American Pastoral

  • 2016
  • R
  • 108m
movieMx RATING
6.2/10730
VERDICT
ABOVE AVERAGE
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Performance & Direction: American Pastoral Review

Last updated: January 31, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: January 31, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is American Pastoral (2016) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.2/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Crime.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Crime is often anchored by its ensemble, and American Pastoral features a noteworthy lineup led by Ewan McGregor . Supported by the likes of Jennifer Connelly and Dakota Fanning , 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 American Pastoral (2016) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.2/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Result: ABOVE AVERAGE
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, American Pastoral stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE.

Story & Plot Summary: American Pastoral

Quick Plot Summary: American Pastoral is a Crime, Drama film that dives into the criminal underworld with a grounded sense of realism and complex morality. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.

Story Breakdown

The film presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. Set in postwar America, a man watches his seemingly perfect life fall apart as his daughter's new political affiliation threatens to destroy their family. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.

Narrative Structure

  • Opening Hook: The title establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
  • Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
  • Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.

Ending Explained: American Pastoral

Ending Breakdown: American Pastoral concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to crime 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 crime themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of American Pastoral reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

American Pastoral Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?

American Pastoral incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, drama film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.

Historical Context

The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.

Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.

Accuracy Assessment: American Pastoral adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.

Who Should Watch American Pastoral?

Worth Watching If You:

  • Enjoy Crime films and don't mind familiar tropes
  • Are a fan of the cast or director
  • Want solid genre entertainment

Box Office Collection: American Pastoral

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $10.0M
Worldwide Gross $1.7M
Trade Verdict FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT

American Pastoral Budget

The estimated production budget for American Pastoral is $10.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.

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Top Cast: American Pastoral

All Cast & Crew →
Ewan McGregor
Ewan McGregorSwede Levov
Dakota Fanning
Dakota FanningMerry Levov
David Strathairn
David StrathairnNathan Zuckerman
Peter Riegert
Peter RiegertLou Levov
Rupert Evans
Rupert EvansJerry Levov
Molly Parker
Molly ParkerSheila Smith
Valorie Curry
Valorie CurryRita Cohen
Hannah Nordberg
Hannah NordbergMerry (12 years old)
Julia Silverman
Julia SilvermanSylvia Levov
Mark Hildreth
Mark HildrethAgent Dolan
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Where to Watch American Pastoral Online?

Streaming Hub

📺 Stream on

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American Pastoral Parents Guide & Age Rating

2016 Advisory
R

Official Age Rating

Wondering about American Pastoral age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

American Pastoral is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence. It is intended for mature audiences only.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of American Pastoral is 108 minutes (1h 48m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.2/10, and global performance metrics, American Pastoral is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2016 cinematic calendar.

ABOVE AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for American Pastoral. Rating: 6.2/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is American Pastoral worth watching?

American Pastoral is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies. It has a verified rating of 6.2/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find American Pastoral parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for American Pastoral identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of American Pastoral?

The total duration of American Pastoral is 108 minutes, which is approximately 1h 48m long.

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How American Pastoral Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for American Pastoral

🛡️

movieMx Verified

This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 6.2
American Pastoral
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