Performance & Direction: What Is Cinema? Review
Last updated: January 30, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is What Is Cinema? (2013) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.5/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Documentary.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Documentary is often anchored by its ensemble, and What Is Cinema? features a noteworthy lineup led by Chantal Akerman . Supported by the likes of Robert Altman and David Lynch , 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 Is Cinema?
Quick Plot Summary: What Is Cinema? is a Documentary 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: What Is Cinema?
Ending Breakdown: What Is Cinema? concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to documentary resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, 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 documentary themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of What Is Cinema? reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch What Is Cinema??
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Documentaries films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Top Cast: What Is Cinema?
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch What Is Cinema? Online?
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Apple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeWhat Is Cinema? Parents Guide & Age Rating
2013 AdvisoryWondering about What Is Cinema? age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of What Is Cinema? is 80 minutes (1h 20m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.5/10, and global performance metrics, What Is Cinema? is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2013 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is What Is Cinema? worth watching?
What Is Cinema? is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Documentary movies. It has a verified rating of 6.5/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find What Is Cinema? parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for What Is Cinema? identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of What Is Cinema??
The total duration of What Is Cinema? is 80 minutes, which is approximately 1h 20m 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.
Useful Links
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