RATING★ 2.7
WORTH IT? NO
The General - Attempt at Gibraltar backdrop
🏆

Expert Review & Ratings

See our full critical analysis and audience score for The General - Attempt at Gibraltar.

View Review →
WORTH WATCHING: MIXED
Editorial Verified

Is The General - Attempt at Gibraltar Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2009)

The film presents the last days of Gen. Sikorski, right before the Gibraltar catastrophe. The commander is accompanied by his daughter Zofia and a group of closest collaborators. They are all guests in the palace of the Governor of Gibraltar, Mason Macfarlane, who is supposed to persuade Sikorski to give back documents on the murder of Polish officers in Katyn. When Sikorski refuses, a plan of attempt on his life comes into action. Who stood behind it? Who executed it and how? Was Zofia on board of Liberator too?

Advertisement

✨ The Quick Verdict

SKIP IT

If you are a fan of Drama, History cinema, then The General - Attempt at Gibraltar offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 2009 landscape.

Advertisement

👥 Target Audience

Fans of Drama films
Fans of History films
casual viewers seeking light entertainment

📔 Detailed Analysis

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

The General - Attempt at Gibraltar, a standout production of 2009, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Drama, History landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into The film presents the last days of Gen. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama, History 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 film presents the last days of Gen. Sikorski, right before the Gibraltar catastrophe. The commander is accompanied by his daughter Zofia and a group of closest collaborators. They are all guests in the palace of the Governor of Gibraltar, Mason Macfarlane, who is supposed to persuade Sikorski to give back documents on the murder of Polish officers in Katyn. When Sikorski refuses, a plan of attempt on his life comes into action. Who stood behind it? Who executed it and how? Was Zofia on board of Liberator too?"

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. Despite the inherent talent of Krzysztof Pieczyński, the performance in The General - Attempt at Gibraltar feels somewhat constrained by a narrative framework that doesn't fully exploit their range. There are flashes of brilliance, but the overall impact is muted.

The direction by Anna Jadowska 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 The General - Attempt at Gibraltar 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, History, 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 2.7/10 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 General - Attempt at Gibraltar explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2009 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Anna Jadowska 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 General - Attempt at Gibraltar 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 Krzysztof Pieczyński or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, The General - Attempt at Gibraltar 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.

Advertisement