Is Murder Ordained Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Murder Ordained is likely a skip if you enjoy Crime movies.
It features a runtime of 185 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Murder Ordained Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1987, Murder Ordained emerges as a significant entry in the Crime, Drama, TV Movie domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of This is the story of a minister who's feeling unhappy in his marriage who then has an affair with a church employee, who is also married, and who also has affairs, and whose husband is unwilling to divorce her. Unlike standard genre fare, Murder Ordained attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Crime is often anchored by its ensemble, and Murder Ordained features a noteworthy lineup led by Keith Carradine . Supported by the likes of JoBeth Williams and Kathy Bates , 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 Murder Ordained (1987) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Murder Ordained Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Murder Ordained is a Crime, Drama, TV Movie film that delves into the criminal underworld with gritty realism and moral complexity. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Murder Ordained Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Murder Ordained attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to crime resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, 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 crime themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Murder Ordained reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Murder Ordained Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Murder Ordained incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, drama, tv movie 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: Murder Ordained adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Murder Ordained?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Crime films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of Murder Ordained
- Keith Carradine – Trooper John Rule
- JoBeth Williams – Lorna Anderson
- Kathy Bates – Bobbi Birk
- Guy Boyd – Mike Buckley
- Terence Knox – Martin Anderson
Top Highlights
Keith CarradineTrooper John Rule
JoBeth WilliamsLorna Anderson
Kathy BatesBobbi Birk
Guy BoydMike Buckley
Terence KnoxMartin Anderson
Darrell LarsonRonald Stark
John GoodmanHugh Rayburn
Annabella PriceSandy Bird
Robert HarperWarren
Margot RoseNancy Horst
Where to Watch Murder Ordained Online?
Streaming HubParents Guide & Age Rating
Murder Ordained has not been officially rated yet. Based on its genres (Crime, Drama, TV Movie), it contains mature themes, violence.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5/10, and global collection metrics, Murder Ordained stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1987 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Murder Ordained movie hit or flop?
Murder Ordained has received mixed reviews with a 5/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Murder Ordained worth watching?
Murder Ordained is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Crime, Drama, TV Movie movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Murder Ordained online?
Murder Ordained may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
