RATING★ 4.0
WORTH IT? NO
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Expert Review & Ratings

See our full critical analysis and audience score for If Is a Big Word.

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WORTH WATCHING: MIXED
Editorial Verified

Is If Is a Big Word Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2016)

Why does love die? Why did it seem to you, before you met Him, that He was the only Prince Charming in the world, and now you cannot even remember your first date with Him? Why is it that, when thinking of the past, you believe you have made a mistake and can only sigh sadly, "If only it would have..."? It seems to the 35-year-old Yekaterina Kolesnikova that her life got on to the wrong track: instead of being a model on the catwalk in Milan she works in a factory making working clothes. And her husband, a once brilliant and talented musician, has turned out to be a local finance officer. But now Fate suddenly gives Katya a chance to go back seventeen years and try to change her life. Will it make her happy?

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✨ The Quick Verdict

SKIP IT

If you are a fan of Comedy, Romance cinema, then If Is a Big Word offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 2016 landscape.

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👥 Target Audience

Fans of Comedy films
Fans of Romance films
casual viewers seeking light entertainment

📔 Detailed Analysis

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2016, If Is a Big Word represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Comedy, Romance category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Why does love die? Why did it seem to you, before you met Him, that He was the only Prince Charming in the world, and now you cannot even remember your first date with Him? Why is it that, when thinking of the past, you believe you have made a mistake and can only sigh sadly, "If only it would have. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Comedy, Romance 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: "Why does love die? Why did it seem to you, before you met Him, that He was the only Prince Charming in the world, and now you cannot even remember your first date with Him? Why is it that, when thinking of the past, you believe you have made a mistake and can only sigh sadly, "If only it would have..."? It seems to the 35-year-old Yekaterina Kolesnikova that her life got on to the wrong track: instead of being a model on the catwalk in Milan she works in a factory making working clothes. And her husband, a once brilliant and talented musician, has turned out to be a local finance officer. But now Fate suddenly gives Katya a chance to go back seventeen years and try to change her life. Will it make her happy?"

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. Olesya Fattakhova does an admirable job with the material provided, but one can't help but feel that a more daring directorial approach would have yielded a more impactful result. It is a competent but ultimately standard genre performance.

The direction by Oleg Turansky 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 90 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 If Is a Big Word 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 Comedy, Romance, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 4/10 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, If Is a Big Word explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2016 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Oleg Turansky 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, If Is a Big Word is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Olesya Fattakhova or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, If Is a Big Word is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.

Official movieMx Verdict: INTERESTING - VIEW WITH CAUTION

⏳ Time Investment

90MIN

At approximately 1.5 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.

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