RATING★ 6.6
WORTH IT? MAYBE
How I Taught Myself to Be a Child backdrop
🏆

Expert Review & Ratings

See our full critical analysis and audience score for How I Taught Myself to Be a Child.

View Review →
WORTH WATCHING: MIXED
Editorial Verified

Is How I Taught Myself to Be a Child Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2019)

Paul Silberstein, youngest son of an urbane but deeply strange old Austrian dynasty of confectionery millionaires, discovers the power of love and humor - and also his own extraordinary ability to shape his realities. Based on the motives of the short story with the same name by André Heller.

Advertisement

✨ The Quick Verdict

ONE-TIME WATCH

If you are a fan of Adventure, Family, Drama, Comedy cinema, then How I Taught Myself to Be a Child offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 2019 landscape.

Advertisement

👥 Target Audience

Fans of Adventure films
Fans of Family films
Fans of Drama films
Fans of Comedy films

📔 Detailed Analysis

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

How I Taught Myself to Be a Child, a standout production of 2019, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Adventure, Family, Drama, Comedy landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Paul Silberstein, youngest son of an urbane but deeply strange old Austrian dynasty of confectionery millionaires, discovers the power of love and humor - and also his own extraordinary ability to shape his realities. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Adventure, Family, Drama, Comedy are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Paul Silberstein, youngest son of an urbane but deeply strange old Austrian dynasty of confectionery millionaires, discovers the power of love and humor - and also his own extraordinary ability to shape his realities. Based on the motives of the short story with the same name by André Heller."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The ensemble, led by Karl Markovics, delivers a professional and engaging performance that satisfies the requirements of the Adventure, Family, Drama, Comedy genre. While it may not reinvent the wheel, the commitment to the material is evident in every frame.

The direction by Rupert Henning is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 140 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is How I Taught Myself to Be a Child truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Adventure, Family, Drama, Comedy, then this is a highly recommended entry that delivers on its promises while offering a few surprises along the way.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 6.6/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, How I Taught Myself to Be a Child explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2019 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Rupert Henning respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, How I Taught Myself to Be a Child serves as a reliable piece of entertainment that will satisfy core fans while providing a solid entry point for new viewers. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Karl Markovics or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, How I Taught Myself to Be a Child is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.

Official movieMx Verdict: RECOMMENDED - QUALITY CINEMA

⏳ Time Investment

140MIN

At approximately 2.3 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.

Advertisement