Ice Mother

Czech Republic filmmaker Bohdan Sláma's Ice Mother tells the story of an underappreciated widow and mother who finds late-life love. Zuzana Kronerová stars as Hana, a 67-year-old woman who is emotionally and financially exploited by her selfish adult sons. Each Sunday, Hana prepares a sumptuous dinner for her offspring and their families, but the meal is inevitably ruined by rudeness and petty attitudes. Hana is also tasked with looking after her troubled grandson Ivanek (Daniel Vízek), and during this duty she comes across a swimmers' club—and becomes an unexpected hero in rescuing a flailing man from a river. After joining, Hana is delighted that the members are able to work patiently with Ivanek to encourage his social development skills. And the rescued man Broňa's (Pavel Nový) attentions toward Hana begin to develop beyond aquatic athletics, although other issues threaten their blossoming romance. The drama that unfolds is sincere without being sentimental, and Sláma is often brutally frank in depicting the casual venality that ruins family relationships. Quite different from cutesy Hollywood films about seniors in love, this mature and intelligent movie is highly recommended. (P. Hall)