Ice Castles (1978)

44% of critics liked it
(9 reviews)
69% of users liked it
(6,683 ratings)

In this sports melodrama that boldly illustrates the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat, Lynn-Holly Johnson plays Iowa farm girl Alexis Winston, who has a God-given talent for ice skating. With the encouragement and training of the local ice-skating rink operator Beulah Smith (Colleen… More In this sports melodrama that boldly illustrates the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat, Lynn-Holly Johnson plays Iowa farm girl Alexis Winston, who has a God-given talent for ice skating. With the encouragement and training of the local ice-skating rink operator Beulah Smith (Colleen Dewhurst), she manages to win the first prize trophy at a regional ice-skating competition. At the competition, she is spotted by Olympic coach Deborah Machland (Jennifer Warren), who promotes her as an underdog competitor, and she skyrockets to fame. Her career is going like gangbusters, until she is blinded in a freak accident. But with the help of her caring boyfriend Nick (Robby Benson) and her encouraging father Marcus (Tom Skerritt), she overcomes her depression just in time to prove herself at a major competition. ~ Paul Brenner, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 50 min.
Directed By: Donald Wrye
Written By: Donald Wrye, Gary L. Baim
Genres: Drama, Romance

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1978 Wide
On DVD: May 1, 2001
Studio: SPE Acquisitions

Critic Reviews

Austin Kennedy, Sin Magazine
The film's highlights are the figure skating scenes, which are well choreographed and shot. But unfortunately, the film has to have a typical Hollywood story that is about as generic as Crispy Rice.
Heather Boerner, Common Sense Media
Schmaltzy classic skating movie for romantics.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
Ice Castles lifts our spirits by giving a glimpse into the human side of an exciting sport.

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Featured Audience Ratings

AJ V

Another teen movie which was a pre-cursor to the 80s teen craze, this one is a drama, and an overly dramatic one at that. First of all, I don't care much for sports related movies anyway, but this combines a sports movie and a melodrama. It could have been a great movie if it… More
Another teen movie which was a pre-cursor to the 80s teen craze, this one is a drama, and an overly dramatic one at that. First of all, I don't care much for sports related movies anyway, but this combines a sports movie and a melodrama. It could have been a great movie if it had toned down the melodrama a bit, and added a bit of comedy. The romance is good, though.
Cassie H

A story that will inspire anyone to stop at nothing to reach their dreams! :) I love this movie!!! :) I can watch it over and over again! :) Robby Benson is soooo cute and so is Lynn Holly Johnson!!! :) I love Robby Benson. :) Love this so much! :)
Leigh R

Because I always believe in the underdog overcoming any and all obstacles, I liked it. : )
Juli R

When I was 10 or 11 years old, I was obsessed with this movie. So much so that I had to have an ice skating birthday party. Which was when I found out I *don't* have a natural talent for ice skating.