The American
Performance & Direction: The American Review
Last updated: January 27, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The American (2010) 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 Crime.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Crime is often anchored by its ensemble, and The American features a noteworthy lineup led by George Clooney . Supported by the likes of Violante Placido and Thekla Reuten , 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 The American (2010) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: The American
Quick Plot Summary: The American is a Crime, Drama, Thriller film that dives into the criminal underworld with a grounded sense of realism and complex morality. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The film presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. Dispatched to a small Italian town to await further orders, assassin Jack embarks on a double life that may be more relaxing than is good for him. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The film establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Ending Explained: The American
Ending Breakdown: The American concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to crime resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, 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 The American reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
The American Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
The American incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, drama, thriller 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: The American adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch The American?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Crime films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: The American
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $20.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $67.9M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The American Budget
The estimated production budget for The American is $20.0M. 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: The American
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch The American Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
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Apple TV StoreThe American Parents Guide & Age Rating
2010 AdvisoryWondering about The American age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The American is 104 minutes (1h 44m). 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, The American is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2010 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The American worth watching?
The American is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies. It has a verified rating of 6/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The American parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The American identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The American?
The total duration of The American is 104 minutes, which is approximately 1h 44m long.
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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.
