Performance & Direction: David Lean: A Life in Film Review
Last updated: February 4, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is David Lean: A Life in Film (1985) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.0/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Documentary.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Documentary is often anchored by its ensemble, and David Lean: A Life in Film features a noteworthy lineup led by David Lean . Supported by the likes of Ronald Neame and Omar Sharif , 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?
Story & Plot Summary: David Lean: A Life in Film
Quick Plot Summary: David Lean: A Life in Film is a Documentary 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.
Ending Explained: David Lean: A Life in Film
Ending Breakdown: David Lean: A Life in Film concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to documentary resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, 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 documentary themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of David Lean: A Life in Film reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch David Lean: A Life in Film?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Documentaries films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Top Cast: David Lean: A Life in Film
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David Lean: A Life in Film Parents Guide & Age Rating
1985 AdvisoryWondering about David Lean: A Life in Film age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of David Lean: A Life in Film is 140 minutes (2h 20m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.0/10, and global performance metrics, David Lean: A Life in Film is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1985 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is David Lean: A Life in Film worth watching?
David Lean: A Life in Film is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Documentary movies. It has a verified rating of 6/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find David Lean: A Life in Film parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for David Lean: A Life in Film identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of David Lean: A Life in Film?
The total duration of David Lean: A Life in Film is 140 minutes, which is approximately 2h 20m long.
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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.







