Lust for Life
Performance & Direction: Lust for Life Review
Last updated: January 27, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Lust for Life (1956) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.2/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Lust for Life features a noteworthy lineup led by Kirk Douglas . Supported by the likes of Anthony Quinn and James Donald , 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 Lust for Life (1956) is generally positive. With an audience rating of 7.2/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: Lust for Life
Quick Plot Summary: Lust for Life is a Drama, History film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ending Explained: Lust for Life
Ending Breakdown: Lust for Life resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, 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 drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Lust for Life reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Lust for Life Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Lust for Life draws heavily from documented historical records. As a drama, history 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: Lust for Life adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Lust for Life?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Top Cast: Lust for Life
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Where to Watch Lust for Life Online?
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Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeLust for Life Parents Guide & Age Rating
1956 AdvisoryWondering about Lust for Life age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Lust for Life is 122 minutes (2h 2m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.2/10, and global performance metrics, Lust for Life is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1956 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lust for Life worth watching?
Lust for Life is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 7.2/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Lust for Life parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Lust for Life identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Lust for Life?
The total duration of Lust for Life is 122 minutes, which is approximately 2h 2m long.
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Critic Reviews for Lust for Life
Violence makes me sick. I have too much inside me, I'm afraid of it. Lust for Life is a biography film of revered painter Vincent Van Gogh. It is adapted from Irving Stone's fictionalized biography by Norman Corwin and stars Kirk Douglas, Anthony Quinn and James Donald. It's directed by Vincente Minnelli, cinematography is by Freddie Young and Russel Harlan and music is scored by Miklos Roza. This shines bright as a beacon in how Hollywood used to make a biopic the right way. Not a big commercial success as such, it has however gained critical praise the older it gets. Technically it's hard to fault, the colour lenses in CinemaScope, Roza's beautiful mood accompaniment score, and the direction and acting - with Douglas inhabiting Van Gogh and likewise Quinn for Paul Gauguin (Oscar Winner Best Supporting Actor) - bring this tragic story vividly to life. It tugs the heart strings while it also inspires, while for art lovers the use of Van Gogh's real paintings (Minnelli was trusted to film with ultimate care) is an added joy. A super piece of film making. 9/10
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.
