Performance & Direction: They Were the First Review
Last updated: January 28, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is They Were the First (1956) 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 War.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any War is often anchored by its ensemble, and They Were the First features a noteworthy lineup led by Mikhail Kondratyev . Supported by the likes of Georgiy Yumatov and Mark Bernes , 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 They Were the First (1956) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: They Were the First
Quick Plot Summary: They Were the First is a War, Drama film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ending Explained: They Were the First
Ending Breakdown: They Were the First concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to war 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 war themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of They Were the First reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
They Were the First Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
They Were the First uses real-world events as narrative inspiration. As a war, drama 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: They Were the First adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch They Were the First?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy War films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Top Cast: They Were the First
All Cast & Crew →They Were the First Parents Guide & Age Rating
1956 AdvisoryWondering about They Were the First age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of They Were the First is 95 minutes (1h 35m). 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, They Were the First is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1956 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is They Were the First worth watching?
They Were the First is definitely worth watching if you enjoy War movies. It has a verified rating of 6/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find They Were the First parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for They Were the First identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of They Were the First?
The total duration of They Were the First is 95 minutes, which is approximately 1h 35m long.
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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.



















