter macneil from Toronto, Canada
----------------------------------------

Was concerned Nick Cage would be the Nick Cage of late, but it was a nice surprise as he was absolutely fantastic. He really carried this movie and should be given the credit he deserves.

Vanessa Hudgens portrayal was very good knowing her previous films were mostly comedic. She made me believe she was her character.

Was hoping not to find out who the killer was until later, but as the movie played out, it suited the arrogance of Hansen. Thought Cusack did an adequate job with the material presented.

The score was very dramatic and added to the feeling of the moment. Loved the outdoor wilderness scenes as they were mostly well shot, but the inside shots were framed too tight, but that was the style the cinematographer decided on , so it's a matter of opinion or budget.

Overall I liked the movie and would rate this as above average. Well done Nick.

----------------------------------------
Malamut from Bulgaria
----------------------------------------

I have been interested in serial killers for some time now and I am familiar with the real story upon which the movie is based.

Although Cage and Cusack have starred in some sub par movies over the last few years, they are both quite talented and give excellent performances in this effort. However, the real star of the film, perhaps somewhat surprisingly, is Hudgens, who makes her character look very real and believable.

Although the plot has been heavily misused in other films in the past and is not in itself very original, this is not your typical serial- killer movie. The movie manages to be compelling without going over the top with too much gory details. The atmosphere it creates is very authentic - it really takes you back 30 years ago in Alaska, when these gruesome events unfolded.

----------------------------------------
fredngraham from United States
----------------------------------------

This is a decent movie, which ironically would best be viewed on the big screen given the visually arresting shots of the Alaskan landscape except that it had a very tiny release on the big screen, and has most certainly been seen more on-demand and now through the DVD format. In case a viewer of "The Frozen Ground" is left unsatisfied with the necessary compression of events, composite characters, etc. that are necessary to produce a movie of less than two hours in length, and want to learn more about the Hansen case that inspired the movie one could do worse then read "Fair Game" (http://tinyurl.com/mqssp5z) by Bernard DuClos that was recently republished. Reading it as a companion to the

movie will help the viewer of "The Frozen Ground" realize the liberties that were inevitably taken to make it suitable for the silver screen as well as understand elements of Hansen's life and killing spree that the picture did not have time to delve into such as more of Hansen's background (which early on indicated a propensity toward crime) and the back story of the whole oil pipeline boom that produced the mafia controlled prostitution/strip bar scene that Hudgen's character is entangled in.

----------------------------------------
Slasher_Lover23 from United States
----------------------------------------

Based on actual events, The Frozen Ground follows an Alaska State Trooper Jack Halcombe (Nicolas Cage), who is on the trail of trying to catch Robert Hansen (John Cusack), a serial killer known for murdering young women. When Cindy Paulson (Vanessa Hudgens), one of Hansen's captures, escapes Halcombe enlists her to try and help him convict Hansen. Together, the two must help bring down Hansen before more victims are claimed and before tries to come back after Cindy.

After having quite a few bombs in the past couple of years, Nicolas Cage finally manages deliver. Cage does an excellent job in the role of Jack Halcombe. As the case progresses, you can sense the determination to catch the killer, as well as his need to protect Cindy, through his performance. John Cusack also delivers in a role that's very different for him as the serial killer Robert Hansen. Every time Cusack is on screen, you can hardly believe this is him. He plays the role with a high amount of creepiness that's impressive considering it's such a different role for him. But most impressive is Vanessa Hudgens as Cindy. In the past, Hudgens has delivered performances ranging from weak to mediocre. In The Frozen Ground, she nails the role of the young girl trying to be strong, but is so terrified that this mad man will come after her again. By doing this, you really feel for her character. Fun Fact: The real Cindy Paulson actually contributed to the film by telling the events of the story. As far as the film goes, it's a very intense crime thriller that hooks you all the way through. While some parts of the film play off as if it was a Law & Order episode, it still keeps the viewer drawn in as the tension builds. The gloomy setting of the film also contributes to it. The Frozen Ground is the comeback that Nicolas Cage very much needed, and the opportunity for Hudgens to show what she really has to offer.

