Is Baal Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Baal is likely a skip if you enjoy Music movies.
It features a runtime of 64 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Baal Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1982, Baal emerges as a significant entry in the Music, Drama, TV Movie domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Baal is an amoral poetic genius who, after a life of debauchery, betrayal and violence, is about to cut his ties to the world and meet his doom. Unlike standard genre fare, Baal attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Music is often anchored by its ensemble, and Baal features a noteworthy lineup led by David Bowie . Supported by the likes of Jonathan Kent and Zoë Wanamaker , 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 Baal (1982) is negative. With an audience rating of 4.2/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Baal Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Baal is a Music, Drama, TV Movie film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Baal Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Baal attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to music 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 music themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Baal reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Baal?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Music films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of Baal
- David Bowie – Baal
- Jonathan Kent – Eckart
- Zoë Wanamaker – Sophie
- Juliet Hammond-Hill – Emilie
- Tracey Childs – Johanna
Top Highlights
David BowieBaal
Jonathan KentEckart
Zoë WanamakerSophie
Juliet Hammond-HillEmilie
Tracey ChildsJohanna
Julian WadhamJohannes
Robert AustinMech
Russell WoottonPillar
Polly JamesSoubrette
Hugh WaltersPianist
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Baal has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4.2/10, and global collection metrics, Baal stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1982 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baal movie hit or flop?
Baal is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4.2/10 and lower collections.
Is Baal worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 4.2/10, Baal may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Baal online?
Baal 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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How Baal Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Baal
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
Useful Links
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David Bowie - Sound and Vision