Sometimes a Great Notion
Performance & Direction: Sometimes a Great Notion Review
Last updated: January 24, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Sometimes a Great Notion (1971) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.0/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Action.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and Sometimes a Great Notion features a noteworthy lineup led by Paul Newman . Supported by the likes of Henry Fonda and Lee Remick , 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 Sometimes a Great Notion (1971) is generally positive. With an audience rating of 7.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: Sometimes a Great Notion
Quick Plot Summary: Sometimes a Great Notion is a Action, Adventure, Drama film that delivers highly intense sequences and pulse-pounding confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ending Explained: Sometimes a Great Notion
Ending Breakdown: Sometimes a Great Notion resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to action 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 action themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Sometimes a Great Notion reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Sometimes a Great Notion?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Action films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want an adrenaline rush without demanding perfection
Box Office Collection: Sometimes a Great Notion
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $3.7M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Sometimes a Great Notion Budget
The estimated production budget for Sometimes a Great Notion is $3.7M. 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: Sometimes a Great Notion
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Sometimes a Great Notion Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoSometimes a Great Notion Parents Guide & Age Rating
1971 AdvisoryWondering about Sometimes a Great Notion age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Sometimes a Great Notion is 114 minutes (1h 54m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.0/10, and global performance metrics, Sometimes a Great Notion is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1971 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sometimes a Great Notion worth watching?
Sometimes a Great Notion is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies. It has a verified rating of 7/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Sometimes a Great Notion parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Sometimes a Great Notion identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Sometimes a Great Notion?
The total duration of Sometimes a Great Notion is 114 minutes, which is approximately 1h 54m long.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked Sometimes a Great Notion
How Sometimes a Great Notion Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Sometimes a Great Notion
For the most part, this is just an excuse for Paul Newman and Henry Fonda to make a movie together. Much of it consists of extended shots of the logging industry at work, as he and his father work hard with their family business despite a strike that is affecting neighbouring outfits and causing local resentment. When younger son "Lee" (Michael Sarrazin) returns home after an indecent with an oven, some weed and the fire department the family, which also includes an underused Lee Remick, have to make some very tough decisions. Of course you just know that some form of sabotage will happen, and also that tragedy is going to follow - and that really robs this of any jeopardy as it floats along towards quite an entertaining conclusion (though that may have as much to do with Henry Mancini's toe-tapping score). As an observation of how grit and determination can sometimes win out, it has it's moments; but otherwise it is a colourful but rather disappointing story.
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.
