Is The Forgotten Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Forgotten is likely a skip if you enjoy Action movies.
It features a runtime of 91 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Forgotten Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1989, The Forgotten emerges as a significant entry in the Action, Thriller, TV Movie domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Based on a story by Vietnam veteran Paul Staples, the film concerns six American Green Berets, held for 17 years in a Vietnamese POW camp. Unlike standard genre fare, The Forgotten attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Forgotten features a noteworthy lineup led by Keith Carradine . Supported by the likes of Steve Railsback and Pepe Serna , 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 Forgotten (1989) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.4/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Forgotten Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Forgotten is a Action, Thriller, TV Movie film that delivers high-octane sequences and adrenaline-pumping 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.
The Forgotten Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Forgotten attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to action 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 action themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Forgotten reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
The Forgotten Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
The Forgotten uses real-world events as narrative inspiration. As a action, thriller, 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: The Forgotten adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch The Forgotten?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Action films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of The Forgotten
- Keith Carradine – Cap. Tom Watkins
- Steve Railsback – Lt. Jesse Brady
- Pepe Serna – Sgt. Pepe Gutierrez
- Richard Lawson – Sgt. Frank " Doc " McDermott
- Don Keith Opper – Sgt. Peter Lowell
Top Highlights
Keith CarradineCap. Tom Watkins
Steve RailsbackLt. Jesse Brady
Pepe SernaSgt. Pepe Gutierrez
Richard LawsonSgt. Frank " Doc " McDermott
Don Keith OpperSgt. Peter Lowell
Michael ChampionSgt. Elmer J. Miller
Tzi MaPremier
Bruce BoaPearse
Stacy KeachAdam Roth
Mimi MaynardClaudia Feldhaus
Parents Guide & Age Rating
The Forgotten has not been officially rated yet. Based on its genres (Action, Thriller, TV Movie), it contains violence, action sequences, mature themes.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.4/10, and global collection metrics, The Forgotten stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1989 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Forgotten movie hit or flop?
The Forgotten has received mixed reviews with a 5.4/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Forgotten worth watching?
The Forgotten is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Action, Thriller, TV Movie movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Forgotten online?
The Forgotten 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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How The Forgotten Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Forgotten
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
