Ash Wednesday

  • 2002
  • R
  • 99m
movieMx RATING
5.4/10$43.0
VERDICT
AVERAGE
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Performance & Direction: Ash Wednesday Review

Last updated: January 21, 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 21, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is Ash Wednesday (2002) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.4/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Ash Wednesday features a noteworthy lineup led by Edward Burns . Supported by the likes of Brian Burns and Vincent Rubino , 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 Ash Wednesday (2002) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.4/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.

Story & Plot Summary: Ash Wednesday

Quick Plot Summary: Ash Wednesday is a Drama, Action, Crime film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.

Ending Explained: Ash Wednesday

Ending Breakdown: Ash Wednesday attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to drama 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 drama themes established throughout the runtime.

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

Ash Wednesday Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?

Ash Wednesday incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a drama, action, crime 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: Ash Wednesday adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.

Who Should Watch Ash Wednesday?

Consider Watching If:

  • You're a completist for Drama films
  • You're curious despite mixed reviews
  • You have low expectations and want casual entertainment

Box Office Collection: Ash Wednesday

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Worldwide Gross $2.9K
Trade Verdict FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT
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Top Cast: Ash Wednesday

All Cast & Crew →
Edward Burns
Edward BurnsFrancis Sullivan
Brian Burns
Brian BurnsCousin Mike Moran
Vincent Rubino
Vincent RubinoVinny Boombata
Elijah Wood
Elijah WoodSean Sullivan
Rosario Dawson
Rosario DawsonGrace Quinonez
Dara Coleman
Dara ColemanJohn Coleman
John DiResta
John DiRestaPete at the Bar
Peter Gerety
Peter GeretyUncle Handy
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Where to Watch Ash Wednesday Online?

Streaming Hub

Ash Wednesday Parents Guide & Age Rating

2002 Advisory
R

Official Age Rating

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

Ash Wednesday is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences, mature themes. It is intended for mature audiences only.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Ash Wednesday is 99 minutes (1h 39m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Final Verdict

Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.4/10, and global collection metrics, Ash Wednesday stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2002 cinematic year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ash Wednesday worth watching?

Ash Wednesday is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 5.4/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find Ash Wednesday parents guide and age rating?

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

What is the total runtime of Ash Wednesday?

The total duration of Ash Wednesday is 99 minutes, which is approximately 1h 39m long.

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Critic Reviews for Ash Wednesday

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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
★ 5.4
Ash Wednesday
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