Phil Ochs: There But for Fortune

  • 2011
  • Not Rated
  • 96m
movieMx RATING
★
6.6/107
VERDICT
HIT
Phil Ochs: There But for Fortune poster
Phil Ochs: There But for Fortune backdrop
🖼️PHOTOS2🎬VIDEOS0
Documentary Music

From civil rights to the anti-war movement to the struggles of workers, folksinger Phil Ochs wrote topical songs that engaged his audiences in the issues of the 1960s and 70s. In this biographical documentary, veteran director Kenneth Bowser shows how Phil's music and his fascinating life story and eventual decline into depression and suicide were intertwined with the history-making events that defined a generation. Even as his contemporaries moved into folk-rock and pop music, Phil followed his own vision, challenging himself and his listeners. Not one to pull punches, Ochs never achieved the commercial success he desperately desired. But his music remains relevant, reaching new audiences in a generation that finds his themes all too familiar.

DirectorKenneth Bowser
StarsPhil Ochs • Tom Paxton • Jello Biafra
🎯 Hit or Flop? 🤔 Worth Watching? 👨‍👩‍👧 Parents Guide 📺 Watch Online
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Performance & Direction: Phil Ochs: There But for Fortune Review

Last updated: January 30, 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: January 30, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is Phil Ochs: There But for Fortune (2011) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.6/10. 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 Phil Ochs: There But for Fortune features a noteworthy lineup led by Phil Ochs . Supported by the likes of Tom Paxton and Jello Biafra , 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 Phil Ochs: There But for Fortune (2011) is generally positive. With an audience rating of 6.6/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Result: HIT
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, Phil Ochs: There But for Fortune stands as a HIT.

Story & Plot Summary: Phil Ochs: There But for Fortune

Quick Plot Summary: Phil Ochs: There But for Fortune is a Documentary, Music 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.

Read Full Story Analysis & Plot Breakdown →

Ending Explained: Phil Ochs: There But for Fortune

Ending Breakdown: Phil Ochs: There But for Fortune 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 Phil Ochs: There But for Fortune reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Read Complete Ending & Twist Breakdown →

Who Should Watch Phil Ochs: There But for Fortune?

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
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Top Cast: Phil Ochs: There But for Fortune

All Cast & Crew →
Phil Ochs
Phil OchsSelf (archive footage)
Tom Paxton
Tom PaxtonSelf
Jello Biafra
Jello BiafraSelf
Christopher Hitchens
Christopher HitchensSelf
Billy Bragg
Billy BraggSelf
Joan Baez
Joan BaezSelf
Ed Sanders
Ed SandersSelf
Pete Seeger
Pete SeegerSelf
Sean Penn
Sean PennSelf
Abbie Hoffman
Abbie HoffmanSelf (archive footage)
Paul Krassner
Paul KrassnerSelf
Larry Sloman
Larry SlomanSelf
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Where to Watch Phil Ochs: There But for Fortune Online?

Streaming Hub

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Availability might vary by region. Check Phil Ochs: There But for Fortune on these digital platforms for the latest catalog status.

Full Streaming Guide & OTT Status →View on TMDB →

Phil Ochs: There But for Fortune Parents Guide & Age Rating

2011 Advisory
Not Rated

Official Age Rating

Wondering about Phil Ochs: There But for Fortune age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

Phil Ochs: There But for Fortune has not been officially rated yet.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Phil Ochs: There But for Fortune is 96 minutes (1h 36m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.6/10, and global performance metrics, Phil Ochs: There But for Fortune is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2011 cinematic calendar.

HIT
Official movieMx status for Phil Ochs: There But for Fortune. Rating: 6.6/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Phil Ochs: There But for Fortune worth watching?

Phil Ochs: There But for Fortune is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Documentary movies. It has a verified rating of 6.6/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.

Where can I find Phil Ochs: There But for Fortune parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for Phil Ochs: There But for Fortune identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of Phil Ochs: There But for Fortune?

The total duration of Phil Ochs: There But for Fortune is 96 minutes, which is approximately 1h 36m long.

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How Phil Ochs: There But for Fortune Compares & Where it Ranks

🎯 Phil Ochs: There But for Fortune Hit or Flop? ⭐ Is Phil Ochs: There But for Fortune Worth Watching? ⚖️ Phil Ochs: There But for Fortune vs Similar Movies 🎭 Best Documentary Movies 🎭 Best Music Movies

Critic Reviews for Phil Ochs: There But for Fortune

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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
★ 6.6
Phil Ochs: There But for Fortune
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