'Black Coal, Thin Ice' is a bit slow in many senses. A film that spans
a five year period, starting when a human arm is found among a coal delivery,
prompting a murder investigation that takes a long time to be solved. This is
all filmed at quite a slow pace as the story starts to develop over time.
Zhang is a detective, recently divorced, called to a factory when an
arm is found in some coal. The investigation identifies the victim as the
husband of a laundry worker, though the murder is left unsolved. Five years
down the road, Zhang is now a drunk working as a security guard at a factory;
his life and career now at a halt, he meets with his former partner, they
discuss the old case, as well as two subsequent murders of the widowed laundry
worker's lovers. Zhang pursues both the cases and the women that is connected
to them, gradually becoming involved with her as he works to solve the murders,
as well as his own life.
The film is quite understated, moving along at a slow pace, with some
interesting camerawork, steady throughout. Twists comes towards the film's
conclusion, though with a lack of tension or suspense really created, these are
met with a muted response, lacking real build. The film also doesn't seem to
know when exactly to end, continuing after the final revelations, ending with a
scene that is both comprehensible and unusual.
Unlike the title would suggest, 'Black Coal, Thin Ice' is solid: decent
performances, some interesting cinematography, with interesting enough a story.
But, it never really goes beyond this, feeling very much a film for a slow
Sunday afternoon, relaxing more than thrilling.
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