Is The Song of Roland Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Song of Roland is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 110 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Song of Roland Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1978, The Song of Roland emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, Adventure, History domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Roland des Roncesvalles is a legendary knight from the age of chivalry in France. Unlike standard genre fare, The Song of Roland attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Song of Roland features a noteworthy lineup led by Klaus Kinski . Supported by the likes of Alain Cuny and Dominique Sanda , 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 Song of Roland (1978) is negative. With an audience rating of 4.9/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Song of Roland Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Song of Roland is a Drama, Adventure, History film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
The Song of Roland Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Song of Roland attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents 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 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 drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Song of Roland reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
The Song of Roland Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
The Song of Roland draws heavily from documented historical records. As a drama, adventure, history 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, with attention to period detail and historical context.
Accuracy Assessment: The Song of Roland adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch The Song of Roland?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of The Song of Roland
- Klaus Kinski – Roland / Klaus
- Alain Cuny – Turpin/der Mönch
- Dominique Sanda – Anna
- Pierre Clémenti – Olivier / Le clerc
- Jean-Pierre Kalfon – Marsile / Turold / Charlemagne
Top Highlights
Klaus KinskiRoland / Klaus
Alain CunyTurpin/der Mönch
Dominique SandaAnna
Pierre ClémentiOlivier / Le clerc
Jean-Pierre KalfonMarsile / Turold / Charlemagne
Monique MercureMarie
Niels ArestrupLe commerçant / Oton
Serge MerlinPair Marsile / Ganelon / Thierry
László SzabóDuc Naimes / Chevalier hongrois
Mario GonzalesBlancandrin / Jeannot, le voleur
Parents Guide & Age Rating
The Song of Roland has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4.9/10, and global collection metrics, The Song of Roland stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1978 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Song of Roland movie hit or flop?
The Song of Roland is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4.9/10 and lower collections.
Is The Song of Roland worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 4.9/10, The Song of Roland may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch The Song of Roland online?
The Song of Roland 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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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