My rating: 8/10

----------------------------------------
Claudio Carvalho from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
----------------------------------------

In 1993, in Anchorage, Alaska, the young prostitute Cindy Paulson (Vanessa Hudgens) is found cuffed in her apartment and she claims that she has been rapped and threatened by Robert "Bob" Hansen (John Cusack), a citizen married with children. The police officers do not believe on her words and Cindy returns to the streets and Bob is not accused.

Meanwhile Sergeant Jack Halcombe (Nicolas Cage) is assigned to investigate the murder of seven young women and the detective that found Cindy secretly sends her case to him. Jack believes that Bob is the serial-killer but he has no evidences to arrest him. Jack tries to earn Cindy's trust to send Bob to the court but she is afraid and tries to leave Alaska.

"The Frozen Ground' is a great and effective old-fashioned thriller that is supported in performances and not in explosions, car chases or special effects. Based on true events, the plot succeeds in keeping the attention of the viewer, despite the killer's identity be disclosed in the beginning. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "Sangue no Gelo" ("Blood on the Ice")

----------------------------------------
MrAlfa from Italy
----------------------------------------

An authentic thrilling atmosphere, a solid cast and script, a true story based movie. I need no more for entertainment. This is not a documentary and is not intended to be. The movie doesn't investigate the serial killer relationships, the background, nor try to explain the exceptional investigating work of the police. Most of the negative reviews I have read point on these shortcomings, but this is simply a thriller and it does what it has to do: it thrills you, from the beginning to the end. Considering what is being proposed usually as thriller, this is worth to be watched and it is entertaining. Is it a masterpiece? No. Is it a good movie? Yes.

----------------------------------------
Chandru Bhojwani (cultjones@yahoo.com) from United Kingdom
----------------------------------------

Based on actual events, an Alaskan State Trooper tracks down a serial rapist and murder, Robert Hansen who manages to avoid justice for over a decade.

With Nicholas Cage, John Cusack and Vanessa Hudgens, Director Scott Walker has a heavy weight line up to help bring the events to life. While the wintry backdrop and cinematography illustrate a chilling environment, the story somewhat lacks bite. Oscar winner, Cage delivers an acceptable performance while Cusack, who dons the more challenging serial killer hat, makes an admirable effort. The standout performance is of Vanessa Hudgens who portrays a teenage prostitute that managed to escape Hansen's clutches.

The Frozen Ground is an interesting film and worth watching if you're in the mood for a thrilling bio-drama however it won't win any awards and certainly won't be a part of your 'must see' collection.

----------------------------------------
david hunt from Brisbane, Australia
----------------------------------------

Let me start by saying I'm am a huge nic cage fan,always have been.Ill be the first to say hes made some bad movies that would have been unwatchable if he wasn't in them. Now this movie is not exceptional and is nowhere near cages best role,but it is his moss subtle.He plays his character well and so does Cusack.Hudgens who I've never really seen much off plays her part in this movie quite well. Nothing new here just a good old fashion good guy bad guy collect evidence movie. I recommend this movie to fans of cage and especially to fans of Cusack who plays a great villain.

7 outta you know what.Give it ago has a great ending imho.

serial killer|trooper|anchorage alaska|prostitute|hunting|young woman|murder|man with glasses|witness|drug overdose|troubled teen|runaway|what happened to epilogue|disbelieving authority|confession|playing dumb|held at gunpoint|car chase|murder of model|contract killer|sole black character dies cliche|stolen jewelry|pimp|speech impediment|bakery|ends with portraits of victims|ends with dedication|ends with biographical notes|carbine|trap door|woman wearing black lingerie|bush plane|pole dancer|zippo lighter|bare breasts|woman wearing a thong|strip club|mobile home|bell 206 jet ranger helicopter|handcuffed|year 1983|homicide detective|black bra and panties|crotch shot|spreadeagle|panties slip|stripper|escape|gun|kidnapping|manhunt|based on true story|elk|mounted animal head|dough|

AKAs Titles:


Certifications:
Australia:MA15+ (2013) / Brazil:16 / Canada:18A (Manitoba) / Canada:14A (Ontario) / Canada:13+ (Quebec) / Germany:16 / India:U/A / Ireland:16 / Japan:PG12 / Mexico:B15 / Netherlands:12 / Philippines:R-16 / Portugal:M/16 / Singapore:NC-16 / South Korea:18 / UK:15 / USA:R