Performance & Direction: The First of May Review
Last updated: February 1, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The First of May (1999) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.1/10. 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 The First of May features a noteworthy lineup led by Dan Byrd . Supported by the likes of Julie Harris and Mickey Rooney , 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?
Story & Plot Summary: The First of May
Quick Plot Summary: The First of May is a Drama, Family 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: The First of May
Ending Breakdown: The First of May 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 The First of May reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The First of May?
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
Box Office Collection: The First of May
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $2.5M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
The First of May Budget
The estimated production budget for The First of May is $2.5M. 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 First of May
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch The First of May Online?
Streaming HubThe First of May Parents Guide & Age Rating
1999 AdvisoryWondering about The First of May age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The First of May is 111 minutes (1h 51m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.1/10, and global performance metrics, The First of May is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1999 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The First of May worth watching?
The First of May is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 7.1/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The First of May parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The First of May identifies it as G. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The First of May?
The total duration of The First of May is 111 minutes, which is approximately 1h 51m 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.
