City of Ghosts

  • 2002
  • R
  • 116m
movieMx RATING
5.8/1091
VERDICT
ABOVE AVERAGE
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Performance & Direction: City of Ghosts Review

Last updated: February 3, 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: February 3, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is City of Ghosts (2002) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.8/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Thriller.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Thriller is often anchored by its ensemble, and City of Ghosts features a noteworthy lineup led by Matt Dillon . Supported by the likes of James Caan and Natascha McElhone , 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 City of Ghosts (2002) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.8/10, it stands as a decent one-time watch.
Result: ABOVE AVERAGE
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, City of Ghosts stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE.

Story & Plot Summary: City of Ghosts

Quick Plot Summary: City of Ghosts is a Thriller, Crime film that builds tension through unpredictable twists and keeps audiences guessing until the final reveal. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.

Ending Explained: City of Ghosts

Ending Breakdown: City of Ghosts attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to thriller resolution.

The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, 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 thriller themes established throughout the runtime.

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

City of Ghosts Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?

City of Ghosts incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a thriller, 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: City of Ghosts adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.

Who Should Watch City of Ghosts?

Consider Watching If:

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

Box Office Collection: City of Ghosts

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $17.5M
Worldwide Gross $1.3M
Trade Verdict FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT

City of Ghosts Budget

The estimated production budget for City of Ghosts is $17.5M. 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: City of Ghosts

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Where to Watch City of Ghosts Online?

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City of Ghosts Parents Guide & Age Rating

2002 Advisory
R

Official Age Rating

Wondering about City of Ghosts age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

City of Ghosts 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 City of Ghosts is 116 minutes (1h 56m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.8/10, and global performance metrics, City of Ghosts is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2002 cinematic calendar.

ABOVE AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for City of Ghosts. Rating: 5.8/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is City of Ghosts worth watching?

City of Ghosts is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Thriller movies. It has a verified rating of 5.8/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find City of Ghosts parents guide and age rating?

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

What is the total runtime of City of Ghosts?

The total duration of City of Ghosts is 116 minutes, which is approximately 1h 56m long.

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How City of Ghosts Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for City of Ghosts

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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
★ 5.8
City of Ghosts
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/city-of-ghosts-31932" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 5.8</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">City of Ghosts</div></div></a>

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