Performance & Direction: What a Wonderful World Review
Last updated: February 1, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is What a Wonderful World (1996) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.5/10. 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 What a Wonderful World features a noteworthy lineup led by Andy Lau . Supported by the likes of Kenny Bee and Kent Cheng Jak-Si , 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: What a Wonderful World
Quick Plot Summary: What a Wonderful World is a Drama, Comedy, Crime 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: What a Wonderful World
Ending Breakdown: What a Wonderful World 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 What a Wonderful World reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
What a Wonderful World Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
What a Wonderful World incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a drama, comedy, crime 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: What a Wonderful World adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch What a Wonderful World?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Top Cast: What a Wonderful World
All Cast & Crew →
What a Wonderful World Parents Guide & Age Rating
1996 AdvisoryWondering about What a Wonderful World age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of What a Wonderful World is 100 minutes (1h 40m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.5/10, and global performance metrics, What a Wonderful World is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1996 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is What a Wonderful World worth watching?
What a Wonderful World is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 5.5/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find What a Wonderful World parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for What a Wonderful World identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of What a Wonderful World?
The total duration of What a Wonderful World is 100 minutes, which is approximately 1h 40m 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.
