Thin Ice (1981 TV Movie) User Reviews

Intriguing soap opera with another fine Kate Jackson performance

[moonspinner55 · 6/10 · 12 May 2005]

Nonexploitative TV-movie has Kate Jackson cast as an attractive widow and teacher in her mid-20s who has an affair with one of her students, a strapping, 18-year-old high school senior and sailing aficionado (they bond while at sea!). Once the scandal breaks (via some anonymous letters), she's ostracized in her small community and faces losing her job. Dramatic effort from writer David Epstein and director Paul Aaron is more substantial than it may first appear; Jackson is conflicted, hurt and confused--but also in love, which makes for some emotional moments. Playing Kate's love-interest, straw-haired Gerard Prendergast is a bit too dim, however, and too muscular when sized up opposite his leading lady (he doesn't seem like someone she'd have more than a passing interest in). There's one terrific moment wherein Jackson goes to the young man's house after the affair hits the fan to talk with his mother (Louise Latham) which is handled with great care and taste by both ladies and the director. Lillian Gish is also nice to have around as Kate's grandma. Not bad!

Personally meaningful

[mrretrobear · 8/10 · 24 October 2001]

In my younger years I was always in relationships with older women, so this film was very personally meaningful to me. The frustration and isolation that this couple felt in dealing with their community and the joy of their relationship really hit home. I was immensely pleased with the ending (such endings in real life are too rare). This may not be a great piece of drama, but I feel it was sincerely acted and realistic.

I liked the movie, it was very touching and true to life.

[picnic1111 · 10/10 · 21 November 2002]

This movie was true to life and very moving to me. I enjoyed it for the value of what the director and writer were trying to get across to the audience. I think they had lived it themselves. I like Kate Jackson as an actress...I think she is tops.

Thin Ice has solid ground.

[weetails · 10/10 · 4 February 2016]

This comment may contain spoilers. Thin Ice is a movie about a teacher/student love affair. The premise of this movie probably has most people,especially parents, on edge as we have all read or had experience with people who take advantage of their positions to secure what they want. The movie does not automatically vilify or commend the situation.Many points of view are presented for consideration: the parents, siblings,friends,the school,the town,the teacher and the student,and their relationship as a couple. The best thing about the movie for me was that it told a good story, one that makes you think about a situation on its merits and not just jump to conclusions. The teacher,age 26,(Kate Jackson)was a widow,the student,age 18,(Gerard Prendergast)a popular and outgoing senior. Their relationship developed from friendship to intimacy,bringing problems she vaguely considered and that hadn't even crossed his mind. The heart always hopes for the best even when you know how most people jump to conclusions without knowing all the particulars of a situation. I like the Thin Ice because it was entertaining,well acted,and had a creditable ending.

A tasteless and poorly directed and acted movie.

[ramsey1949 · 31 October 1998]

This movie is about a teacher who has an affair with one of her students. The story, screenplay, direction, acting are all below par. A very dull movie