Performance & Direction: Contraband Review
Last updated: January 22, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Contraband (1940) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.1/10. 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 Contraband features a noteworthy lineup led by Conrad Veidt . Supported by the likes of Valerie Hobson and Hay Petrie , 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 Contraband (1940) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.1/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
Story & Plot Summary: Contraband
Quick Plot Summary: Contraband is a Thriller, War 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: Contraband
Ending Breakdown: Contraband resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for 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 with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the thriller themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Contraband reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Contraband Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Contraband uses real-world events as narrative inspiration. As a thriller, war film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film balances historical fidelity with cinematic storytelling. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
The production demonstrates respect for its source material, with attention to period detail and historical context.
Accuracy Assessment: Contraband adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Contraband?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Thriller films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want suspenseful moments and mystery
Box Office Collection: Contraband
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $40.0K |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Contraband Budget
The estimated production budget for Contraband is $40.0K. 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.
Top Cast: Contraband
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Contraband Parents Guide & Age Rating
1940 AdvisoryWondering about Contraband age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Contraband is 91 minutes (1h 31m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.1/10, and global collection metrics, Contraband stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1940 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Contraband worth watching?
Contraband is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Thriller movies. It has a verified rating of 7.1/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Contraband parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Contraband identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Contraband?
The total duration of Contraband is 91 minutes, which is approximately 1h 31m long.
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Critic Reviews for Contraband
When Conrad Veidt's Danish freighter is routinely stopped by the Royal Navy in search of contraband; he is held over for 24 hours. He manages to get hold of two shore passes for himself and his first mate, but they are stolen and as he investigates, he encounters Valerie Hobson, the mysterious "Mrs. Sorensen" and soon is embroiled in a top secret Nazi espionage conspiracy. Just as with "the Spy in Black" (1939) the two stars gel well, Weidt has a sort of suave, debonair style about him that complements his stylish co-star well and the writing gives ample opportunity for some humour as the gently suspenseful, if maybe just a tad too contrived, mystery moves along. Set at the start of WWII, the storyline lacks some of the more sinister aspects of later British-made war films, and much of the style and pace of the story still depicts an optimism that the conflict would be short-lived.
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.
