Is The Flood Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1983)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 1983, The Flood represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Drama, TV Movie category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into The early 20th century. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama, TV Movie 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: "The early 20th century. A flood strikes a large American city on the banks of the Mississippi River. In a certain bar, several people find themselves trapped together in a small space, caught in a torrential downpour. They learn from weather reports that the storm has destroyed the dam and floodwaters have submerged much of the city. A rumor spreads that everyone taking refuge in the bar is doomed to die. Faced with the imminent danger, strange transformations occur in the people: wealthy cynics and grumbling bankrupts turn into individuals capable of empathy and love. In the final hours of their lives, they seek to be kinder, to care for each other. But when the threat of the flood dissipates, everything returns to the way it was..."

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. Vladimir Etush 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 Eugene Simonoff 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 The Flood 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 Drama, TV Movie, 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 0/10 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, The Flood explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 1983 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Eugene Simonoff 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, The Flood 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 Vladimir Etush or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, The Flood is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.