Is A Certain Smile Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, A Certain Smile is likely a skip if you enjoy Romance movies.
It features a runtime of 104 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
A Certain Smile Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1958, A Certain Smile emerges as a significant entry in the Romance, Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A pretty Parisian law student falls in love with her boyfriend's uncle. Unlike standard genre fare, A Certain Smile attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Romance is often anchored by its ensemble, and A Certain Smile features a noteworthy lineup led by Rossano Brazzi . Supported by the likes of Joan Fontaine and Bradford Dillman , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of A Certain Smile (1958) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.8/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
A Certain Smile Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: A Certain Smile is a Romance, Drama film that explores the complexities of love and relationships with emotional depth and authenticity. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
A Certain Smile Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: A Certain Smile attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to romance resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the romance themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of A Certain Smile reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch A Certain Smile?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Romance films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of A Certain Smile
- Rossano Brazzi – Luc Ferrand
- Joan Fontaine – Françoise Ferrand
- Bradford Dillman – Bertrand Griot
- Christine Carère – Dominique Vallon
- Eduard Franz – Monsieur Vallon
Top Highlights
Rossano BrazziLuc Ferrand
Joan FontaineFrançoise Ferrand
Bradford DillmanBertrand Griot
Christine CarèreDominique Vallon
Eduard FranzMonsieur Vallon
Katherine LockeMadame Vallon
Kathryn GivneyMadame Griot
Steven GerayDenis
Johnny MathisJohnny Mathis
Trude WylerMme. Denis
Parents Guide & Age Rating
A Certain Smile has not been officially rated yet. Based on its genres (Romance, Drama), it contains romantic content.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.8/10, and global collection metrics, A Certain Smile stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1958 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Certain Smile movie hit or flop?
A Certain Smile has received mixed reviews with a 5.8/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is A Certain Smile worth watching?
A Certain Smile is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Romance, Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch A Certain Smile online?
A Certain Smile may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
