a film so unique, intoxicating and bizarre that it not only demands another viewing, but is also forgivable as a satirical comedy where the jokes eventually take the back seat.

The thing I enjoyed most about the film is the fact that it doesn't shy away from being a super-sized-cliche;

Close shines in drama with strong language, adult themes.

This is a gorgeous movie made by a gorgeous spirit.

During the height of the Cold War, the US nuclear submarine USS Tigerfish, captained by Commander James Farraday, is sent on a secret mission to a location near the North Pole. Their mission, ostensibly, is to rescue survivors from Ice Station Zebra, a British weather research station, but it is quite clear that it is more than that. The presence of the shadowy, enigmatic Mr. Jones, a British civilian who has control over the mission, makes it clear that something larger is afoot. Then the submarine is sabotaged - there is clearly a Russian spy on board.Enthralling, suspenseful Cold War thriller, directed by John Sturges and based on the Alistair MacLean novel. Sturges sets the scene and builds the tension well. Some great scenes involving the operation of the submarine, which will appeal to military buffs. Quite accurate in the military aspect - great detail from Sturges.Can be a bit clumsy at times though. Some plot developments aren't entirely watertight.Interesting ending, though maybe a touch predictable.Still, overall, a good action- and tension-filled ride.

Then this is your movie. The entire first half seems like nothing more than technical blabber about the workings of the sub. The real mystery is not to be revealed until after intermission. However by then the audience suffering in the dark will be totally indifferent. The final confrontation is confusing and absolutely anticlimactic. I like Patrick McGoohan, but even his presence cannot save this 150 minute clunker. To top things off, the Arctic scenes look more like the set for a high school play than the frigid outdoors. In summary, "Ice Station Zebra", despite a respectable cast, is a total waste of a considerable amount of time. - MERK

This a lovely and classic film that all family members will enjoy in spite of the film being made almost 50 years ago. It abounds with mystery in unfamiliar territory for multiple reasons. Not many of the viewing audience can say that they understand the life of living in tight quarters under the sea on a submarine. Making the film even more isolating is the fact that the crew is not sure what their mission is only that they are heading to the North Pole to pick up some scientists who appear to be stranded and communications have been lost.There are four main stars in the film who come from diverse and cultural backgrounds. First we have Commander James Ferraday played by then Hollywood idol Rock Hudson. On a side note, he was probably relieved to hear that there would be no heroine in this film just the guys living in cramped cold quarters. Next we have a British specialist named David Jones (played by Patrick McGoohan) who Commander Ferraday has received his written instructions to blindly follow David Jones directions. David Jones is happily and unexpectedly reunited with an old Russian friend Boris Vaslov, played by the venerable Oscar and Golden Globe winning actor Ernest Borgnine who apparently has deep knowledge of the North Pole and nuclear reactors. Lastly we have the all time NFL leading rusher (in 1968 and up to 1977) turned movie action hero Jim Brown who plays hard ass Captain Leslie Anders assigned to deal with whatever awaits them when they get to their destination, the North Pole.The cinematography, screen color, script and acting were all top notch. Well, maybe Mr. Borgnine was a bit less than impressive with his broken Russian accent but I will forgive him. There was continued suspense throughout the film, spy versus spy, and we really didn't know how the film would end once we are made aware of what is at stake. Rather than give away the story I suggest you get a copy of the Blu Ray version of this film for the high quality color and sound (you will feel like you are actually on the submarine) and enjoy one of directors John Sturges best films ever. I loved the film as it kept me captivated with both the crisp and colorful picture quality as well as for the remote film locations and storyline and I will be sure to watch it a few more times in my lifetime. It is a true classic film with bona fide stars.9/10 (I shaved off a point due to Ernest Bornine's sloppy Russian accent)

Not that drifting away from the book matters, but the second part goes too awry in its own conception.The first part also fails to attract due to the more attention into submarine details & and the crew driving it. The dialogs are pretty good and along the line of the book, which was a genius work of literature & espionage. Alistai MacLean will remain one of my favorite writers but his novel seems to be bludgeoned in cold-blood by bad CGI and irritating twists.For crying out loud, referencing the cold war era & Cuban Missile Crisis just does not do justice to the base (i.e. Part 1). Although, the characters were very fine and I loved them playing. With a brilliant cast, Ice Station Zebra is more like a fabricated American-Russian tiff. The music, the direction, the screenplay all are average.BOTTOM LINE: Having read the book, this was a bad experience and with 160-minute running time, how about a NO?Can be watched with a typical Indian family? YESViolence: Strong | Gore: No | Alcohol/Smoking: Mediocre