Back Roads

  • 1981
  • R
  • 94m
movieMx RATING
5.4
27
VERDICT
AVERAGE
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Back Roads Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict

Last updated: April 12, 2026

movieMx Editorial
📅 Updated: April 12, 2026 🎟️ Verified Screening

Movie Overview: Back Roads

MovieBack Roads
Release Year1981
DirectorMartin Ritt
GenreComedy / Romance
Runtime94 minutes
LanguageEN

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is Back Roads (1981) 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 Comedy.

🎭 Cast & Character Study

The performances in Back Roads are led by Sally Field . The supporting cast, including Tommy Lee Jones and David Keith , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.

💡 movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?

After analyzing the verified data, our assessment of Back Roads (1981) is mixed. It has its moments but fails to leave a lasting impression. With a platform rating of 5.4/10, it currently stands as a AVERAGE in our database.

What Works in the Movie

While Back Roads does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Comedy films.

  • Interesting concept or premise
  • Some entertaining scenes
  • Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights

What Doesn't Work

Despite its strengths, Back Roads has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.

  • Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
  • Some predictable plot developments
  • May not appeal to audiences outside the Comedy fanbase

Story & Plot Summary: Back Roads

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1981, Back Roads is a Comedy, Romance film directed by Martin Ritt. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Sally Field.

Ending Explained: Back Roads

Back Roads Ending Explained: Directed by Martin Ritt, Back Roads attempts to bring together the film’s narrative threads. The ending highlights the core comedy themes developed throughout the film.

The conclusion reflects the central themes explored throughout the narrative, particularly in scenes involving Sally Field. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.

Key Elements of the Ending

  • Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
  • Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
  • Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the comedy themes introduced earlier in the film.

The final moments of Back Roads reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.

Who Should Watch Back Roads?

Consider Watching If:

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

Box Office Collection: Back Roads

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Worldwide Gross $11.8M
Trade Verdict FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT
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Top Cast: Back Roads

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Where to Watch Back Roads Online?

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Back Roads Parents Guide & Age Rating

1981 Advisory
R

Official Age Rating

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

Back Roads is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains romantic content. It is intended for mature audiences only.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Back Roads is 94 minutes (1h 34m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.4/10, and global performance metrics, Back Roads is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1981 cinematic calendar.

AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for Back Roads. Rating: 5.4/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Back Roads worth watching?

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

Where can I find Back Roads parents guide and age rating?

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

What is the total runtime of Back Roads?

The total duration of Back Roads is 94 minutes, which is approximately 1h 34m long.

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How Back Roads Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for Back Roads

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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
Back Roads
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