Smilla's Sense of Snow (1997)

SMILLA'S SENSE OF SNOW is an international thriller with a sci-fi 
twist.  And, though that twist may be difficult for some folks to 
warm up to, all the other essential ingredients are here to make a 
mystery nifty:  a tough-as-nails heroine (Julia Ormond, who, even 
as an ice queen, is still the Most Beautiful Woman in the World), a 
shady supporting character-turned-love interest (Gabriel Byrne), a 
child in peril (albeit, with distress shown in flashback), and the 
ever-extending tentacles of a big, bad corporation.  Great location 
work, too, in both Denmark and Greenland.  SMILLA is a bit butt-
numbing toward the end, but who won't be taken back a double decade 
by the sight of Richard Harris out on an ice flow?   Anyone up for 
an ORCA revival?  Directed by Bille August (THE HOUSE OF THE SPIR-
ITS).  (Rated "R"/115 min.)

Grade: B

Copyright 1997 Michael J. Legeros
Movie Hell is a trademark of Michael J. Legeros

Originally posted to triangle.movies in MOVIE HELL: April 6, 1997